What Does a Company Secretary Actually Do?
Every Irish company must have a company secretary (section 129, Companies Act 2014). The secretary keeps the statutory registers, prepares minutes and resolutions, and makes sure forms such as the annual return reach the CRO on time. A sole director can't also be the secretary.
The main tasks
- Keeping the statutory registers of directors and secretaries, members and beneficial owners.
- Preparing the annual return and making sure it's filed on time.
- Filing changes, such as new directors (Form B10) and registered office changes (Form B2), within 14 days.
- Recording board and members' decisions in minutes and resolutions.
Who can be the secretary
A director (if there are at least two), another individual, or a company such as a professional provider. The directors must make sure the secretary has the skills or resources needed.
Or Company Secretary Maintenance, with 3 hours of secretarial work a year, for €449.99 + VAT.
Nominee secretary or full service?
A nominee secretary is appointed to the role and named on the CRO register, and acts as secretary when documents need signing. The work itself, such as filings and minutes, can be bought per job or as part of a yearly maintenance plan. Either way, the directors stay responsible for the company complying with the Act.
Sources
Last checked 14 November 2026 against the Companies Act 2014 and Companies Registration Office (CRO) guidance. This is general information, not legal or tax advice for your company.