IE Domain Registry t/a .IE

Future Developments The company continues to monitor international developments impacting ccTLD registries, in particular the consequences of Covid-19 pandemic in a post- vaccine phase, new EC cyber security regulations and the draft ICANN proposals for ongoing international expansion in, and the number of, top-level domains. These developments may result in some disruption in the global domain name market, and will represent a challenge for data protection managers, trademark and patents holders, brand managers and the owners of intellectual property rights. In technical terms, the company’s infrastructure and services portfolio is up-to-date, matching the top ccTLD’s in the EU. Heretofore, the company has taken a national leadership role by introducing registry lock, secure DNS, secondary market, IDN’s, rule relaxations for geographic and place names, and the liberalisation of rules for new .ie domains. Principal Risks and Uncertainties The company is exposed to risk and uncertainty arising from market fluctuations in its financial investments. These risks are managed by a combination of appropriate investment principles, advice from independent investment advisors and oversight by a Board subcommittee. The company’s financial investments are for the long-term in conservative managed funds diversified across multiple investment managers. In common with other small and medium-sized enterprises, the company’s performance is impacted by macro-economic risks posed by weak SME balance sheets, and the ongoing uncertainty arising from the Brexit referendum in the UK – the largest market for Irish SME exporters. These risks continue to be managed prudently by the company. The impact of new regulations remains uncertain, as the EU continues its initiatives: address cyber security threats, complete the Digital Single Market and implement ePrivacy initiatives. In common with internet service providers, the company faces risks in relation to digital disruption and innovations from internet global giants, which offer new apps and free services, financed by advertising revenues. The company faces risks in relation to the ever-increasing range and sophistication of cyber- attacks on internet infrastructure and on businesses. The company also faces risks in relation to reliance on key computer systems and key staff. The company’s cyber security controls, business continuity plans and disaster recovery procedures address the risks associated with cyber threats, technical abuse using the DNS and reliance on key computer systems. The multi-stakeholder Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) continues to assist by providing advice and recommendations to the board on a range of policy responses for the .ie namespace. Staff training, cross-skilling and key process documentation mitigate the potential exposure arising from the loss of key staff members. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to represent a considerable risk to public health, in particular to those citizens with underlying health conditions. In response, governments across the globe continue to order a series of lockdowns, including the closure of non-essential businesses and services. The company has followed the advice of Ireland’s national health and safety authorities and accordingly, since March 2020, company employees are working from home, to protect the health and welfare of staff and their families. The company’s mission-critical systems and services remain fully operational. The management team is closely monitoring the consequences of Covid-19 and is reporting regularly to the board. The directors’ current assessment, based on three criteria indicates benign business consequences for the company, thus far: 1. operations are carried out according to plan, statutory and other requirements are met. 2. available resources are sufficient, and 3. the burden on staff or functions or activities is not excessive. Post Balance Sheet Events Apart from the ongoing effects of Covid-19 and its macro impact (as noted within the principal risks and uncertainties paragraph above), there are no material post balance sheet events. Directors In accordance with the Articles of Association directors may serve a maximum of two Terms, whereby an initial term is a four-year period and a subsequent term is for a three-year period. On 24 April 2020, Mr. Jim Joyce retired as company secretary and director in accordance with the Articles of Association. Mr. Patrick Bates was appointed as company secretary on 24 April 2020. On 1 July 2020, Ms Jennifer Chamberlaine and Mr. Jonathan Bate were appointed as directors. Mr Eamonn Ceannt, Mr Gareth Dunlop, Ms Louise English, Ms Anne-Marie Eklund Löwinder, Mr Dan Flinter and Mr Owen O’Connor continued as directors in 2020. Directors and their Interests In accordance with the Articles of Association, the directors have no financial interest in the Members’ Funds of the company. Financial Statements IE Domain Registry CLG t/a .IE / Annual Report & Review 2020 38 Directors’ Report (continued)