The Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland was formed in January 1998 by the leading Irish Internet Service Providers operating at that time. It has since been supported by both indigenous and multinational ISPs entering the Irish market. Today there are 23 members comprising of Internet access and hosting providers.

The aim of the association is to provide one voice for the Irish ISP industry at national, EU and International level. The Association is represented at many government initiatives and provides a public point of contact for the media.

It is an active member of EuroISPA, which represents the interests of over 1800 European ISP's at the European level. This includes active lobbying in the EU parliament and commission in relation to the current range of EU Internet related directives eg.Data Retention, Audio Visual Media Service (TVwF update), eCopyright, eCommerce, etc.

The ISPAI has agreed with the Irish government that a self-regulatory approach to the industry has greater opportunities for success and effectiveness. As part of this, the ISPAI established the www.hotline.ie service to combat illegal content, especially child pornography, being hosted and distributed on the Internet. The Hotline has been in operation since November 1999. (For reports of its activities over the years click here). In addition, a common Code of Practice with a common Acceptable-Use-Policy was adopted. ISPs agree to adhere to this when they become members of the ISPAI.

Participation in the ISPAI has enabled the members to influence Internet policy development at national and international level in many significant ways. Irish government policy is also shifting towards a single point-of-contact with the industry through the ISPAI. The ISPAI represents the industry on the Government's Safer Internet Advisory Committee.