With polling day fast approaching on June 7th, Pat Ivory, Ibec’s Director of EU and International Affairs meets with Fionnuala Croker, the Acting Head of Office at the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland. Together, they take a retrospective look at previous elections, analysing voter turnout in Ireland compared to other European states, and delve into the critical importance of voter engagement in shaping our future.Find out more about the European Parliament's #UseYourVote campaign...

With the European Parliament elections fast approaching on 7 June 2024, the context in which they are taking place is a critical period for Ireland and Europe. The EU is central to Ireland’s future success, and the elections are an opportunity for citizens to help shape that future. It is an opportunity to put strong Irish voices into one of Europe’s key institutions. Ibec’s vision for the next EU mandate is set out in our Electing for Business campaign.For this episode of Ibec Responds, join...

In this episode of Ibec Responds, we delve into the dynamic world of global economics, where interest rates reign supreme. From influencing spending habits to shaping investment decisions, interest rates play a pivotal role in driving economic activity. Join Executive Director, Ibec Global, Jackie King and Ibec CEO Danny McCoy, as we explore the unprecedented shifts in interest rates and their profound implications.Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit...

2024 is a critical year for Ireland and Europe. A year of transition as landmark EU green, digital and social legislation enters into force. A year of implementation as the EU seeks to strengthen competitiveness without lessening ambition. The EU is central to our future success. The 2024 European Parliament elections are an opportunity to help shape that future. An opportunity to put strong Irish voices into one of Europe’s key institutions. In this instalment of Ibec Responds, Pat...

In this episode of Ibec Responds, Sharon Higgins, Executive Director for Membership and Sectors in Ibec and Pat McCann, Chair of Ibec’s Experience Economy Policy Committee and formally CEO of Dalata Hotel Group, discuss our recent 'Experience Economy - More than meets the Eye' report and discuss the local, regional and national importance of the Experience Economy to the overall Irish economy. The report sets out a vision for creating the conditions for Ireland’s Experience Economy to...

In this episode, Ger Brady, Chief Economist at Ibec, discusses key findings from our 2024 Q1 Economic Outlook report with Ibec Economists, Hazel Ahern-Flynn and Mourad Mejdi. The Irish economy is still performing robustly, despite rising inflation and higher interest rates. This can be best seen in the fact that the economy added 90,000 jobs in the past twelve months. The global economy is entering a period of major change, however. The coming years will see more State subsidised competition...

In recent years, Ireland has emerged as a dynamic hub for technology, characterized by rapid innovation, robust infrastructure, and a vibrant ecosystem of startups and multinational corporations. With a rich history steeped in technological advancement, Ireland has continually embraced cutting-edge technologies, driving forward its economic growth and societal progress. Looking ahead, Ireland is poised to continue its trajectory as a frontrunner in technology adoption and innovation. In this...

Entitlements to Public Holidays are governed by The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and the method for calculating payment for Public Holidays is covered by Statutory Instrument No 475 of 1997. In this podcast, Linda Reid, Senior Employer Relations Executive and Lorraine Parkes Senior Employer Relations Team Lead, discuss entitlements when a public holiday falls at the weekend. For further guidance, Ibec members can take a look at our FAQ's in advance of the upcoming public holiday...

There is a need for a fundamental change in how we value care and caregivers. For too long, care work has been invisible work and as such often undervalued. There is no centralised source of data on the breadth of actors in the care sector and more information is required to better plan for Ireland’s future healthcare needs. In this episode of Ibec Responds, Nikki Gallagher, Head of Public Affairs at Ibec speaks to her colleague Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy, regarding our...

The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 was signed into law in April of 2023 and introduced various new entitlements, however two elements of this legislation required the drafting of a Code of Practice before the legislation could commence. This Code of Practice has now been published. In this episode, Linda Reid, Senior Employer Relations Executive and Pauline O’Hare, Senior Employment Law Manager, will discuss the Code of Practice on the right to request remote and...

Ireland’s State airports play a vital role in underpinning economic prosperity and regional development. However, they recognise the need to reduce their carbon footprints substantially over the coming decade, while helping their client airlines to do likewise.  As major employers with extensive land holdings, they also have environmental responsibilities relating to the circular economy transition, maintaining air and water quality, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring public transport...

In this episode of Ibec Responds, Jackie King, Executive Director of Ibec Global, highlights the significance of the new European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) with Artie McConnell, Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Chief of the National Security and Cybercrime Section at the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York. They discuss the credentials required for hosting such a crucial authority and how reform of transatlantic cooperation is needed...

With recent aggressive events taking place in Dublin city, Michael Gillen and Bernie McMeel from Ibec discuss how employers can deal with their responsibilities regarding the health and safety of their employees in these circumstances. In this episode Michael and Bernie will be Looking at the legal requirements pertaining to health and safety of employees exposed to aggression, and discussing controls that can be put in place to minimise risks to employees, and giving some practical solutions...

For this episode of Ibec Responds, we are joined by Ibec's own Fergal O'Brien, Executive Director of Lobbying and Influence, and Gerard Brady, Chief Economist. They discuss the key findings from our 2023 Q4 Economic Outlook. With the economy now entering a period of slowdown and consolidation, Government decisions on labour costs are now a major concern for business. You can read the full Economic Outlook report on our website here.  Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast...

The UN’s 28th annual global climate talks (COP28) are firmly underway in Dubai and expectations are running high that a significant breakthrough could be delivered in the coming days. The national statements and ceremonial events with global leaders have largely concluded and the focus now sharply turns to the negotiations themselves. While there is optimism, the need to reach a complete consensus is extremely demanding, and this year’s event has already been troubled by controversy.  In this...

The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 was signed into law in April of this year and introduces various new entitlements for employees, one of which includes domestic violence leave, which will commence on 27 November. In this podcast, Pauline O’Hare, Senior Employment Law Manager and Aoife McFadden, Senior Employment Law Solicitor, discuss the upcoming entitlement to domestic violence leave Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here....

In this episode of KC Connect, Ibec experts Muireann McEnery and Ciar Murtagh discuss two recent Labour Court decisions dealing with claims of discrimination on the grounds of age by individuals who wished to remain in employment past their normal retirement age. In both of these cases, the Employers were successful and they provide interesting take-aways for employers. Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here. Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay...

In this podcast, Fiona Higgins and Stephen Driver discuss the findings of this year’s HR update survey including key insights into pay and resourcing as well as trends relating to HR priorities and investments, learning and development, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DE&I), Hybrid and flexible working, ESG and Wellbeing. The findings of the survey guide policy making and establish best practice in the development of HR related initiatives for...

In this episode of Ibec Responds, Ibec economists, Ger Brady and Hazel Ahern-Flynn sit down to discuss their reaction to this year's budget which showed ambition in terms of investment and establishment of schemes for SME's and startups. Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here. Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

In this episode of Ibec Responds, Ibec Chief Economist, Ger Brady and Executive Director of Employer Relations, Maeve McElwee sit down to discuss upcoming budget and the far-reaching impact of increasing labour costs for businesses. By 2026 Government plans to replace the national minimum wage with a new, higher living wage.  This will be set at 60% of the hourly medial wages.  Here, Maeve and Ger discuss the lack of urgency in mitigating the potential unintended consequences of what will be...

The autumn season is often a busy time of year from an employee relations and employment law perspective, and we expect 2023 to be no different.  In this podcast, Linda Reid, Senior Employer Relations Executive and Briana Duffy, Employer Relations Executive, provide listeners with an update on any legislative developments we expect to see over the Autumn period along with other HR updates or watchpoints for employers to be aware of. Learn more about upcoming Ibec webinars mentioned in this...

The European single market represents a vital component of Ireland's economy. Over the past thirty years Ireland has been able to take advantage of the free flow of goods, services, capital, and people, which has led to significant growth in the country's trade and investment.  The single market has provided Irish businesses with access to a market of over 500 million consumers, allowing them to expand their customer base and increase revenue. For this episode of Ibec Responds join Pat Ivory...

Ireland has a long and tradition of storytelling, from captivating mythology to heartfelt recounting of daily life to tales that impart lessons or foster a sense of community or historical understanding. These fascinating stories pique interest, broaden horizons, and encourage us to learn about and experience the world outside our own. They told in poems and homes, through ballads or fairy and folk tales.    We explore how the tradition of storytelling can serve as a tool for understanding...

The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 was signed into law in April of this year and introduces various new entitlements for employees. In this podcast, Linda Reid, Senior Employer Relations Executive and Nichola Harkin, Head of Employment Law Services, provide listeners with a practical view of the new rules relating to breastfeeding breaks and leave for medical care purposes. They also update listeners on when we might expect to see the remaining entitlements including...

For businesses, climate action is no longer simply a question of environmental compliance and corporate responsibility. Today it is a matter of business value and competitiveness. Businesses that do not address their climate impacts will increasingly get left behind by consumers, investors, and talent. Most businesses recognise these imperatives but simply do not know where to start. The task is complicated by an overabundance of target setting frameworks, climate pledges, policies, and...