Ibec Voices: Recent Episodes
Ibec
A podcast series about the people and priorities behind Irish business and the global climate that shapes it. Get behind-the-scenes access to what's top of mind for Ireland's business leaders, thought leaders, and the people working hard to reboot and reimagine a better Ireland. Brought to you by Ireland's largest and most influential business lobby group. For more great content from the Ibec Voices series, visit https://www.ibec.ie/influencing-for-business/ibec-campaigns/ibec-voices.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, @Alan Sherlock, External Affairs Manager, sits down with @Gerard Brady, Head of National Policy and Chief Economist and @Hazel Ahern-Flynn, Senior Economist to discuss the key findings from our latest Economic Outlook report [link].
We are currently navigating a period of intense global volatility. From the dramatic "whiplash" trade effects driven by anticipated US tariffs to the staggering rise of AI-enabling goods, our economic landscape is shifting rapidly. Meanwhile, Irish businesses are feeling the pinch of a cooling domestic labour market and rising operational costs.
Alan, Ger and Hazel also use this moment to reiterate our call for the deployment of the National Training Fund. Unlocking this fund is essential to support the workforce transition, prepare our people for the future of work, and firmly establish Ireland as a frontrunner in the emerging global economy.
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 WorkTalks, Vicky O’Neill, Ibec’s HR Strategy Specialist, is joined by Robert Mac Giolla Phádraig, Founder and CEO of SkillStack. Together, they explore the current upskilling paradox and discuss how organisations can bridge the gap between acknowledging the importance of L&D and executing a robust learning strategy. Robert shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, the power of storytelling in leadership development, and how HR leaders can effectively measure the true business value of modern learning interventions.
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 Reponds, Alan Sherlock, External Affairs Manager, and Sharon Higgins, Executive Director of Membership and Sectors, discuss the launch Ibec’s 2026 Founders Report, From Vision to Venture.
Together, they look closely at the complex hurdles today's business leaders face, from managing work-life balance and navigating regulatory compliance to closing critical tech knowledge gaps.
Alan and Sharon break down the strategic steps needed to support Irish enterprise, focusing on three core advocacy and operational pillars:
- Innovation and AI Acceleration
- Bridging the Capital and Scaling Gaps
- Unlocking Talent and Skills Infrastructure
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.
Ahead of the commencement of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 on 29 June, Nichola Harkin, Head Of Employment Law Services, and Aoife McFadden, Legal Director, discuss the upcoming changes to contractual retirement ages and how businesses can best prepare for this.
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 our Courageous Leaders, Ibec Head of Skills and Social Policy Kara McGann is joined by Dr. Mamobo Ogoro, social psychologist and Founder and CEO of GORM.
With a background hosting 'Younified' on Newstalk and as the first Irish person to win the Echoing Green Fellowship, Dr. Ogoro brings a unique vantage point on navigating multiple identities and building positive intergroup connections.
Mamobo shares her thoughts on the science behind how positive intergroup interactions reduce prejudice and why business leaders have a unique role to play in modelling inclusive leadership and designing true cultures of belonging.
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, Gerard Brady, Chief Economist is joined by Hazel Ahern-Flynn, Senior Economist, and Mourad Mejdi, Economist, as they unpack Ibec’s latest Budget 2027 campaign – Building a Resilient Economy.
This year’s submission highlights an economic reality: Budget 2027 must balance immediate energy-driven volatility with long-term, structural transitions. Ireland is currently facing a technological and economic shift, and to thrive we must position ourselves as leading early adopters.
Gerard, Hazel, and Mourad break down the strategic steps needed to achieve this, focusing on our three critical pillars:
- Rewiring our Approach to Talent
- Driving Growth, Innovation, and AI Preparedness
- Navigating the Energy & Inflation Shock
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 CEO Danny McCoy and BusinessEurope President Fredrik Persson, discuss the priorities and challenges facing European companies over the next six months. Following the Council of Presidents meetings in Dublin, they analyse how Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU will look to foster cross-border business growth and economic resilience.
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, Vicky O’Neill HR Strategy Specialist talks with Conor McCabe Managing Director, and Head of Interior Design at Henry J Lyons Architects to explore how the future of office spaces can unlock innovation, foster collaboration, and support deep focus. We’ll discuss how design choices impact culture, productivity, and employee experience — and what CEOs, HR leaders, and facility managers need to know to stay ahead.
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, Nichola Harkin, Head of Employment Law Services, and Pauline O’Hare, Senior Legal Director, discuss the European Institute for Gender Equality’s EU-wide guidelines on gender-neutral job evaluation and classification and how employers can use this toolkit can be used by employers in their job evaluation processes.
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.
Why is an inclusive "Brand Ireland" critical to our economic resilience?
In this episode of Courageous Leaders, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy is joined by Sabrina Casalta, CEO of Vodafone Ireland.
Sabrina moved from Italy to lead Vodafone’s Irish Business in 2025, as she brings a unique international perspective to the conversation regarding Ireland’s openness and its reputation as a welcoming environment for global talent.
As part of Ibec’s Open for Business campaign, this conversation reaffirms that protecting our commitment to inclusion is essential to maintaining Ireland’s competitive edge and long-term prosperity.
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 Courageous Leaders, Ibec Head of Skills and Social Policy Dr. Kara McGann is joined by Denise Charlton, CEO of the Community Foundation Ireland.
Denise brings decades of experience leading transformative social change, having previously served as CEO of both Women’s Aid and the Immigrant Council of Ireland.
Kara and Denise discuss Ireland’s long-term prosperity depends on an open, outward-looking, and inclusive society. Join us as we discuss how courageous leadership can defend these values and ensure Ireland remains a beacon of belonging and progress.
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, Bernie McMeel, OSH Executive, and Michael Gillen, Senior OSH Membership Executive, discuss the core considerations for employers where employees engage in international travel. In an increasingly volatile world, this episode covers the main considerations for employers from an occupational health and safety perspective.
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, Executive Director of Ibec Global, Jackie King speaks with General Seán Clancy, Chair of The European Union Military Committee (EUMC).
This discussion sits within a broader resilience agenda. We are exploring how the changed security environment is shaping the conditions for competitiveness, investment and long-term prosperity including through critical infrastructure, cyber resilience, trusted supply chains, innovation, skills and public-private cooperation.
In this special episode we are holding a conversation around the security and defence pillar of resilience in a way that is relevant to an Irish, European and international business audience.
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 Courageous Leaders, Ibec Head of Skills and Social Policy Dr. Kara McGann is joined by Hilary O’Meara, Country Managing Director of Accenture in Ireland.
With over 30 years at Accenture, including experience as COO for the UK and Ireland, Hilary is a prominent advocate for modern leadership and fostering cultures where everyone feels they belong. As a board member of the Open Doors Initiative, she brings a wealth of expertise in building resilient, future-ready teams.
Kara and Hilary explore how inclusion has evolved from a HR metric into a core growth strategy. They discuss the for "Brand Ireland": that our reputation for openness and progress is a primary driver in attracting the high-level human capital needed for innovation.
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, Vicky O’Neill sits down with Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Future wise and a leading voice on the future of work. Peter shares insights on the trends reshaping how we work from AI in hiring to the challenges of hybrid models and what leaders need to do to stay ahead. Whether you’re an employer, employee, or simply curious about what’s next, this conversation will help you understand the forces driving change and how to thrive in an evolving world of work.
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 Courageous Leaders, Ibec Head of Skills and Social Policy Dr. Kara McGann is joined by Oisín O'Reilly, CEO of Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre and Chair of the Irish Refugee Council (IRC).
Together they explore why protecting Ireland’s reputation as an open, welcoming nation is not just a social imperative, but a structural necessity for our economic success.
Oisín also shares his thoughts on the "courageous leadership" required to navigate today’s polarised social climate and why businesses must remain trusted voices in safeguarding a cohesive, competitive future.
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, Executive Director of Ibec Global, Jackie King speaks with Christopher Skeete, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Québec, Canada.
In an era increasingly defined by global fragmentation, protectionism, and intense strategic competition, countries face a common challenge: how to maintain international influence while building resilience at home.
This special episode will explore the relationship between Québec and Ireland, potential opportunities to deepen collaboration and the strategic steps for both countries to stay ahead in today’s economic uncertain times.
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 Courageous Leaders, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy is joined by Frances Fitzgerald - former Tánaiste, Minister for Justice, and current member of the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council.
Danny and Frances together discuss the strategic importance of protecting "Brand Ireland" as a beacon of inclusion in the face of rising divisive narratives and misinformation.
Frances shares her insights on the kind of leadership required to keep societies resilient and why business leaders must use their trusted position to steer the national conversation toward openness.
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.
We are pleased to share a special episode of Ibec Responds. Recorded in our Brussels office, Fergal O’Brien is joined by Pat Ivory and Neil Willoughby to discuss the geopolitical backdrop and key legislative developments leading up to Ireland’s EU Presidency. This episode breaks down the general outlook for the six-month term, offering critical insights into US trade, EU industrial policy, and the strategic priorities outlined in the new Guide.
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 special edition of our Ibec Responds podcast series, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy is joined by Ibec President Colin Hunt to reflect on their recent high-level global engagements.
Recorded in our Brussels office, the discussion covers Ibec’s engagement in the UK-Ireland Summit and the Tripartite Social Summit, including meetings with the UK and Canadian Prime Ministers, the Presidents of the three EU institutions, and key leadership on Capitol Hill. Engagement at this level strengthens Ireland’s position as a central voice in international policy and economic stability.
The episode provides an opportunity to hear about Ibec's activity and how we are continuing to drive the message of Irish business resilience on the global stage.
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, Harry Wall and Catriona McKeating, Associate Legal Directors in our Employment Law Service Team, will discuss case law in the area of equal pay, a core principle of the Pay Transparency Directive.
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, Maeve McElwee, Employer Relations Executive Director, and Aoife McFadden, Legal Director in our Employment Law Services Team, discuss the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 – new legislation which restricts the use of contractual retirement ages below State pension age. Maeve and Aoife discuss the changes and how employers should integrate them into their own retirement policies.
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.
Five generations. One workplace. Endless possibilities—or potential friction. How do you lead in an era where your team spans from seasoned experts to digital natives? In this episode, we’ll explore why understanding generational diversity isn’t just a HR trend—it’s a business imperative.
Vicky O’Neill speaks with Rebecca Robins, Author of Five Generations at Work: How We Win Together, For Good, a playbook for empowering intergenerational collaboration, innovation and productivity at work. They discuss how to move from the multigenerational status quo to the intergenerational opportunity.
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 the latest episode of our Courageous Leaders podcast series, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy is joined by Kevin Bakhurst, Director General of RTÉ, to discuss the link between a responsible media, a thriving economy, and a cohesive society.
As part of Ibec’s "Open for Business" campaign, this conversation explores how our global reputation for openness and inclusion, is a fundamental driver of our economic resilience. Danny and Kevin delve into a critical reality: while Ireland has become a global leader in progress, that success is now under pressure from divisive narratives.
Kevin shares insights on RTÉ’s mission to foster an informed public conversation, the lessons learned from sustaining credibility during crises, and the role of leadership in "holding the line" for facts and inclusion.
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, Fiona Higgins speaks with Dr. Dale Whelehan Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin and former CEO of 4 Day Week Global about why time is emerging as the most critical resource in modern work. Dale explains concepts like temporal intelligence, temporal stewardship and temporal sovereignty and shares practical ways leaders can design time more intentionally to get a better return on time invested for both people, and business. We also explore common misconceptions, such as why busyness is often mistaken for value, and discuss how better time design can improve wellbeing, trust, and innovation. If you’re interested in creating smarter, more sustainable workplaces, this conversation offers valuable insights.
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.
Why are human rights and equality economic assets for Ireland?
In this episode of our Courageous Leaders podcast series, Ibec Head of Skills and Social Policy Dr. Kara McGann is joined by Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC).
With a background leading the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and advising President Michael D. Higgins, Liam brings a unique vantage point on why Ireland’s reputation as a rights-respecting society is critical to our competitiveness.
Kara and Liam together explore a critical reality: that inclusion and equality are economic assets that expand our talent pool and drive innovation.
Liam shares his thoughts on how employers can use their high levels of trust to counter misinformation and why protecting human rights is ultimately "good business".
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.
What can the corporate world learn from a radical feminist and activist?
In the second episode of the Courageous Leaders podcast, Ibec Head of Skills and Social Policy Dr. Kara McGann is joined by Ailbhe Smyth, one of Ireland’s most influential social changemakers. As a key figure behind the Marriage Equality and Repeal the 8th campaigns, Ailbhe has endless experience in building broad coalitions among unlikely allies.
Kara and Ailbhe together explore a critical reality: for many people, the workplace is the most diverse space they inhabit. Ailbhe shares her thoughts on how businesses can move beyond performative gestures to become active guardians of social cohesion, "holding the line" against hate and ensuring Ireland remains a beacon of openness.
Courageous Leaders is a brand new Ibec podcast series, as part of our Open for Business campaign, where we hear from leaders across business and wider society on the importance of Ireland’s commitment to openness, inclusion and respect, in underpinning our economic success and social progress.
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, Bernie McMeel, OSH Executive, and Neil O’Brien, Senior Employer Relations and Communications Executive, discuss the data protection responsibilities that arise when dealing with occupational safety and health issues.
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 our Preparing for Pay Transparency series, Pauline O’Hare, Senior Legal Director, and Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy, discuss the changes the transposition of the Pay Transparency Directive will have on gender pay gap reporting and how employers can best prepare for this.
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.
Courageous Leaders is a brand new Ibec podcast series, as part of our 'Open for Business'campaign, where we hear from leaders across business and wider society on the importance of Ireland’s commitment to openness, inclusion and respect, in underpinning our economic success and social progress.
In the first episode of the Courageous Leaders podcast, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy sits down with Denis O’Brien, one of Ireland’s most internationally recognised business figures.
Denis shares his unique perspective on how entrepreneurial ambition and humanitarian commitment must work together. From bringing connectivity to underserved markets in the Caribbean and Pacific with Digicel, to protecting human rights defenders globally, Denis illustrates why an open, outward-looking approach is essential for both economic success and human dignity.
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 KC Connect, Neil O’Brien, Senior Employer Relations and Communications Executive, and Aoife McFadden, Legal Director, discuss new regulations which set minimum contribution rates which must be met for an employee to be exempted from pension auto-enrolment and how employers should approach this.
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.
Despite some signs of softening, the Irish economy has proven resilient in the face of the uncertainty of the past year.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Ibec’s Chief Economist Gerard Brady, and Economist Mourad Mejdi, discuss the major economic events of 2025 including the areas of international trade and the labour market… and look forward to 2026, analysing how developments in geopolitics and AI that could shape the economic outlook.
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.
Accessibility and inclusive leadership practises are reshaping how organisations attract, develop, and retain talent. With one in five working-age individuals living with a disability, and many others experiencing differences that may not always be visible, proactive and strategic approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential for removing barriers and creating equitable opportunities.
In this episode of WorkTalks, Vicky O’Neill, Ibec’s HR Strategy Specialist, is joined by Matt Elliott, Chief People Officer at Bank of Ireland. Together, they explore how Bank of Ireland is embedding DEI across its culture and leadership, including their pioneering NeuroInclusion strategy, and examine what the future holds for DEI in Irish organisations.
Ibec’s Accessibility Toolkit and Workplace Accessibility and Inclusion Assessment Tool are now live for both Ibec members and non-members.
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.
At the mid-point of the EU’s ‘Digital Decade’, the Irish Presidency provides a crucial opportunity to engage with business to deliver shared digitalisation ambitions.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Erik O’Donovon, Head of Digital Economy Policy, is joined by Áine Clarke, Digital and AI Affairs Executive.
Together, they examine Ibec's latest paper “Digital and AI: Simplification, Innovation and Adoption”, discussing how the EU can maintain a competitive edge and navigate external pressures as part of our campaign on Ireland’s EU Presidency: “Making a Resilient, Competitive EU a Reality”.
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.
Security and defence are central to Europe’s capacity to prosper. The geopolitical shocks of recent years have confirmed that competitiveness cannot be separated from security.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Jackie King, Executive Director of Ibec Global, is joined by Ibec CEO Danny McCoy, together they examine how security sits within a broader framework of resilience, serving as the essential foundation for long-term competitiveness.
Over the coming weeks, and in advance of the Government’s public consultation on its EU Presidency priorities, Ibec will activate the campaign Making a Resilient, Competitive EU a Reality: The Business Ambition for Ireland’s EU Presidency, setting out the business priorities for Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency.
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.
Europe stands at a crossroads where social ambition must align with economic reality. Following a tidal wave of new directives, businesses are now facing "legislative saturation," prompting a call to shift focus from creating new laws to ensuring competitiveness and practical implementation.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Dr. Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy, is joined by Tom Hayes, Executive Director of BEERG. Together, they examine Ibec's latest paper on the Labour Market and Social Policy, discussing the need for pragmatism in Brussels and the future of social dialogue, as part of our campaign on Ireland’s EU Presidency: “Making a Resilient, Competitive EU a Reality”.
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.
With pension auto-enrolment due to commence from 1 January 2026, businesses are taking steps to make sure they are ready for how this might impact them. In this episode, Neil O’Brien, Senior Employer Relations and Communications Executive, and Aoife McFadden, Legal Director, discuss the basic details of the scheme and what employers need to know to prepare.
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.
The Pay Transparency Directive came into force in June 2023 and Ireland will have to transpose the Directive by June 2026. The Directive contains a range of new obligations for employers including the obligation to categorise employees according to who is performing work of the same work or work of equal value based on objective gender neutral criteria. This will require a complex job evaluation exercise, comparing roles across one organisation.
In this of KC Connect, Sinead Wallace, Associate Legal Director, is joined by Mary O'Brien, Ibec Academy Consultant, together they examine the job evaluation aspect of the Pay Transparency Directive .
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.
Renewed political momentum around the EU Single Market comes amidst increasing geopolitical uncertainty, positioning it as key to enhancing competitiveness and resilience, and withstanding trade and economic turbulence.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Róisín de Bhaldraithe, EU Policy Executive, and Martynas Barysas, Director for Internal Market at BusinessEurope, examine the European Commission’s report on the Single Market Strategy, its impact on Irish and European business, and communicate key business recommendations on Single Market policy, as part of our campaign on Ireland’s EU Presidency: “Making a Resilient, Competitive EU a Reality”.
As part of the campaign, we also launched our new paper “Single Market and Simplification: Turning Ambition Into Action.” The Single Market is one of the EU’s most valuable assets. Evidence-based, impact-assessed and future-proof legislation is the cornerstone of a properly functioning Single Market.
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.
Ireland's eighth Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026 arrives at a pivotal time for our country and for Europe, offering a unique opportunity to influence the EU's policy direction.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Fergal O’Brien, Executive Director of Lobbying and Influence, is joined by Pat Ivory, Director of EU and International Affairs, to provide overview of our new campaign: “Making a Resilient, Competitive EU a Reality”, outlining our key ambitions and priorities for Ireland’s EU Presidency.
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.
Following the release of our 2025 HR Update Report, Fiona Higgins, Head of Knowledge Centre and Stephen Driver, Head of Advocacy, provide an overview of the key findings in relation to HR priorities going into 2026.
Our 2025 HR Update Report can be downloaded here.
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.
Budget 2026 puts focus driving innovation, protecting, and creating jobs, and increasing investment in critical infrastructure.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Ger Brady, Chief Economist, and Mourad Mejdi, Economist, give their reaction and analysis to Budget 2026, detail key measures, and discuss the impact of Budget 2026 on Irish business.
Find out more: https://www.ibec.ie/budget2026
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.
The Irish economy has again proven resilient in the face of challenge over the first three quarters of 2025. Investment and consumer demand in particular have held up despite enormous uncertainty about the global trading environment. Ireland’s economy is still benefitting from the remarkable momentum it had built over the last number of years. However there are challenges ahead, driven by a slowing global economic environment and more geopolitical and market volatility.
In this episode, Ger Brady, Chief Economist at Ibec, discusses key findings from our latest Economic Outlook report with Ibec Economists, Hazel Ahern-Flynn and Mourad Mejdi.
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.
The recent publication of the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity is a positive and important step in future-proofing Ireland’s economic model in a time of global change.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Gerard Brady, Chief Economist, and Fergal O’Brien, Executive Director of Lobbying and Influence, examine the detail of the Action Plan, the strong alignment between elements of the plan and Ibec’s “Our Business Ambition” campaign which was launched this past May, the importance of this plan in securing future international investment in Ireland, and the need for Budget 2026 to provide the necessary resources to underpin the plan’s objectives.
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 the second episode of our Preparing for Pay Transparency series, Nichola Harkin, Head of Employment Law Services, and Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy, discuss the policy background and context for the Pay Transparency Directive.
As employer’s prepare for the introduction of the Directive, the two discuss the intention behind the legislation and Ibec’s key priorities for the Irish government and the EU in ensuring that businesses are given the proper resources to meet their obligations.
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.
Hybrid and remote working has transformed the workplace. With companies still working to cultivate the optimum blend of technology enabled, and in-person collaboration that is crucial to success.
In this episode of Ibec WorkTalks, Fiona Higgins, Head of Knowledge Centre in Ibec, and Dr. Tatiana Andreeva from Maynooth University explore the hidden dynamics of hybrid work. Drawing on Tatiana’s latest research on hybrid workplaces, they discuss the realities of knowledge sharing in distributed teams, the unintended consequences of return-to-office mandates, experiences of line managers and how organisations can foster a more equitable and high-performing hybrid workforce.
Further information:
The Evolving Role of Line Managers in Hybrid Work: Challenges, Experiences, and Solutions
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.
The upcoming BioPharmaChem Ireland Budget 2026 submission places skills and innovation at its core, emphasising the need for public investment and strategic collaboration across the ecosystem to unlock the sector’s full potential.
In the latest episode of Ibec Responds, Dr. Sinead Keogh, Director of Biopharmachem Ireland and Head of Ibec Sectors, is in conversation with Darrin Morrissey, CEO of NIBRT.
Together, they discuss how the institute is helping to realise Ireland’s ambition in cell and gene therapy. From cutting-edge research and world-class talent development to bold initiatives like the Research Ireland Impact Centre proposal, discover how Ireland is positioning itself as a global leader in therapeutics innovation.
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.
Ireland’s pharmaceutical research model took a bold but necessary leap with the creation of SSPC, The Research Ireland Centre for Pharmaceuticals. SSPC is a world-leading hub of innovation supporting the bio-pharmaceutical industry.
In the latest episode of Ibec Responds, Dr Sinead Keogh, Director of BioPharmaChem Ireland and Ibec Head of Sectors, is joined by Jamie Guidera, interim COO at SSPC. Together, they explore the centre’s academic foundations, its powerful industry network, and how Ireland’s strategic positioning in a fast-moving global landscape of therapeutic discovery.
They also discuss INSPIRE, a new research proposal designed to meet the sector’s most complex challenges, while generating ripple effects across innovation, education, and public engagement.
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.
Ireland is behind the curve in the adoption of artificial intelligence, with many business leaders feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about where to start —Yet this presents an unparalleled opportunity for HR to take the lead in driving impactful AI integration across organisations.
In this episode of Ibec WorkTalks, Vicky O'Neill, HR Strategy Specialist at Ibec, is joined by Stephanie Prenderville, AI Expert and Global Change Leader, to explore a fresh, human-centric and practical approach to planning your AI roadmap and updating your strategy for the new world of work.
As part of Ibec Academy's new consulting practice, Stephanie shares practical insights into how organisations can get started with AI safely and responsibly.
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.
The Experience Economy consists of businesses and organisations that create immersive, memorable experiences for people, in addition to selling goods and services. It spans the arts, cultural, sporting and heritage sectors, as well as hospitality, retail, travel, tourism, entertainment, and events and the supply chain that supports them.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Aviné McNally, Head of Membership, Ibec, is joined by Catherine Toolan, Managing Director, Diageo Irish Brand Homes, home of the Guinness Storehouse & Mary Considine, CEO, Shannon Group, they explore the need for increased investment in Ireland’s Experience Economy as part of Budget 2026.
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 KC Connect, Neil O'Brien, Senior Employer Relations and Communications Executive, and Antoinette Cunningham, Employer Relations Executive, discuss the options for employers in carrying out criminal background checks in Ireland, and how they should approach a situation where an employee declares a criminal conviction.
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 today’s competitive business landscape, creating an inclusive workplace is not just a matter of compliance—it’s a strategic advantage. Organisations that embrace diversity and inclusion are tapping into a rich pool of talent, driving innovation, improving retention, and boosting profitability. However, despite these benefits, Ireland’s employment rate for people with disabilities remains worryingly low at just 32.6%, significantly below the EU average of 51.3%.
In this episode, Síofra Mac Donald, Ibec's HR Strategy Executive is joined by Steven Brosnan, DEI Co-ordinator at Mr Price Branded Bargains, discuss the critical importance of proactive inclusion strategies, particularly for people with disabilities, and the barriers that continue to hinder employment opportunities for this group.
Discover how organisations can leverage theIbec Accessibility Toolkit to create more accessible workplaces, enhance diversity efforts, and drive positive business outcomes.
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 a competitive job market, employee recognition is more crucial than ever. Organisations that prioritise recognition not only boost morale but also enhance retention rates and overall productivity.
In this episode of Ibec WorkTalks, Vicky O'Neill, HR Strategy Specialist, is joined by Niamh Graham, Senior Vice President, Global Human Experience at Workhuman. Together, they examine a strategic approach to employee recognition, the link between retention and recognition and share best practices for implementing effective programs that positively impact business outcomes.
Niamh has more than 25 years of experience in international business
and marketing, operations, and HR. As Senior Vice President of Global Human Experience at Workhuman, Niamh leads the global teams responsible for talent acquisition, learning and development, and employer brand.
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.
With the global economy entering a period of uncertainty, it is clear that the economic model Ireland had relied on for the past 50 years is under significant strain. However, while the immediacy of current global challenges is undeniable, we must not lose sight of the opportunities ahead.
As we look forward to Budget 2026, we must now commit to investing in our agility and prioritising the tools which make Ireland a place which can innovate, adopt new technology, deliver infrastructure, upskill our workforce and regulate proportionately.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Gerard Brady, Chief Economist, is joined by Hazel Ahern-Flynn, Senior Economist, and Mourad Mejdi, Economist, to explore Our budget ambition – Matching vigilance with agility.
Find out more about Our budget ambition.
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 KC Connect, Sophie Crosbie and Mairead Crosby, Ibec Regional Directors for the South and South East, discuss how business is managing change in the workplace and exploring emerging trends.
They examine how organisations are dealing with the increased pace of change due to productivity improvements driven by automation, digitalisation & AI, changes to working patterns, cost pressures to stay competitive, talent shortages and increased regulatory requirements.
Changes to working patterns are being driven by both increases in statutory leave entitlement and demand for flexible and remote working from employees. That in turn is driving training needs as roles changes and individuals move into different roles.
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 advance of the publication of the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, Ibec has activated Our Business Ambition campaign, consisting of a series of policy papers to provide clear and actionable answers to how we should forge ahead; by rekindling our ability to deliver projects, to be agile, and to compete.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Gerard Brady, Chief Economist, is joined by Erik O’Donovan, Head of Digital Economy Policy, and Áine Clarke, Digital and AI Affairs Executive, to discuss the last of our campaign themes, 'Our digital ambition'.
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, Keevagh Heverin, Mid West Regional Director, and Emily Maverley, Senior Employer Relations Executive, discuss employer obligations under the Payment of Wages (Amendment) (Tips and Gratuities) Act 2022 and a recent case taken under this legislation.
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 advance of the publication of the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, Ibec has activated 'Our business ambition' campaign, consisting of a series of policy papers to provide clear and actionable answers to how we should forge ahead; by rekindling our ability to deliver projects, to be agile, and to compete.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Gerard Brady, Chief Economist, is joined by Conor Minogue, Senior Executive for Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Policy. Together, they explore the latest of our campaign themes, Our energy ambition.
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.
Over the coming weeks, and in advance of the publication of the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, Ibec will activate Our Business Ambition campaign, consisting of a series of policy papers to provide clear and actionable answers to how we should forge ahead; by rekindling our ability to deliver projects, to be agile, and to compete.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Gerard Brady, Chief Economist, is joined by Aidan Sweeney, Head of Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability, and Mourad Mejdi, Economist.
Together, they explore the fourth of our campaign themes, Our regulatory ambition.
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.
Over the coming weeks, and in advance of the publication of the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, Ibec will activate Our Business Ambition campaign, consisting of a series of policy papers to provide clear and actionable answers to how we should forge ahead; by rekindling our ability to deliver projects, to be agile, and to compete.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Gerard Brady, Chief Economist, is joined by Hazel Ahern-Flynn, Senior Economist, and Meadhbh Costello, Senior Executive for Education, Skills and Innovation Policy.
Together, they explore the third of our campaign themes, Our innovation ambition.
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.
Over the coming weeks, and in advance of the publication of the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, Ibec will activate Our Business Ambition campaign, consisting of a series of policy papers to provide clear and actionable answers to how we should forge ahead; by rekindling our ability to deliver projects, to be agile, and to compete.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Gerard Brady, Chief Economist, is joined by Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy, and Meadhbh Costello, Senior Executive for Education, Skills and Innovation Policy.
Together, they explore the second of our campaign themes, Our skills ambition.
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.
Shared value is a competitive strategy that simultaneously creates value for business and society. With societal deficits, (housing, childcare, transport etc) and environmental impacts creating business costs and employee strain, organisations are having to take the steering wheel. Leadership is being redefined to span beyond the boundaries of the organisation and into societal issues.
Increasingly, businesses are being viewed through the lens of reporting and governance across crucial factors including human rights, diversity and inclusion, equity, health & safety, and wellbeing. And that consistency must also be reflected by the business with which you work.
In this episode of Ibec WorkTalks, Vicky O'Neill, Ibec's HR Strategy Specialist, and Barbara O’Malley, Chief People Officer (Irish Life Group), discuss the concept of shared value and the social capital dynamics that are impacting workplaces today.
Listeners can gain insights into how HR can leverage these principles to enhance the employee experience, and positively impact business outcomes.
- Find out about female health benefits with Irish Life Health
- Read more about the impact of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs
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.
Over the coming weeks, and in advance of the publication of the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, Ibec will activate Our Business Ambition campaign, consisting of a series of policy papers to provide clear and actionable answers to how we should forge ahead; by rekindling our ability to deliver projects, to be agile, and to compete.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Gerard Brady, Chief Economist, is joined by Fergal O’Brien, Executive Director of Lobbying and Influence, Aidan Sweeney, Head of Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability, and Helen Leahy, Head of Regional Policy.
In this episode they discuss the campaign and to explore the first of our themes, Our infrastructure ambition.
Find out more on our dedicated content hub: https://www.ibec.ie/OurBusinessAmbition
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.
The global operating environment for business has entered a period of deep, structural change. Polarisation—once a political concern—is now a daily operational reality. Whether engaging consumers, employees, governments or investors, business leaders are navigating a world where familiar signals are increasingly unreliable, and missteps carry lasting reputational, financial and strategic consequences.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Nikki Gallagher, Head of Public Affairs, is joined by Jackie King, Executive Director of Ibec Global, they discuss the latest edition of Ibec Global Compass - Navigating Polarisation: Business Leadership in a Fragmented World.
Read the latest edition of the Global Compass.
Discover more about Ibec Global.
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.
Our Ibec Global Leaders and Experts Spotlight Series shares insights and expertise from a wide variety of international leaders and experts on global megatrends and issues that have the potential to impact the international business environment, economies and societies.
In this episode, Jackie King, Executive Director of Ibec Global is joined by Goldy Hyder, President and CEO of the Business Council of Canada, who provides insights on the recent Canadian elections and what it means for global trade and Canada/EU relations.
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.
Our ‘Experience Economy’ series continues in this episode of Ibec Responds as Aviné McNally, Head of Membership, Ibec, is in conversation with Mark O’Brien, Executive Director, Abbey Theatre.
They discuss the importance of arts, culture and theatre to the experience economy ecosystem.
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.
Our Ibec Global Leaders and Experts Spotlight Series shares insights and expertise from a wide variety of international leaders and experts on global megatrends and issues that have the potential to impact the international business environment, economies and societies.
In this episode, Jackie King, Executive Director of Ibec Global and David Collenette, Chair of the NATO Association of Canada, discuss what the evolving geo-political and global defence landscape means for business.
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.
Ibec is celebrating 11 years of National Workplace Wellbeing Day, promoting healthier, more supportive work environments.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Patrick Haslett, Product Manager of our KeepWell Services, is in conversation with Gillian Quigley, Employee Experience Manager at SIRO. They discuss how the KeepWell Mark has supported SIRO’s strategic needs and the future of workplace wellbeing.
Full details on National Workplace Wellbeing Day can be found here - www.wellbeingday.ie.
Visit www.thekeepwellmark.ie to learn more about Ibec’s workplace wellbeing accreditation framework.
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.
Ibec is celebrating 11 years of National Workplace Wellbeing Day, promoting healthier, more supportive work environments.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Patrick Haslett, Product Manager for the KeepWell Mark, is in conversation with Sharon Daly, Health & Wellbeing Programme Manager at Irish Rail. They discuss Irish Rail’s workplace wellbeing strategy and their journey with the KeepWell framework.
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, Laura Kerin and Brian Joyce from our Employer Relations team, explore the topic of equality in the workplace.
Focusing on recent WRC cases taken under the Employment Equality Act, Brian and Laura discuss how cases operate under this legislation and how employers may defend against these claims.
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.
The United States have announced the implementation of tariffs on trading partners, including Ireland.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Fergal O’Brien, Executive Director of Lobbying and Influence, and Gerard Brady, Chief Economist, give their reaction and discuss the impact this will have on Irish business.
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.
Ibec's international lobbying agenda has been busy, with key engagements in the UK, the European Parliament in Brussels, and the US, where representatives met business leaders, industry groups, and senior officials in New York and Washington, D.C.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Fergal O'Brien, Executive Director of Lobbying and Influence, and Pat Ivory, Director of European and International Affairs, share key insights as they reflect on our recent international activities.
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.
Lucy Adams is the CEO of Disruptive HR, an agency that’s on a mission to challenge the status quo, reimagine traditional practices, and inspire leaders and HR professionals to approach their roles with renewed vision and energy.
After working in high-level HR roles across different sectors including Director of HR at the BBC, Lucy has spent the last 8 years working with HR teams and leaders from some of the world’s top brands. Combining her strategic HR expertise with practical implementation, she advocates for an innovative yet grounded approach which aims to put the “human” back into Human Resources.
Lucy Adams was also a keynote speaker at our 2024 HR Leadership Summit event.
In this episode of Ibec WorkTalks, Fiona Higgins, Head of Ibec's Knowledge Centre, catches up with Lucy Adams who gives a fresh perspective on HR Leadership, how to be innovative and shake off the misconceptions of what and how HR delivers in organisations. Lucy’s introduces practical approaches to being an effective change agent in HR and deliver successful results.
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.
Advancing the EU Savings and Investment Union and completing the Banking Union while establishing a common fiscal capacity are essential to EU competitiveness.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Neil Willoughby, Head of EU Policy, and Mourad Mejdi, Economist, delve into the detail of the Ibec policy brief on the EU Savings and Investment Union, and how progress on this plan could see greater access to finance for both consumers and business in Ireland, while boosting Europe's productivity and competitiveness.
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 KC Connect podcast, Bernie McMeel, Ibec OSH Executive, and Dr Joan Cahill, Assistant Principal at the Health and Safety Authority, provide an insight into the occupational safety and health considerations which employers need to be aware of regarding vulnerable workers.
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.
Is society truly closer to workplace equality for women, or are we just telling ourselves a convenient fiction?
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy, Ibec, is joined by Kate Quane, Executive Coach with Praesta Ireland, they discuss how different generations of women navigate their careers and the next steps for businesses to foster more inclusive, fulfilling workplaces.
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.
The latest Ibec CEO Survey reveals that CEOs in Ireland remain largely optimistic about the broader business environment, in line with expectations for 2024, yet are anticipating that the cost of doing business will continue to rise in 2025.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Nikki Gallagher, Head of Public Affairs at Ibec, is joined by Fergal O’Brien, Executive Director of Lobbying and Influence, to reflect on the key findings of our CEO Survey. Together, they’ll explore what these insights tell us about business sentiment in Ireland and how they will shape Ibec’s policy priorities as part of the broader approach to using research to influence policy.
To find out more about our latest CEO Survey - Click here.
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.
Traditional views of masculinity in the workplace can lead to individuals feeling disenfranchised, alienated, and in some cases, result in susceptibility to extreme ideologies.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy at Ibec, is joined by Dr. Sara Carty, Assistant Professor in Terrorism and Political Violence at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs at Leiden University, they discuss how employers can create a more inclusive environment that challenges harmful stereotypes and fosters resilience in the workplace.
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 KC Connect. Pauline O’ Hare and Harry Wall from our Employment Law Services Team, discuss recent Workplace Relations Commission cases taken under the Right to Request Remote and Flexible Working, including key takeaways for employers.
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.
Every day, we use language which subtly constructs and reinforces traditional views of masculinity in the workplace.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy at Ibec, is joined by Dr. Robert Lawson, Associate Professor in Sociolinguistics at Birmingham City University. They discuss how language is used to construct masculinity, the challenges men face in the workplace, and how employers can create more inclusive cultures.
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 KC Connect, Kevin Feighery, Regional Director of Ibec’s Western Regional Office, and Aoife McFadden, Legal Director, discuss the major upcoming employment law and policy changes employers should be aware of.
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.
Mr Price have achieved significant accomplishments to date in the area of Diversity and Inclusion, including the Advancing Disability Equality Award at National Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2023 and Advancing Social Inclusion Award at National Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2024.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social policy at Ibec, speaks to Edel McSorley, Operations Director at Mr. Price Branded Bargains, they discuss how to create the environment that is needed to champion diversity, acceptance and equity, and create impactful opportunities for inclusion and change.
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.
Now more than ever, there is a business imperative to build on diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy at Ibec, is joined by Oliver Wall, Chief of Staff and Head of Corporate Affairs at Bank of Ireland Group. They discuss the importance of maintaining a strong, open culture of diversity and inclusion and tangible ways of approach from both a customer and employee lens.
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.
The Irish economy is experiencing a moderation in growth after five years of remarkable expansion. However, this is not unexpected, particularly given the turbulence faced by some of Ireland’s largest trading partners and our recent economic success.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Gerard Brady, Chief Economist at Ibec, discusses key findings from our 2025 Q1 Economic Outlook report with Ibec Economists, Hazel Ahern-Flynn and Mourad Mejdi.
Download our Q1 Economic Outlook here.
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, Nikki Gallagher, Head of Public Affairs at Ibec, sits down with Jackie King, Executive Director of Ibec Global, to explore their latest Global Compass - Cracking the Code: Unlocking Competitiveness in a Complex Geopolitical Matrix.
From evolving definitions of competitiveness to the rise of protectionism, technological dominance, and resilience through intelligence ecosystems, this discussion offers valuable insights into navigating the shifting global landscape.
The Global Compass is a succinct thought piece for business leaders to guide them as they steer their teams to tackle international challenges. Our new edition focuses on how to build competitiveness within complexity.
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 WorkTalks, Maeve McElwee, Executive Director, Employer Relations, Ibec, is joined by Richard Jolly, Director of the consulting firm, Stokes & Jolly Ltd, and Associate Clinical Professor of Management and Organisations at Kellogg.
They discuss the challenges of leading change within organisations during a period of global uncertainty, and the imperatives for HR business functions in dealing with this dynamic environment.
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.
The Economic and Social Research Institute and the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, supported by Ibec, have produced and published a report on a new macroeconomic model for Northern Ireland and the all-island economy.
In this episode, Fergal O’Brien, Executive Director of Lobbying and Influence at Ibec, is in conversation with Adele Bergin, Associate Research Professor at the ESRI and co-author of the report. They discuss the development of the model for the Northern Ireland economy and how it can be used to produce economic forecasts and study potential impacts of economic policy.
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.
Welcome to this special series of Ibec Responds on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
As businesses face increasing demands for transparency and accountability, the CSRD represents a pivotal shift in how companies approach sustainability reporting.
In this series you'll hear firsthand from industry leaders about the challenges, strategies, and opportunities they have encountered on their journey towards compliance.
These conversations offer valuable insights and practical advice to help your business meet the evolving standards.
In the final episode of our 'Unpacking CSRD' series, Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy at Ibec, is in conversation with Wayne Metcalfe, Director at John Sisk & Son.
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.
Welcome to this special series of Ibec Responds on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
As businesses face increasing demands for transparency and accountability, the CSRD represents a pivotal shift in how companies approach sustainability reporting.
In this series you'll hear firsthand from industry leaders about the challenges, strategies, and opportunities they have encountered on their journey towards compliance.
These conversations offer valuable insights and practical advice to help your business meet the evolving standards.
In the fifth episode of our 'Unpacking CSRD' series, Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy at Ibec, is in conversation with Caoimhe Buckley, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Fyffes.
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.
With the General Election behind us, the focus has shifted to the complex task of government formation. As political parties negotiate the details of a new programme for government, we’re taking you behind the scenes to explore what’s really involved in crafting a vision for Ireland’s future.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Nikki Gallagher, Head of Public Affairs at Ibec, is joined by Paul O’Brien, Head of Public Affairs at Bank of Ireland, and former Government Advisor for Fine Gael, who offers unique personal insights into this critical process. This episode reveals how decisions made at the negotiating table shapes our future Government.
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 WorkTalks, Vicky O’Neill, HR Strategy Specialist at Ibec, and Max Blumberg, Founder of Blumberg Partnership, HR & People Analytics Innovator and Advisor, discuss the impact of the evolving model of HR and what will required from the HR function into the future.
The role of HR has undergone significant transformation over the years. While we agree that HR should be a strategic partner, there's a nuanced perspective to consider. Max’s research proposes a pivot in how HR is structured to focus more directly on the capabilities required for successful strategy execution.
The pivot relies on a combination of two things: (a) a new set of design criteria (objectives) for HR and the HRBPs – delivering the required workforce and strategic capabilities that enable the business outcomes, and (b) new processes for identifying, measuring, and improving the needed workforce and strategic capabilities.
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.
Welcome to this special series of Ibec Responds on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
As businesses face increasing demands for transparency and accountability, the CSRD represents a pivotal shift in how companies approach sustainability reporting.
In this series you'll hear firsthand from industry leaders about the challenges, strategies, and opportunities they have encountered on their journey towards compliance.
These conversations offer valuable insights and practical advice to help your business meet the evolving standards.
In the fourth episode of our 'Unpacking CSRD' series, Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy at Ibec, is in conversation with David Feeney, Managing Director at Coillte Land Solutions and Chief Sustainability Officer.
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.
Welcome to this special series of Ibec Responds on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
As businesses face increasing demands for transparency and accountability, the CSRD represents a pivotal shift in how companies approach sustainability reporting.
In this series you'll hear firsthand from industry leaders about the challenges, strategies, and opportunities they have encountered on their journey towards compliance.
These conversations offer valuable insights and practical advice to help your business meet the evolving standards.
In the third episode of our 'Unpacking CSRD' series, Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy at Ibec, is in conversation with Sharon Vize, HR Director at CPL Resources.
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.
Our ‘Experience Economy’ series continues in this episode of Ibec Responds as Aviné McNally, Head of Membership, Ibec, is in conversation with Evelyn Moynihan, CEO, Kilkenny Group.
They discuss the importance of embracing digitisation and supporting the heritage of designers and makers of Ireland.
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.
Welcome to this special series of Ibec Responds on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
As businesses face increasing demands for transparency and accountability, the CSRD represents a pivotal shift in how companies approach sustainability reporting.
In this series you'll hear firsthand from industry leaders about the challenges, strategies, and opportunities they have encountered on their journey towards compliance.
These conversations offer valuable insights and practical advice to help your business meet the evolving standards.
In the second episode of our 'Unpacking CSRD' series, Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy at Ibec, is in conversation with Nicola Woods, Chief Sustainability Officer with An Post.
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.
Welcome to this special series of Ibec Responds on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
As businesses face increasing demands for transparency and accountability, the CSRD represents a pivotal shift in how companies approach sustainability reporting.
In this series you'll hear firsthand from industry leaders about the challenges, strategies, and opportunities they have encountered on their journey towards compliance.
These conversations offer valuable insights and practical advice to help your business meet the evolving standards.
In the first episode of our 'Unpacking CSRD' series, Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy at Ibec, is in conversation with Derek Scully, Head of Corporate Affairs with Energia Group.
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.
Our ‘Experience Economy’ series continues in this episode of Ibec Responds as Sharon Higgins, Executive Director Membership and Sectors, Ibec, is in conversation with Catherine Toolan, Managing Director of Diageo Irish Brand Homes, the spiritual home of Guinness Storehouse.
They discuss Catherine’s new appointment as Chair of Ibec’s Experience Economy Policy Committee, future trends and career opportunities within the Experience Economy.
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.
With the right investments and initiatives, Ireland could transform its energy system into a long-term competitive advantage. However, in the short to medium term, electricity prices will remain a barrier to economic growth unless steps are taken to tackle the underlying cost drivers. Our new energy report warns that failing to address these costs could threaten business viability, future investment, and decarbonisation efforts.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Nikki Gallagher, Head of Public Affairs, is joined by Conor Minogue, Senior Executive, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment at Ibec, to discuss our recently published paper entitled “Reducing electricity costs in Ireland”, as part of our ‘Electing for Business’ campaign.
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.
The President has now signed the Maternity Protection, Employment Equality and Preservation of Certain Records Act 2024 (the Act) into law.
Two of the most important changes from an employer’s perspective are that it allows for the postponement of maternity leave in the event of a serious health condition and separately it also amends the Employment Equality Acts and bans the use of non-disclosure agreements in respect of allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and victimisation unless certain conditions are met. These changes in particular relating to postponing maternity leave and NDAs await commencement orders to take effect.
In this podcast, Sinead Wallace and Fiona Egan, Associate Legal Directors at Ibec, discuss the changes being introduced and the implications of those changes as a result of this new piece of legislation
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 KC Connect, Laura Kerin and Brian Joyce, Employer Relations Executives at Ibec, delve into two recent Labour Court constructive dismissal cases. These cases highlight the different outcomes of constructive dismissal claims based on how employers handle workplace grievances, such as bullying and poor treatment.
They explore the legal standards applied in each case, draw comparisons between the employers' responses, and examine the crucial role of grievance procedures. This episode also provides key takeaways for employers on how to manage employee complaints effectively and avoid constructive dismissal claims.
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.
Our ‘Experience Economy’ series continues in this episode of Ibec Responds as Aviné McNally, Head of Membership, Ibec, is in conversation with Joanne Somers, Managing Director of Johnson Ireland & Celtic Linen.
They discuss the importance of cohesive teamwork, and both the challenges and opportunities that sustainability presents.
Learn more about our Experience Economy campaign here.
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 2024, over 50 countries will hold elections, in this Ibec Responds “Year of Elections” mini-series, we explore the geo-political impact of these elections with insights from commentators, experts and analysists.
In this episode, Fergal O’Brien, Executive Director of Lobbying and Influence at Ibec, and Chris Weafer, Chief Executive Officer at Macro Advisory, discuss the region of Eurasia, examining current sentiments of business leaders and potential consequences of upcoming elections across the region.
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, we delve into the upcoming changes brought by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) with expert insights from Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy at Ibec, and guest speakers Dr Dorothy Maxwell and Dr Helen Kavanagh of Davy Horizons.
As Ibec and Davy Horizons prepare to launch their new toolkit, Unpacking CSRD: A Guide for Business, the conversation explores the significant implications of these new regulations. Dr Maxwell and Dr Kavanagh discuss what businesses must do to remain compliant, how the scope of CSRD will affect both large and smaller entities, and the broader influence of sustainability on corporate reporting practices.
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 2024, over 50 countries will hold elections, in this Ibec Responds “Year of Elections” mini-series, we explore the geo-political impact of these elections with insights from commentators, experts and analysists.
In July of this year, Gerard Brady, Chief Economist at Ibec, sat down with Jude Webber, Ireland Correspondent for the Financial Times, to discuss the region of Latin America. They examine how Latin America’s trade relationships with major powers such as the United States and China could impact on Europe, and potential consequences of upcoming and past elections across the region.
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’s Economist team, Ger Brady, Hazel Ahern-Flynn and Mourad Mejdi sit down to discuss their reaction to Budget 2025, providing analysis on decisions made and what this Budget means for Irish business.
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.
The repercussions of the Supreme Court decision in the Karshan case, which found a number of a Domino’s franchise’s delivery drivers were employees rather than independent contractors, continue to be felt.
The latest high profile decision in a gig economy case – McGranaghan v MEPC Music Ltd – brings with it an unusual background, that of a musician and member of a gigging band.
In this episode of KC Connect, Harry Wall and Fiona Egan, Associate Legal Directors at Ibec, review the case in detail, look at how it draws from the standards set down in Karshan, and how they apply to the unique circumstances at play.
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.
Ibec once again joins forces with the Royal Irish Academy for Hamilton Day for its fifth year of partnership, recognising the importance of STEM education for business.
Hamilton Day represents an important celebration of native Dubliner William Rowan Hamilton, one of the world’s greatest mathematicians and credited as one of the founders of modern linear algebra. Every year, Ireland’s universities come together to put forward outstanding nominees from their mathematics departments to be shortlisted for the Hamilton Prize.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Danny McCoy, Ibec CEO, is joined by past winner of the Hamilton Prize, Norma Bargary, Professor of Data Science & Statistical Learning at University of Limerick and Martin Curley, Professor of Innovation at Maynooth University.
They discuss the key role STEM talent play in safeguarding Ireland’s economic future.
The Royal Irish Academy is pleased to announce that the 2024 Hamilton Lecture: The geometry and algebra of the Mandelbrot set will be delivered by Professor Laura DeMarco. Tickets are available for purchase now.
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.
This past July, Minister Neale Richmond launched the Second Annual Report of Ireland’s Women in Finance Charter, highlighting significant progress among signatories in increasing female representation at middle management levels and above.
In this episode, Sharon Higgins, Executive Director, Membership & Sectors at Ibec, is joined by Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, Neale Richmond, they reflect on the achievements of the Charter since its inception and discuss the progress made over the past year.
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.
The next General Election in Ireland will take place between now and March 2025.
The Irish business community is a key component of a healthy and vibrant society. It is well understood how businesses provide opportunities for meaningful employment in local areas. More than that, they also act as a lynchpin of social life in our communities in our cities, towns and villages.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Nikki Gallagher, Head of Public Affairs, is joined by Fergal O’Brien, Executive Director of Lobbying and Influence, and Danny McCoy, Ibec CEO, to discuss Ibec’s ‘Electing for Business’ General Election manifesto.
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.
While employment growth is slowing, the hiring environment remains highly competitive – especially for in-demand roles and AI-related skillsets. Strategic planning will be key for HR leaders to ensure their organisations are set-up for sustained success. This means leveraging data-driven strategies and AI to improve operational efficiencies, and embedding the right skill sets, processes, and structures, to create and enable a culture geared towards sustaining success.
In this episode of Ibec WorkTalks, Vicky O'Neill, Ibec's HR Strategy Specialist and Kieran Gilmurray (Award Winning AI & Automation Expert) discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on talent management and the future workforce. They communicate tangible insights and practical strategies for AI and Automation, and what this means for HR.
Kieran will be speaking at Ibec's upcoming HR Leadership Summit. If you haven't booked your place, you can do so here!
Find out more about Kieran Gilmurray at his website.
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.
2024 looks to be another busy year for developments in employment law in Ireland, with a number of substantial changes in the pipeline for employers to consider. Changes include Parent’s Leave and Maternity Leave entitlements, the extension of obligations around Gender Pay Gap reporting and the Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) Act, which was recently enacted at EU level.
Nichola Harkin, Head of Employment Law Services at Ibec, and Harry Wall, Associate Legal Director at Ibec, discuss a number of the most significant developments that HR professionals should be aware of, and what they will mean for employers.
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.
The Irish economy is experiencing some moderation in growth following five years of spectacular expansion. Despite this the outlook is positive. There is clear potential for Ireland to compete in the years ahead. The delivery of infrastructure, above everything else, is key to unlocking future business growth.
In this episode, Ger Brady, Head Economist at Ibec, discusses key findings from our 2024 Q2 Economic Outlook report with Ibec Economists, Hazel Ahern-Flynn and Mourad Mejdi.
Our 2024 Q2 Economic Outlook report can be downloaded here.
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.
Our ‘Experience Economy’ series continues in this episode of Ibec Responds as Aviné McNally, Head of Membership, Ibec, is in conversation with Mark Nolan, Managing Director, Dromoland Castle.
They discuss Dromoland Castle’s importance in local community, sustainability practices and what policy Government could introduce to help the industry in attracting talent.
Learn more about our Experience Economy campaign here.
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.
The Pay Transparency Directive came into force in June 2023 and Ireland will have to transpose the Directive by June 2026. The Directive contains extensive measures with far reaching obligations for employers including enhanced requirements in relation to gender pay gap reporting, information rights for job candidates, restrictions on the use of pay secrecy clauses and rights for employees in relation to pay transparency.
In this episode of KC Connect, Sinead Wallace and Fiona Egan, Associate Legal Directors will discuss the Pay Transparency Directive and the implications for employers under this Directive.
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, Aviné McNally, Head of Membership at Ibec, and Peter McKenna, Stadium and Commercial Director at Croke Park, examine Croke Park's significance in Ireland's Experience Economy, the importance of community, and their journey in sustainability practices.
Learn more about our Experience Economy campaign here.
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.
Lone Working is becoming increasingly common with delivery drivers and remote workers often working alone. Although Lone workers cannot be subject to constant supervision, it is still and employers’ duty to ensure their safety and health at work.
In this episode, Michael Gillen, OSH Manager, Ibec, and Bernie McMeel, OSH Advisor from Ibec’s Knowledge Centre, will discuss the challenges facing employers managing lone working in their organisation, look at the legal requirements for lone working and some options for control measures, including technological advances to mitigate identified risks.
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 WorkTalks, Maeve McElwee, Executive Director, Employer Relations, Ibec, is joined by Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Professor, Author and Chief Innovation Officer at Manpower Group, where they debate the opportunities and potential risks around this phenomenon and the world of work.
The early bird for Ibec's 2025 HR Leadership Summit ends 23 July. Book your place here.
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.
Sharon Higgins, Executive Director for Membership and Sectors, Ibec, is joined Aileesh Carew, CEO of EPIC – the Irish Emigration Museum, to explore the museum and visitor attraction sector’s role in Ireland’s Experience Economy, its economic contribution, and examine how Government can support this sub-sector of the Irish economy.
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.
With the upcoming Local Elections around the corner on 7 June, 2024. We delve into the issues that voters should keep in mind when casting their ballot, while also taking a closer look at how local government functions and what potential reform could look like.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Aidan Sweeney, Head of Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability at Ibec is joined by Aodh Quinlivan, Senior Lecturer, Department of Government and Politics at University College Cork to discuss the impact of the Local Elections on Irish Business.
Learn more about our 'Electing for Business' Local Election campaign here.
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.
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 here.
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.
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 Róisín de Bhaldraithe from Ibec’s EU & International Affairs team and Dr. Rory Costello, Associate Professor at the University of Limerick who specialises in electoral and legislative politics in Europe, with a particular focus on Ireland and on the European Union. He is also the founder of WhichCandidate.ie, which matches voters with political candidates based on shared policy priorities.
View our 2024 European election campaign here.
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, 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 here. Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.
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 Ivory Director of EU and International Affairs at Ibec is joined by Frances Fitzgerald, Member of the European Parliament and Noelle O Connell, CEO of the European Movement Ireland.
They look at the influence and significance of politics on a European scale, speculate on the composition of the upcoming European Parliament, and examine its potential implications for the business sector.
View our 2024 European election campaign here.
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, 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 achieve world class potential that is sustainable and uniquely Irish.
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, 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 for investment in new technology, falling levels of trade openness and rising geopolitical risk in global supply chains, energy and commodity markets.
Our 'Q1 2024 Quarterly Economic Outlook' report is available to download here.
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 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 episode, we are delighted to be joined by two colleagues from EY Ireland to discuss the importance of attracting and retaining FDI in Ireland and the role of technology adoption by business in this effort.
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.
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 and our Ibec 2023 Shift Work Report.
The annual Ibec Employment Law Conference takes place on Thursday, 18 April in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. The central theme of this year's conference, The Employment Paradox aims to delve into the changing policies surrounding the employer-employee relationship.
Tickets are available here.
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.
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 recent 'Better Care, Better Business' report.
Our 'Better Care, Better Business' report is available to download at our website.
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.
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 right to request flexible working which is designed to be practical guidance to the steps that may be taken to comply with the provision of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act of 2023
The annual Ibec Employment Law Conference takes place on Thursday, 18 April in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. The central theme of this year's conference, The Employment Paradox aims to delve into the changing policies surrounding the employer-employee relationship.
Tickets are available here.
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.
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 access.
This podcast features Andrea Carroll, Head of Sustainability at daa and Sinéad Murphy, her counterpart at The Shannon Airport Group, in conversation with Dr Neil Walker, formerly Ibec’s Head of Infrastructure, Energy and Environment, about their experiences of implementing airport sustainability strategies.
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, 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 when it comes to combating international crimes.
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.
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 around what employers can do to increase security and safety in the physical landscape.
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.
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 offering, visit here. Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.
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 episode of Ibec responds, Associate Professor at DCU’s School Law and Government and Ibec’s Conor Minogue, offer their reflections on the first few days, recent controversies, the big items up for discussion, the markers for success, and the future of COP. Topics covered include fossil fuel phase out, sustainable finance, loss and damage management, and Ireland’s priorities.
If interested in more information that can aid you in your climate action journey and practical guidance on how to develop an enduring climate action strategy, take a look at our 'Climate Action: A toolkit for business' launched earlier this year in collaboration with Accenture.
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.
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. Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.
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 up to date with new episodes.
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 employers.
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 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 an enormous increase in operating costs for many businesses.
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.
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 episode of KC Connect here.
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.
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 from Ibec’s EU & International Affairs team and Deirdre Clune, Member of the European Parliament, for an overview of this powerful economic force and learn what the next 30 years of the EU Single Market will look like.
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.
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 and empathy, allowing us to better accept cultural differences, comprehend life experiences, and exchange knowledge.
The origin of this tradition is oral storytelling, which is dependent on active listening, a skill that must be maintained in order to preserve the tradition. Learning from this, we consider how the skills from this tradition can support diversity in our communities and workplaces.
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.
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 the right to request remote and flexible working and domestic violence leave coming into force.
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.
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 commercial offerings.
In this episode of Ibec Responds we hear from Conor Minogue, Ibec Senior Executive for Infrastructure, Energy and Climate Policy, about the new 'Climate Action: A Toolkit for Business', developed by Ibec in collaboration with Accenture, and how it can help businesses develop a best-practice climate action strategy and avoid common pitfalls like greenwashing. We also talk to Nicholas Reynolds, Sustainability Manager with O’Brien Fine Foods and Caoimhe Donnelly, Chief Sustainability Officer with CIE, who share their experience developing climate action strategies, and setting emission reduction targets.
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.
Internationally, Ireland’s education system has an enviable reputation due to high participation in higher education and the collaborative nature of the system in the development of a graduate talent stream. Talented people, the availability of key skills, and the ability to connect easily with universities are real positive features of Ireland’s competitive offering.
Ibec have been at the forefront in highlighting the national deficit created by underinvestment in this sector. The devastating impact has widened the gap between Irish universities and international counterparts, damaged our reputation to attract research and business investment and is silently eroding our competitive edge.
In this episode of Ibec Voices, Claire McGee, Ibec Head of Education and Innovation Policy, is joined by Dr Linda Doyle, Provost of Trinity College Dublin. Dr Doyle provides a compelling insight into Trinity College Dublin’s relationship with society, business and learners as it continues to lead in research, education and international networks.
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.
Finding and sustaining work is a challenge for many people with disabilities, and often conversations around disabilities come from a place of reasonable accommodation rather than capturing the talent and innovation that many people with disabilities bring to their work. People with disabilities make up 13.5% of the population in Ireland, yet only 36.5% (of people aged 15-64 with a disability) are at work.
Ibec’s Founders campaign aims to establish an eco-system in which Irish entrepreneurial endeavours can thrive and prosper. In this episode of Ibec Voices, we look at entrepreneurship through the lens of disability, and consider the unique challenges individuals with a disability face when founding and sustaining a business.
Sharon Higgins, Ibec Executive Director of Membership and Sectors, is joined by Professor Thomas Cooney, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Technological University Dublin, Claire Kennelly, Managing Director of Inclusive World Training, and Noel Joyce, lecturer at New York University Shanghai. They discuss the substantial contribution to entrepreneurship and innovation those with a disability have, and how being innovative involves understanding and accepting divergent perspectives. The episode highlights how diverse backgrounds and experiences can yield insights that can challenge the status quo and create real value.
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.
2023 is the European Year of Skills, which aims to address skills shortages in the European Union and boost the EU skills strategy.
In this episode of Ibec Responds we explore the importance of lifelong learning to business and how Ibec is driving this important initiative. Nikki Gallagher, Ibec Head of Public Affairs, is joined by Claire McGee, Ibec Head of Education and Innovation Policy, and Meadhbh Costello, Ibec Social and Education Policy Executive, to discuss talent opportunities and what L&D investment bring to a business.
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.
Better health and the subsequent increase in life expectancy has created a demographic where people are seeking to work longer.
Following the publication of the Report of the Commission on Pensions and the Oireachtas Joint response, Government announced in September 2022 a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system in Ireland. On the 10 October 2022, Government approved the General Scheme of the Auto Enrolment Bill.
While we await legislation in this area , this KC Connect episode looks at the continuing challenges in this area for employers. Our Ibec experts Kevin Feighery and Aoife McFadden discuss challenges employers have in both fixing mandatory retirement ages and managing requests for longer working against the backdrop of imminent reform.
Book your place at the Ibec Employment Law Conference 2023 here.
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.
Meat Industry Ireland, the Ibec sector association representing the primary beef, pork and lamb processing facilities located in the Republic of Ireland, launched the Irish Beef Sector Sustainability report in February. The report outlines the progress the industry has made to date in reducing GHG emissions and delineating the roadmap to further emissions reductions in line with government Climate Action Plan targets.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Síle Sweeney, Senior Executive at Meat Industry Ireland, is joined by Philip Tallon, Operations Manager at Dawn Meats and Margaret Berry, Head of Sustainability at Kepak, to discuss sustainability in the meat sector.
Read the Beef Sector Sustainability Report here.
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.
The European Union (Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions) Regulations, S.I. No. 686/2022 were signed into law on 16 December 2022. The Regulations amend existing legislation concerning contracts of employment and introduce new obligations in relation to probation and parallel employment.
In this episode of KC Connect, Ibec solicitors Catriona McKeating and Pauline O’Hare will run through the terms that must now be included in contracts of employment, the pitfalls of exclusivity clauses and how to manage probation without falling foul of the Regulations.
Book your place at the Ibec Employment Law Conference here.
Ibec members are encouraged to explore the Ibec guidance note on the EU Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive and Ibec Contracts of Employment sample documents.
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.
Our past few episodes of Ibec Voices placed a focus on a critical component of the Irish economy, the small business community.
We visited the Small Firms Association Strategic Management Masterclass in Athlone to sit down with SFA National Small Business Awards Finalists and hear their stories. This two-day programme is offered as part of the prize package for Finalists.
We were joined by a selection of owners, managers, and employees of small business from all sectors and from across Ireland. They told stories of tenacity, risk, and innovation, and across the series of interviews we get a real insight into the resilience and agility in the small business community.
In our final episode we are joined by:
· Barry Prost, Co-Founder, Rent a Recruiter
· Sinead Hayes, Director and Co-Owner, Nationwide Safety Training
· Phoebe Clarke, Financial Controller, Finnegan’s Farm
· Ronan Garvey, Chief Product Officer, ZEUS Scooters
Explore the Small Firms Association National Small Business Awards here.
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.
Our next few episodes of Ibec Voices will place a focus on a critical component of the Irish economy, the small business community.
We visited the Small Firms Association Strategic Management Masterclass in Athlone to sit down with SFA National Small Business Awards Finalists and hear their stories. This two day programme is offered as part of the prize package for Finalists.
We were joined by a selection of owners, managers and employees of small business from all sectors and from across Ireland. They told stories of tenacity, risk and innovation, and across the series of interviews we get a real insight into the resilience and agility in the small business community.
In our second episode we are joined by:
· Aine Kennedy, CEO and Founder of the Smooth Company
· Jenny Diamond, Founder and Director of Corporate Services, Nanny Payroll
· Jamie Flannery, Social Media and Marketing Manager, Dingle Sea Safari
Explore the Small Firms Association National Small Business Awards here.
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 KC Connect, Ibec experts Aisling McDevitt and Kevin Feighery discuss the transposition of the EU Directive on Transparent and Predictable Working conditions into Irish law as it relates to probationary periods, and the role of fair procedures in the context of the Industrial Relations Acts.
The discussion will include the current position on the following legislation:
- The commencement of S.I. No. 686/2022 - European Union (Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions) Regulations 2022, which creates a maximum legal duration on probationary periods.
We also discuss the importance of fair procedures in probationary dismissals in the context of the Industrial Relations Acts, highlighting two key Labour Court recommendations in this regard.
Book your place at the Ibec Employment Law Conference here .
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.
Our next few episodes of Ibec Voices will place a focus on a critical component of the Irish economy, the small business community.
We visited the Small Firms Association Strategic Management Masterclass in Athlone to sit down with SFA National Small Business Awards Finalists and hear their stories. This two day programme is offered as part of the prize package for Finalists.
We were joined by a selection of owners, managers and employees of small business from all sectors and from across Ireland. They told stories of tenacity, risk and innovation, and across the series of interviews we get a real insight into the resilience and agility in the small business community.
In this episode we are joined by:
· Erica Hargadan, CEO, Babogue
· Aisling Gaffney, Office and Packing Operations, Irish Socksciety
· Conor Mangan, Marketing Specialist, Woodco Renewable Energy
· Conor Morley, Managing Director, WWS
Explore the Small Firms Association National Small Business Awards here.
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.
Ibec is marking the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement with a new campaign, For Peace + Prosperity. The campaign illustrates the pivotal role that business has played in perpetuating peace and prosperity on the island.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy is joined by two important architects and advocates of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement , former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Alastair Campbell, former Director of Communications for Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Following Ibec’s For Peace + Prosperity event at the Mansion House, they discuss what was achieved from the Agreement, the lasting impact on the all-island economy and lessons for the future.
Explore our For Peace + Prosperity campaign here.
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.
The Experience Economy is a diverse and substantial part of Irish life and plays an important role in Ireland’s international reputation as a place to live, work and visit.
In this episode we will discuss the scale of Ireland's Experience Economy, Ibec’s ambitions for its growth, and recommendations to Government for further support. We are joined by Sharon Higgins, Ibec Executive Director of Membership and Sectors, and Pat McCann, Non-Executive Director of Glenveagh Properties and Former Dalata Hotel Group CEO. The pair also provide a retrospective on the activity of Ibec’s Experience Economy Committee during the pandemic, and advice to businesses on how to access supports available.
Pat McCann started in 1969 with Ryan Hotel Group plc and later joined Jurys Hotel Group plc in 1989. He rose to the position of Chief Executive in 2000 and retired from Jurys Doyle in 2006. However, retirement did not slow Pat down, and he founded the Dalata Hotel Group in 2007, which went on to become the largest hotel group in Ireland. Besides his success in the hotel business, Pat has contributed significantly to various organisations. He served as President of Ibec from September 2019 to September 2020 and is a member of the Ibec Board. Despite retiring from Dalata at the end of 2021, Pat currently serves as Chair of the National Maternity Hospital and Glenveagh Properties plc and is involved with several private companies.
Explore Ibec’s Experience Economy campaign here.
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.
With global pandemics, climate change and military aggression against Ukraine, we see unprecedented generational challenges to our economy and well-being. A core element in responding to these challenges involves technological change, how we interact with that change and with each other.
In this episode of Ibec Voices we are joined by Jackie King, Executive Director of Ibec Global, and Ciaran Martin, Professor of Practice in the Management of Public Organisations, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford and founder of Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre.
Together they discuss how policy, business and technology leaders can work together to ensure a safe, secure, and trusted internet while keeping it open and free to address shared generational challenges to our economy and well-being. Professor Martin will also offer practical guidance on what business leaders can do to manage cyber risk in their organisations.
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.
An inadequate supply of affordable housing is the greatest impediment to attracting and retaining talented workers, without whom business investment and expansions are not possible.
In this episode of Ibec Responds we are joined by Ibec Executive Director of Lobbying and Influence Fergal O'Brien and Ibec Chief Economist and Head of National Policy Gerard Brady. They share their insights into the key findings of Ibec's new 'Better Housing, Better Business' report. The report advocates for sustainable solutions to Ireland's housing crisis.
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.
This year has seen a vast array of proposed new employment legislation, along with the requirement to transpose EU Directives into local legislation, with many employers waiting for clarity on dates of commencement of these Acts.
In this episode of KC Connect, Ibec experts Aoife McFadden and Linda Reid appraise employers of these pieces of legislation and outline what timeframes we can expect for them being enacted.
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.
Ireland has made some real progress on gender equality over the last number of decades. We’ve seen significant changes in both the personal and professional lives of women. However, since the #MeToo movement, and throughout the pandemic, a real spotlight has been shone on how fragile some of that hard won progress is.
In this Ibec Voices episode we will be exploring a transformative approach to promoting gender equality and preventing sexual harassment in both the personal and professional spheres.
We are joined by Dr Kara McGann, Ibec Head of Social Policy, and Jackson Katz Ph.D., educator and thought leader, internationally renowned for his pioneering scholarship and activism on issues of gender, race and violence.
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 KC Connect, Ibec experts Stephen Driver and Fiona Higgins discuss the pay and HR trends emerging from the recently published HR Update report.
Addressing issues relating to pay forecasting for 2023 and HR priorities, the report expresses the views of 329 Senior HR leaders employing over 143,000 of the Irish workforce.
Read the report here.
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.
Gender equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of progressive societies. While female representation in the general population of financial services firms tends to be equally balanced, significant differences emerge in the progression to more senior levels.
Ireland’s Women in Finance Charter is an industry-led, Government-supported measure to encourage gender diversity in the financial services industry in Ireland. The Charter will allow financial services firms to devise commitments to progress gender diversity in their firms.
Following her appointment as Chair of the Charter, Patricia Callan, Head of Sectors and Director of Financial Services Ireland at Ibec, speaks to Minister of State in the Department of Finance, Seán Fleming about the development of this important initiative.
Later in the episode features contributions from Fernando Vicario, CEO of Bank of America Europe DAC and Country Executive for Ireland, and Emer O’Byrne, Interim Chief Underwriting Officer of FBD Insurance. They share their experience of working in the sector and outline why they think the Charter is an important step forward.
Explore Ireland's Women in Finance Charter here.
Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.
In the final episode of our Ibec Responds mini-series on COP27, Fergal O’Brien, Ibec Executive Director of Lobbying and Influence, sits down with Minister Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport. They reflect on COP27, and discuss what it means in terms of our progress in relation to climate, and for Irish citizens and the economy.
Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.
We were delighted to have David Collings, Professor of Human Resource Management at DCU, as a guest speaker at Ibec's HR Leadership Summit in October. The impactful research he and his colleagues have conducted into the lessons from the HR response to Covid-19 spotlights many lessons that will continue to resonate as we manage through the current economic challenges facing business.
In this episode of Work Talks, Maeve McElwee, Ibec Executive Director of Employer Relations, sits down with Professor Collings after the Summit to follow up on the discussion on HR’s significance during the Covid-19 pandemic, the strategic and operational reach of HR as a central point of the Organisation, and the opportunities for HR to grow and sustain its strategic influence.
Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.
In this episode of our Ibec Responds mini-series on COP27, Dr Neil Walker, Ibec Head of Infrastructure, speaks with Stephen Prendiville, Head of Sustainability at EY Ireland, who is currently attending COP27.
They discuss financial liability for loss and damage, proving to be a highly controversial issue in this year’s negotiations. They also highlight recent ground-breaking agricultural research aimed at ensuring better food security for communities whose crops and livestock are impacted by climate change.
Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.
Observers say that within a matter of years, 100 per cent of investments will consider ESG risks and opportunities.
Business leaders around the globe are tackling how to integrate meaningful economic, social and governance frameworks into their organisation strategy. As further attention placed on this expanded set of criteria, no business can afford to ignore it.
In this episode Jackie King, Executive Director, Ibec Global, is joined by Helle Bank Jorgensen, CEO and Founder, Competent Boards, Catherine Cano, Founder and President, CanoVision, and Ali Karami-Ruiz, Senior Director, Strategic engagement and communications, Business at the OECD. Together they explore how businesses are bringing ESG to the core of their business.
Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.
In this episode of KC Connect, Ibec experts Sophie Crosbie and James Cleary discuss the issue of penalisation under various pieces of employment legislation including the Protected Disclosures Acts and the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
The rule against penalisation arise in a wide variety of employment legislation in in addition to specific protection for whistle-blowers and persons raising safety concerns.
This places a prohibition on employers from engaging in retaliatory adverse action against an employee for invoking their rights or opposing unlawful acts or giving evidence or taking proceedings in employment law actions. In considering an allegation of penalisation, there are a number of different legal elements which the Court or Workplace Relations Commission will consider. We also consider some of the changes made by the Protected Disclosures Amendment 2022 which is due to come into effect on 1 January 2023 .
Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.
Our COP27 mini-series continues. For this episode we are joined by Neil Willoughby, Ibec European Affairs Senior Executive, and Seán Kelly, Member of the European Parliament. They sit down in the European Parliament before the MEP departs for Sharm-el-Sheikh as the only Irish MEP in the European Parliament delegation attending COP27.
They discuss the European Parliament’s role and priorities at COP27, EU leadership on climate financing, and the wider European Parliament energy and environmental agenda amongst other areas.
Explore our 'Stronger Europe, Stronger Ireland' campaign here.
Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.
Welcome back to our Ibec Responds mini-series on COP27, where we provide timely updates and analysis on the 27th annual Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
In this episode we are joined by Aidan Sweeney, Ibec Head of Enterprise and Regulatory Affairs, and Councillor Allison Gilliland, Dublin City Councillor and COP27 Delegate with the European Committee of the Region. Together they discuss the involvement of cities and regions in the climate talks.
Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.
Over the next few weeks, we will be releasing an Ibec Responds mini-series of episodes focusing on the proceedings at COP27.
World leaders and policy makers have descended upon Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt to attend the 27th annual Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (or COP27). In this episode we are joined by Dr Neil Walker, Ibec Head of Infrastructure, Energy and Environment, who will outline the programme for COP27 and the key areas for business.
Make sure to stay tuned for further episodes on COP27 over the coming weeks.
Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.
In this episode of KC Connect, Ibec experts Mairead Crosby and Muireann McEnery discuss the recent Supreme Court decision in the case of Maurice Power V HSE. The case deals with the topic of acting up and fixed term contracts and whether a permanent employee who moves to a different role on a fixed term contract basis is precluded from relying on the provisions around CIDs contained in the Fixed Term Work Act 2003
Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.
In this episode of KC Connect, Ibec experts Declan Thomas and Terry Mac Namara discuss the obligations on a Claimant to mitigate their losses when taking a complaint for unfair dismissal to the WRC.
The common law rule of mitigation of damages applies to compensation for unfair dismissal. This places a requirement on a Claimant to demonstrate an effort to mitigate their financial loss by way of attempting to secure employment following their termination. In considering a claim under the Unfair Dismissals Acts, 1977 the Court must have regard to Section 7(2)(c) of the Act. In accordance with this provision, amongst others, the Court will consider the amount of compensation which is just and equitable in all of the circumstances, taken into account the measures adopted by the Claimant or, as the case might be, the Claimants failure to adopt measures to mitigate their loss.
Where the Court is satisfied that a Claimant has failed in their obligation to mitigate their loss it may so determine that the appropriate redress is compensation limited to four weeks’ pay in accordance with section 7(1)(c)(ii) of the Act.
Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.
The global economy is experiencing a period of reset to normalised monetary policy and higher energy costs. The key question facing businesses planning for the year ahead is no longer whether that reset will be challenging, but rather how long those challenges will last.
In this episode of Ibec Responds we are joined by Ibec Chief Economist and Head of National Policy, Gerard Brady, and Ibec Economist, Hazel Ahern-Flynn. They give us a whistle-stop tour of the key findings of their Q3 Ibec Economic Outlook titled ‘An economic reset’.
Read the full Economic Outlook report here.
William Rowan Hamilton is universally recognised as the greatest mathematician, and arguably the greatest scientist, that Ireland has produced to date. On Monday 17th October official Hamilton Day celebrations will take place, promoting the lasting legacy of an Irish man who made a seminal contribution to the world around us today.
On this episode of Ibec Voices, we are joined by Ibec CEO Danny McCoy and Dr Mary Canning, Royal Irish Academy President, to discuss upcoming Hamilton Day celebrations and the fascinating story of William Rowan Hamilton. Later on in the episode Danny will speak to Dr Avi Widgerson, Herbert H. Maass Professor of Mathematics at the Institute for Advanced Studies, Princeton University, who will deliver the 2022 RIA Hamilton Lecture on ‘Cryptography: Secrets and Lies, Knowledge and Trust’.
Following Government's Budget 2023 announcement, Ibec Chief Economist and Head of National Policy, Gerard Brady, and Ibec Economist, Hazel Ahern-Flynn, provide timely analysis and an immediate business reaction to the key wins and areas that fall short.
To explore Ibec's Budget 2023 campaign, visit ibec.ie/Budget2023
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen gave her third annual State of the Union Address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on the 14th of September. The tradition dates back to 2010, and assesses the current context of the European Union and outlines a vision for the following year.
In this episode, Ibec’s Dr Pat Ivory, Director of EU and International Affairs, and Neil Willoughby, European Affairs Senior Executive, give an immediate overview and business reaction to her address.
What does a good Budget for business look like? How can Government balance current needs whilst continuing to build long-term resilience in Budget 2023? Should this be a reactionary or proactive Budget?
In this latest episode, we are joined by Ibec Chief Economist and Head of National Policy, Gerard Brady, and Ibec Economist, Hazel Ahern-Flynn, for an overview of Ibec's Budget 2023 campaign.
To explore Ibec's Budget 2023 campaign, visit ibec.ie/Budget2023
2022 has proven to be another busy year for employment rights, with moves to legislate in areas such as statutory sick leave, the right to request remote working and work life balance. Much of the new legislation demonstrates an increasing emphasis on work life balance and family-related leave.
In this episode of KC Connect, Ibec experts Lorraine Parkes and Liz Murphy from Ibec’s Knowledge Centre discuss a number of recent and upcoming changes that employers need to be aware of.
Featuring contributions from an experienced panel of Ibec employer and industrial relations professionals, KC Connect provides expert advice on some of the most common challenges for employers. With decades of shared experience our Ibec experts provide real insight and practical advice.
For this short episode of Ibec Voices we are joined by Ibec Chief Economist and Head of National Policy Gerard Brady and Ibec Economist Hazel Ahern-Flynn.
They present the findings of the Q2 Ibec Economic Outlook titled ‘Turning point’ discussing themes including rising cost pressures, an expected slow-down in economic growth in the second half of the year, changes in international markets and other elements to the Economic Outlook.
The full Q2 2022 Economic Outlook can be found here.
In this short episode of Ibec Voices, we are joined by Ibec’s Dr Pat Ivory, Director of EU and International Affairs, and Neil Willoughby, European Affairs Senior Executive to discuss the big ticket items covered in their Summer 2022 edition of the Ibec Europe and Global Focus, Ibec’s quarterly overview of major issues impacting Irish business at the EU and Global Level.
They outline Ibec's policy priorities for the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU, review the impact of the war in Ukraine and the continuing uncertainty of EU-UK relations, and analyse the European Commission’s winter preparedness energy package amongst other areas.
Read the latest edition of Ibec Europe & Global Focus here.
In this episode of KC Connect, Ibec experts Maeve McElwee and Lydia Dodd discuss the emergence of a 4-day work week and its potential impact on employers.
Featuring contributions from an experienced panel of Ibec employer and industrial relations professionals, KC Connect provides expert advice on some of the most common challenges for employers. With decades of shared experience our Ibec experts provide real insight and practical advice.
In this episode of KC Connect, Ibec experts Fiona Higgins and Stephen Driver discuss the steps employers in the private sector should take when preparing for pay negotiations.
Featuring contributions from an experienced panel of Ibec employer and industrial relations professionals, KC Connect provides expert advice on some of the most common challenges for employers. With decades of shared experience our Ibec experts provide real insight and practical advice.
In this episode of KC Connect, Ibec experts Fergus Dwyer and Peter Flood discuss reasonable accommodation and what it means in practice for employers.
Featuring contributions from an experienced panel of Ibec employer and industrial relations professionals, KC Connect provides expert advice on some of the most common challenges for employers. With decades of shared experience our Ibec experts provide real insight and practical advice.
In this episode of KC Connect, Ibec experts Jan Hayden and Michael McGrath discuss the necessary steps when preparing for an employment case at the Workplace Relations Commission.
Featuring contributions from an experienced panel of Ibec employer and industrial relations professionals, KC Connect provides expert advice on some of the most common challenges for employers. With decades of shared experience our Ibec experts provide real insight and practical advice.
In this episode of KC Connect, Ibec experts Judy McNamara and Ciaran Loughran discuss the requirements, implications and legislative protections relating to probation.
Featuring contributions from an experienced panel of Ibec employer and industrial relations professionals, KC Connect provides expert advice on some of the most common challenges for employers. With decades of shared experience our Ibec experts provide real insight and practical advice.
In this episode of KC Connect, Ibec experts Mairead Crosby and Muireann McEnery discuss and analyse a recent decision by the Workplace Relations Commission on a dismissal for breach of a bullying and harassment policy resulting in a substantial award.
Featuring contributions from an experienced panel of Ibec employer and industrial relations professionals, KC Connect provides expert advice on some of the most common challenges for employers. With decades of shared experience our Ibec experts provide real insight and practical advice.
For this short episode of Ibec Voices we are joined by Ibec CEO Danny McCoy and BusinessEurope President Fredrik Persson.
They discuss priorities for Persson’s Presidency, the strength of the European business model, and the ‘S’ in ESG amongst other pressing topics. Persson is president of Ellevio AB and JM AB in Sweden, and begun his Presidency on the 1st of July.
To listen to more Ibec Voices episodes, visit https://www.ibec.ie/influencing-for-business/ibec-campaigns/ibec-voices or wherever you get your podcasts.
Live from the Dublin Climate Summit 2022, this episode of Ibec Voices features President of the Eurogroup, Minister Paschal Donohoe, and Jackie King, Ibec Executive Director of International Business.
In a Q&A session at the Summit the pair cover a range of pressing topics, including the impact of Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine on the EU’s focus on Climate and Green Plans, the priorities of the Eurogroup from a sustainability perspective, and the importance the European green bonds as an instrument in financing the Green Transition.
The Summit is a premium sustainability and climate-focused gathering where industry, business and Government join forces to drive forward the ESG agenda, with Ibec Global the event’s European Partner.
For this short episode of Ibec Voices we are joined by Ibec Chief Economist and Head of National Policy Ger Brady and Ibec Economist, Hazel Ahern-Flynn.
They present the findings of the Q1 Ibec Economic Outlook titled ‘A difficult balancing act’, discussing themes including rising costs across the global economy, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, inflation, and if we are seeing ‘The Great Resignation’ in Ireland.
This episode of Work Talks reviews the developments of the past year and looks ahead to the changes and potential challenges 2022 will bring.2021 certainly packed a punch in terms of employment legislation. The evolution of flexible and blended working continued to gain further momentum this year with the introduction of the WRC Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect and Government’s promise to legislate on a right to request remote working. Other notable developments include the Tanaiste’s convening of the LEEF high level group review group to examine collective bargaining and the milestone report of the pensions commission on retirement ages to name but a few.
Tune in now to listen to broadcaster Kieran Cuddihy in conversation with Ibec’s Director of Employer Relations Maeve McElwee for an overview of these developments and what’s in store for the year ahead.
For this this short episode of Ibec Voices we are joined by Ibec's Chief Economist Ger Brady and Economist Hazel Ahern-Flynn.
They present the findings of the Q4 Ibec Economic Outlook, discussing themes including supply chain challenges, competitiveness, skills shortages and Government supports to enterprise.
In this episode of Ibec Voices we are taking you inside Aras an Uachtarain, the residence of the President of Ireland, to hear a very special address delivered by Ibec CEO, Danny McCoy.
As President of the Statistical & Social Inquiry Society of Ireland, Danny McCoy delivered the keynote address to mark 175 years of SSISI. Entitled “Sustainable Development: ‘Still’ The Opportunity for Irish Economic Policymakers”, his address covers topical matters including:
- The challenge of reducing emissions by 50 percent in this decade;
- The difficulties in holding a purely ecocentric or technocentric view of the world;
- The manner in which we must deal with the environmental agenda.
The paper can be read in full here, and Danny McCoy’s Presidential Address can be watched here.
In this concluding episode of Ibec’s COP26 podcast mini-series, Dr Neil Walker speaks with Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, about what was achieved at the UN climate summit in Glasgow over the previous two weeks. They discuss what further action is needed to keep the goal of 1.5 degrees alive, and how Ireland’s recently launched Climate Action Plan can contribute to the EU’s efforts to demonstrate international leadership through example.
With the second week of the conference underway our mini series with a focus on COP26 continues.
For this episode Dr Neil Walker, Head of Infrastructure, Energy and Environment at Ibec meets with Steve Varley, EY Global Vice Chair for Sustainability. In this episode, recorded in the EY office in Glasgow, Neil and Steve look back on the first week of COP and speak about climate ambition and opportunity.
Welcome to Ibec Voices, a podcast series about the people and priorities behind Irish business and the global climate that shapes it.
In the third episode of our mini-series with a focus on COP26 we once again hear from Dr Neil Walker Head of Infrastructure, Energy and Environment at Ibec. This time Neil is joined by Steffen Engling, Adviser on EU Climate Policy at BusinessEurope.
In this, the first part of their discussion, they speak about the run up to COP26, contrasting the legally binding commitments made by the European Union with the more aspirational ones by developing countries.
Welcome to Ibec Voices, a podcast series about the people and priorities behind Irish business and the global climate that shapes it.
In this instalment of our mini-series with a focus on COP26 we pick up the discussion between Dr Neil Walker Head of Infrastructure, Energy and Environment at Ibec and Steffen Engling, Adviser on EU Climate Policy at BusinessEurope.
They discuss the US position at COP and Steffen gives his views on the prospects for a successful outcome to COP26 from a business perspective.
Welcome to Ibec Voices, a podcast series about the people and priorities behind Irish business and the global climate that shapes it.
Our mini-series with a focus on COP26 continues with the conclusion of the discussion between Dr Neil Walker Head of Infrastructure, Energy and Environment at Ibec and Steffen Engling, Adviser on EU Climate Policy at BusinessEurope.
They discuss some of the technical aspects of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and Steffen reflects on how the business community can make its voice heard during the negotiations between Parties, and what added value it can bring to the negotiations.
In our second episode of our mini series of Ibec Voices focusing on the proceedings at COP26, Dr Neil Walker, Head of Infrastructure, Energy and the Environment at Ibec, covers the opening statements from the assembled world leaders on the Conference's opening days. This includes analysis of the opening statements of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, President Joe Biden, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The topics covered include:
- The crucial role the private sector must play in unlocking investment to achieve our climate targets;
- The contrasting themes between developed and developing nations;
- The potential national implications of the ambitious climate agenda.
Stayed tuned for tomorrow's episode, in which Dr Neil Walker will comment on the notable absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping.
Welcome to the introductory episode of a series of mini Ibec Voices episodes focusing on the proceedings at COP26 over the next two weeks, with regular updates and insights provided by Dr Neil Walker, Head of Infrastructure, Energy and the Environment at Ibec.
The 26th annual Conference of the Parties, COP26, of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, is currently underway in Glasgow. The 12-day event, attended by world leaders from almost every country on the planet, is widely regarded as 'the last best chance to get runaway climate change under control'.
In this episode Dr Neil Walker will place the UN conference at the nexus of a major geopolitical issue, namely the need for more concerted action to stave off imminent environmental disaster. It also touches on the role of the EU as an honest broker, seeking to punch above its weight by inspiring through example. And finally it puts Ireland’s own performance as a member of the EU under the spotlight.
Stay tuned for upcoming podcasts live from COP26 in Glasgow, including the next episode where Dr Neil Walker will cover the opening statements from the assembled world leaders on the Conference opening day.
In this episode of Ibec Voices we look at the social enterprise sector in Ireland, with a particular focus on the measurement of impact. We explore the challenges businesses in this sector face, the supports available, and also examine the National Social Enterprise Policy 2019-2022.
Join our panel for a discussion on the importance of social enterprises in our communities, mainstreaming social enterprise entrepreneurship, and how Ibec is working to support inclusion in employment.
You will hear expert insights on these issues from:
- Laura Dennehy, Enactus Country Lead
- Faith Savage, Anytime of the Month
- Meadhbh Costello, Ibec Social Policy Executive
On this episode of Ibec Voices we discuss upcoming Hamilton Day celebrations and the fascinating story of William Rowan Hamilton, universally recognised as the greatest mathematician, and arguably the greatest scientist, that Ireland has produced to date.
Ibec is delighted to partner with the Royal Irish Academy once again on Hamilton Day, this year taking place on Friday 15th October, to promote the lasting legacy of an Irish man who made a seminal contribution to the world around us today.
The discussion answers questions such as:
- Who was William Rowan Hamilton and what is his contribution to our lives today?
- Why does Ibec partner with the Royal Irish Academy for Hamilton Day?
- What is the programme of events for this year’s Hamilton Day?
- What can be expected from the 2021 Hamilton Lecture ‘Glimpses into Hyperbolic geometry’ presented by Professor Caroline Series?
You will hear expert insights on William Rowan Hamilton and Hamilton Day 2021 from:
- Danny McCoy, CEO Ibec;
- Dr Mary Canning, Royal Irish Academy, President;
- Professor Caroline Series, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at the University of Warwick.
This episode of Work Talks features contributions from international thought leaders Tsedal Neeley, Harvard Business School and Noah Askin of INSEAD ahead of their keynote presentations at the Ibec HR Leadership Summit taking place on 21 October.
The Ibec HR Leadership Summit is well established as one of the most significant thought leadership events in the corporate calendar.
Tsedal and Noah join Maeve McElwee, Ibec Director of Employer Relations, to discuss the theme of this year’s Summit; The evolving workplace – achieving a sustainable balance.
The themes of organisation design and culture have never been more important as companies reconstruct their operations in a post pandemic environment. The demands for remote and flexible models of working have accelerated tenfold. The challenge for every leader is to design and create a culture and work environment that is sustainable, so that their organisations can thrive and succeed.
Enjoy the episode and book your place at the Ibec HR Leadership Summit now at www.hrleadership.ie
How can businesses support and promote women’s wellbeing and career development? This pivotal issue is the focus of the latest episode of the Work Talks podcast series, presented by broadcaster Kieran Cuddihy.
In particular, the discussion looks at question such as:
- How can we support and promote wellbeing in the workplace, particularly relating to issues like infertility, miscarriage and menopause?
- How do we support women who, in the majority of cases, have the main care giving responsibilities in their households?
- What more can business do to promote equality through Gender Pay Gap reporting and sufficient statutory leave entitlement?
You will hear expert insights on these issues from:
- Maeve McElwee, Director of Employer Relations, Ibec;
- Ronan Collier, Corporate Safety, Health and Welfare Coordinator, ESB;
- Loretta Dignam, Founder of the Menopause Hub.
In a special bonus episode, Ibec Voices brings you insights from a recent virtual event that Ibec held with The Honourable Martin J Walsh, United States Secretary of Labour.
In a wide-ranging conversation with Ibec CEO Danny McCoy, the episode explores President Joe Biden Administration’s labour priorities, the changing labour landscape in the US and the growing trend of collectivism in the US and its implications for businesses in Ireland, particularly those US multinationals that have a presence in Ireland.
Subscribe to Ibec Voices wherever you get your podcasts for the latest insights about the people and priorities behind Irish business and the global climate that impacts it. Get behind-the-scenes access to what's top of mind for Ireland's business leaders, thought leaders, and the people working hard to reboot and reimagine a better Ireland.
This episode of Ibec Voices will focus on the changing landscape for businesses in terms of their human rights obligations, both domestically and internationally.
This includes a discussion between Jim Clarken, CEO, Oxfam Ireland, and Kara McGann, Head of Social Policy, Ibec, on how the dynamic between the private sector and NGOs is evolving.
This conversation, moderated by Siobhan Masterson, Head of Corporate Affairs, Ibec, reflects on how the private sector is increasingly working with NGOs like Oxfam, who deliver a wide range of supports to businesses to help meet their human rights obligations.
We also hear from Caoimhe Buckley, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Fyffes, who shares her insights about the development and rollout of Fyffes’s comprehensive sustainability strategy.
Dispute resolution is topic relevant to every employer in Ireland, and is the focus of this episode of Work Talks. It will explore questions such as:
- How can employers maintain positive employment relationships in workplace?
- What are the effective conflict resolution mechanisms that companies use?
- Are we becoming more litigious as a society and how can we avoid this?
Tune in now to hear expert insights on the crucial issues from; Maeve McElwee, Director of Employer Relations, Ibec; Dr Desmond Ryan, Barrister-at-Law, who specialises in Employment Law; and Liam Kelly, Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission. The episode is presented by broadcaster Kieran Cuddihy.
In this episode of Ibec Voices, we are focusing on the topic of sustainable finance. It will delve in to the following questions:
- What is sustainable finance?
- Why has it risen so high on the priority list of business leaders?
- What does it mean, in practical terms, for businesses large and small?
You will hear expert insights on these issues from two business leaders who are heavily involved in the area; Alan Duffy, CEO and Head of Banking, HSBC Ireland, and Fiona Gallagher, CEO, Wells Fargo Bank International.
Tune in and subscribe to Ibec Voices today, wherever you get your podcasts.
This episode offers insights on the upcoming climate action and low carbon legislation and the action plan that is going to support Ireland’s transition to net zero and achieve a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050.
Our guests on this episode of Ibec Voices are CEO of Ibec Danny McCoy and Marie Donnelly, the Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council. The Council is the body the Government has appointed to develop the policies to meet the major regulatory changes set out of the Climate Action Bill which is likely to become legislation in July. Marie Donnelly is also a former Director General of the European Commission with responsibility for Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Innovation.
This conversation looks at what this legislation means for the private sector and how practically it is going to be operated and implemented.
This episode is compulsory listening for anyone who needs to understand the significant and wide-ranging implications of this legislation.
Why is Diversity and Inclusion so important in workplaces and what role does it play in addressing societal issues?
Join our panel for a discussion on the importance of a diverse workplace culture as a key driver of workplace satisfaction, performance, and engagement.
- Maeve McElwee, Director of Employer Relations, Ibec;
- Oisín Ó’Gógáin, HR Director, Aon Ireland & Nordic Region;
- Fiona Mullan, Chief People Officer, Ding
With the lifting of Covid-related restrictions comes a renewed focus on the future of work and the workplace. How and where we will work in a post-Covid world is an issue that is currently top of mind for many employers and employees alike, and it is the topic of discussion in this episode of Ibec Voices.
Our guests are:
· Professor Alma McCarthy, Head of the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics and Professor of Public Sector Management at the National University of Ireland, Galway.
· Audrey O’Mahony , Managing Director for Talent & Organisation, Financial Services for Accenture in Ireland.
And the conversation is chaired by Director of Employer Relations at Ibec, Maeve McElwee.
The discussion covers:
· Managing hybrid workplaces
· Multigenerational workplaces
· The right to disconnect
· Performance management
· Expectations and challenges about the return to office
· Upskilling senior leaders and people managers to thrive in the workplace of tomorrow.
This episode of Ibec Voices focuses on insights from thought leader Paul Polman, a former CEO of Unilever who went on to co-found Imagine, a social venture aimed at accelerating business leadership to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Paul addressed the 2021 Ibec Business Leaders Conference where he spoke about reimagining business models, a sustainable, inclusive economic recovery from the Covid crisis and the unique opportunity for business to lead on this agenda.
He believes that while business leadership has a lot to do to address the many challenges that the world now faces, we have never been better equipped with so many tools to address these challenges and achieve great things.
Ireland’s government has a very important decision to make. CETA, a trade agreement between Canada and the EU, is currently awaiting ratification from the Oireachtas, and the clock is ticking. Many other EU member States have signed the deal, and the longer Ireland waits, the more negative the consequences.
Multilateralism has never been more important for the Irish economy and business model, particularly as the country faces the twin threats of Brexit and Covid. In this episode of Ibec Voices, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy outlines the significant economic and societal benefits that trade deals, such as CETA, can deliver; and he makes a strong case for why the Irish Government must ratify this deal as soon as possible.
We also hear from John Riordan, Director of Customer Support and Chair of the Board at e-commerce platform Shopify International, a Canadian-based multinational with a substantial presence in Ireland. John outlines the Shopify story in Ireland, the unique business and cultural links between Ireland and Canada, and how CETA has been advancing the cause of connected business between Ireland and Canada since 2017. He also explains the importance of sustainability to Shopify’s current and future business strategy.
Tesco is Ireland’s largest private sector employer, with 13,000 employees across the country. Kari Daniels has led the company since September 2018. However, as most CEOs will attest, the style of leadership required for the role has evolved rapidly in recent months.
In this episode of Ibec Voices, Kari Daniels talks to Ibec’s Siobhan Masterson about leading Ireland’s largest private sector employer through a pandemic, balancing the twin roles of CEO and Mother to 13 and 11 year old boys, and Tesco Ireland’s future.
We also hear from Arnold Dillon, Director of Retail Ireland, about the retail sector’s current challenges, priorities, and asks of government.
Covid strategies have two phases - the suppression and the release.
In the context of where Ireland and much of the northern hemisphere finds itself ten months into this pandemic, this episode of Ibec Voices examines Ireland’s strategy to date in its fight against Covid-19. Ireland’s National Covid Strategy proposes release through national levels 5 to 1 on activities and sectoral reopenings. The Zero Covid strategy is more zonal in release, advocating for reopening by areas that are green zones in conjunction with a robust test track and trace system.
We take a look at an alternative strategy to crush the virus and restore greater social and economic activity while we await mass vaccination programmes to take effect.
Our guest is Yaneer Bar-Yam, President of the New England Systems Institute. Yaneer’s work has concerned itself with global pandemics for over 15 years including contributing to the response protocols which successfully stopped the outbreak of Ebola in Africa in 2014.
Yaneer is an MIT-trained physicist and complexity scientist and he has been following Ireland’s experience with the Covid pandemic and the response by Government and its stakeholders. He is also Founder of the endcoronavirus.org network.
As a country, as a society, as an economy, we’ve always risen to a challenge. The devastation COVID-19 has dealt the world will test Ireland in a way we have never experienced before.
Meeting this challenge will take big ideas, brave thinking and a bold approach – all of which Ibec has brought to bear in our campaign for Budget 2021.
In this episode of Ibec Voices, Ibec’s Fergal O’Brien and Gerard Brady outline the campaign’s key calls to action.
We also hear from Colin Hunt, CEO of AIB and Chair of Ibec’s Economics and Taxation Policy Committee, on the current economic landscape, the future of work and why sustainability and business success can go hand-in-hand.
Ireland’s Hospitality industry has evolved at an incredible pace in recent years. Traditionally associated with pubs, restaurants, and hotels, the sector has widened its reach rapidly and now includes new, valuable drivers including festivals, activity-based tourism, cultural and food experiences, and much more.
This evolution has turned hospitality into a critical cog in the Irish economy, representing over €4bn in spend, and accounting for one fifth of all private sector employment. It has also become far more interconnected with other sectors than before, creating a complex ecosystem involving industries including Technology, Agrifood and the Sharing Economy.
In this episode of Ibec Voices, Siobhan Masterson of Ibec puts forward the case for an entire rebrand of the Irish hospitality sector, to acknowledge its recent transformation and repositioning within the overall economy. In this context, the Hospitality Industry will become ‘ The Experience Economy’.
Also, Siobhan Talbot, CEO of Glanbia, joins Ibec CEO Danny McCoy for a conversation about the global growth of Glanbia, food’s new position on the value chain, and the interconnectivity of AgriFood and Hospitality.
Ibec Voices is hosted by Patrick Haughey of AudioBrand
The recent July Stimulus package was the largest in the history of the State and is an important step in rebooting the economy. Our attention must now be on safely bringing people and vibrancy back into commercial districts, offices, towns and cities.
In this episode of Ibec Voices, Siobhan Masterson speaks with Frank Gleeson, President and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe, about the reopening of the Irish economy. A global provider of food through brands like Avoca and facilities and property management, Aramark operates ‘wherever people work, rest and play’. In his role in Aramark, Frank Gleeson has a clear view of how important returning to work is to preserve the ecosystems that are central to economic revival.
Also, Sharon Higgins, Director of Members Services at Ibec, talks about examples of creative pivots, accelerated digital transformation, community action and some of the positive leadership and action by businesses that we have seen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the lifeblood of the Irish economy. They are the engine of employment and development across the country, forming part of the fabric of every community. But, as the sector most heavily impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown, many SMEs are facing a very uncertain future.
In this episode of Ibec Voices, we make the case for dramatic intervention by government to save these businesses. Ger Brady, Chief Economist at Ibec, drills into the economics at play, analyses how other countries are supporting their SME sectors, and puts forward a number of specific actions that must be taken by government as soon as possible in order to avoid the mass closure of small and medium enterprises.
Jonathan Hackett, CEO of Botany Weaving, tells Siobhan Masterson the fascinating story of turning his family owned company from a small clothing manufacturer into an international player, supplying fabrics to some of the world’s biggest airlines. He describes the impact of COVID-19 on his company, and how the generous supports that other governments are giving their own SME sectors, are putting Botany Weaving at a competitive disadvantage.
Finally, Rebecca Harrison of Fishers of Newtownmountkennedy and Geraldine Magnier of Idiro Analytics describe how they are reopening their doors, government supports to date and those required going forward, and the incredible resilience of entrepreneurs.
“Do whatever it takes to fix our economy, we must bring all the artillery to play” – In this episode of Ibec Voices, Fergal O’Brien and Siobhan Masterson of Ibec outline a €15bn “plan of scale” to reboot and reimagine the Irish economy.
Andrew Lowe, co-founder of Element Pictures, talks about the business of Cannes Film Festival, making Normal People and the show’s role in showcasing Irish culture, and the post-COVID-19 world of film and TV production.
And Noel Keeley, CEO of Musgrave Group (SuperValu, Centra, MarketPlace, La Rousse Foods), describes the company’s strategy during COVID-19, the importance of developing a digital offering as part of the overall customer experience (CX), and effective leadership at a time of crisis.
Right now, millions of working couples now find themselves juggling their two careers, their relationship, and for some their kids too, under one roof 24/7. In this episode of Ibec on Covid-19 we are joined by Jennifer Petriglieri, Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour at INSEAD and author of ‘Couples that Work: How Dual-Career Couples can Thrive in Love and Work’.
Jennifer has just launched a free online video series ‘Couples that Work @ Home: The Survival Series’, designed to help working couples to survive and thrive in this challenging situation. In this episode, Jennifer gives clear and practical advice to these couples and also their employers about how to successfully manage the situation. We highly recommend watching Jennifer’s video series after listening – www.jpetriglieri.com
Covid-19 is having a significant impact on liquidity in the economy. In this episode of Ibec on Covid-19, Fergal O’Brien, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Ibec, outlines how the government can support business at this time and ensure a faster economic recovery. Topics covered:
The cashflow and liquidity issues facing businesses today;
Why Ireland is falling behind internationally in the provision of liquidity supports;
Freezing rates, zero interest loans, cash injections, and other clear, ambitious solutions;
The cost of implementing this plan – and the cost of not doing it.
Dr Kara McGann, Head of Social Policy at Ibec, outlines the steps employees and employers can take to protect their mental health and wellbeing at a time of crisis. We cover:
The most common causes of stress and concern;
The impact of ‘fake news’ on social media;
Filtering out the bad news and letting in the good;
The most powerful ways you can communicate with employees;
Appreciating the emerging spirit of resilience, camaraderie and care in our communities.
Dr Kara McGann, Head of Social Policy at Ibec, has advice for employers and employees trying to balance working from home with caring for family members. We cover:
The different kinds of personal circumstances that employees may be trying to cope with alongside working from home;
How employers can find out who may need extra support;
Creative and effective ways to facilitate employees who have caring duties, while also being fair to those who don’t;
Powerful ways to communicate with your workforce.
Maeve McElwee, Director of Employer Relations at Ibec, on the recently-announced government support package and what it means for employers and their employees. Maeve also talks about:
Why it is so important to stay connected with staff;
Why agility and flexibility are now more valuable than ever before;
Remote work - we’ve replicated the meeting room, now it’s time to replicate the water cooler;
Why it is important to keep planning even in uncertain times.
Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec, on the need to move quickly but carefully right now.
Topics covered:
Why 2008 was a very different crisis;
The danger of narrowing global supply chains in favour of self-sufficiency;
Why this crisis has made Ibec’s idea of a new ‘social dialogue’ even more important;
What we need to do today to make tomorrow’s bill more affordable;
The challenges of choosing which businesses are ‘essential’ and which are not;
Why those who don’t need to be out on the streets need to be off the streets.
Siobhan Masterson and Fergal O’Brien of Ibec on the next steps required to reduce the crisis of the Covid-19 shock and to ensure as much business continuity as possible. Other points covered include:
How other governments have reacted to the crisis – and what Ireland can learn from them;
What percentage of of worker’s salaries must the government cover?
How to keep money flowing through companies in a crisis like this;
The need for ambition and big thinking;
Protecting self-employed income.
Irish Times columnist and author Fintan O’Toole joins Ibec CEO Danny McCoy for a wide-ranging discussion and analysis of Ireland’s business, societal and political landscape in the aftermath of the ground-breaking General Election 2020. With the composition of the next Government still unclear, they discuss the approaches that may be needed to deliver on the expectations of the electorate including calls for a new social dialogue and a Commission on Taxation.
Maeve McElwee, Director of Employer Relations at Ibec and Michael Doherty, Professor of Law, Maynooth University on parental leave, retirement age, the ‘right to disconnect’, and other challenges facing business in the new world of work. Also, Margaret Cox of the ICE Group on introducing a four-day week, and John Keaney of Siro on why a fibre network will transform Ireland. Topics covered include: The impact on businesses and employees ofdigitalisation, automation, and AI; Concerns about recent government approach to labour market legislation; Navigating new rules around parental leave, retirement age and the ‘right to disconnect’; Encouraging more dialogue between employers and employees.
Gary McGann, Chair at Flutter plc and Sharon Higgins, Director of Member Services at Ibec discuss business regulation in Ireland and the need for reform. Also, Oliver Loomes of Diageo Ireland has four messages for the next government; and Tony Neary of Medtronic Ireland on Medtech, talent, and helping Galway to grow. Topics covered include: The impact of two-tier regulation (EU and Domestic) on Irish business; Why short-term politics is bad for long-term success; A call for the government to back the rollout of 5G; Why regulators and business need to work more closely to achieve better outcomes.
Lorna FitzPatrick, President, Union of Students in Ireland; Jim Miley, Director General, Irish Universities Association; and Claire McGee, Head of Education and Innovation Policy at Ibec, discuss their vision for an education system that will underpin Ireland’s future success. Also, Alastair Blair, Country Managing Director for Accenture Ireland, on putting a love of learning ahead of the ‘arms race’ for points. Topics covered include: Universities are like small cities – let’s fund them accordingly; Striking the balance between accountability and reform in Universities ; How we can spark a love of lifelong learning; Creating a more agile approach to the delivery of education.
Kieran McCorry, Microsoft Ireland; Liz McCarthy, Scale Ireland; and Erik O’Donovan, Ibec on why Ireland needs a Minister for Digital Affairs to capitalise on opportunities in AI, Cloud technology, and Cyber Security. Also, Sean Moran of Sanmina on how his son became the world’s youngest ever Mac app developer at the age of 12. Topics covered include: How Ireland can become an world leader in digital development; Why business and government are failing to grasp the big AI opportunity; The global threats to Ireland’s digital rankings; How a 12 yr old boy from Cork became the world’s youngest Mac App developer – and why CoderDojo was central his success.
Oisin Coghlan, Friends of the Earth; Marian Troy, SSE; and Conor Minogue, Ibec, on climate change as an election issue and the future of Ireland’s energy. Also, Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Chief Sustainability Officer Christopher Wellise on why sustainability is great for the bottom line.
Topics covered include: Is climate change really such a big issue on the doorsteps?Why Ireland has fallen so short of its climate change commitments; How planning and funding need to support renewable energy infrastructure; Why investment capital follows sustainability; Is the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment short-staffed?
Maureen Walsh of DeCare Dental, Ibec’s Fergal O’Brien, and Cliff Taylor of the Irish Times on why Ireland urgently needs a visionary regional development plan. Also, Catherine Duffy, MD of Northern Trust, on scaling the company to 1400 staff in Limerick. Topics covered: successfully scaling business outside of Dublin; how regional development will boost quality of life both outside and inside the capital; the connectivity needed to support an all-island population of 10m in 2050; why Universities outside of Dublin must get more funding; and balancing planning law with the need for regional development.
At a time of significant external risks to the economy such as global tax reform, Brexit and de-globalisation, how can the next government spend €11 billion wisely? In this episode, Ibec’s Chief Economist Ger Brady is joined by Chief Economist at the IIEA Dan O’Brien and Assistant News Editor at The Irish Times Mary Minihan to discuss this question, along with Ibec’s call for a Commission for Taxation and how the next Government can support the growth of indigenous business. We also hear from Ibec President and Chief Executive Officer of Dalata Hotel Group Pat McCann on his asks from the next government.
Quality national infrastructure is fundamental to national prosperity and well-being. In this episode, Ibec’s Head of Infrastructure Policy Neil Walker is joined by economist Colm McCarthy, and Strategic Planning and Advisory Director at AECOM Derval Cummins, to discuss the way forward for transport infrastructure, planning and securing our water supply. We also hear from Carolan Lennon, CEO of eir.
Child and elder care are key General Election 2020 issues for the workforce, business and society. In this episode, Ibec Head of Social Policy Kara McGann sets out the challenges for all stakeholders. She is joined by Vodafone Ireland CEO Anne O’Leary and designer and broadcaster Brendan Courtney, who share their perspectives on the way forward for child and elder care.
Ibec CEO Danny McCoy and the ICTU General Secretary Patricia King discuss the possibility of developing a new social dialogue after the 2020 General Election. We also feature an interview with Dalton Philips, Chief Executive of the daa, covering connectivity, investment and planning reform.