Ibec Voices

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 HealthRead more about the impact of the Irish Life GAA Healthy ClubsThank 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/OurBusinessAmbitionThank 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.

Everyday, 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 socio-linguistics 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.

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.

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.

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. We explore the legal standards applied in each case, draw comparisons between the employers' responses, and examine the crucial role of grievance procedures. The 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.