Ibec Podcasts

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, exami...

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 , th...

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 exami...

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...

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 universitie...

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 Service...

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 Ibe...

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 struc...

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 Emp...

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, Chief Economist at Ibec, discusses key findings from our 20...

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 Ec...

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 rela...

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&...

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 emplo...

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 . ...

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.  Learn more about our Experience Economy campaign here . Thank you...

Talent Intelligence is the tool that is empowering HR and Business leaders to make more informed strategic decisions on their workforce planning and talent management.  Irelands economy has performed remarkably well, despite the challenges we have faced over the last few years. This has positively impacted our lives, leading to new career and development opportunities and more flexible work practi...

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 Quinliv...

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 eng...

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...

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 pr...

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 Iris...

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 ec...

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 enterin...