Ibec Podcasts

This week, Ibec International Focus was launched by our team in Brussels. For EU policymakers and Ibec members, this tri-annual publication offers insight-led positioning on EU and international policy from a cross-sectoral Irish business perspective. Ibec International Focus includes insights and analysis from across the organisation in Ibec’s policy division, and from sectoral associations.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Alan Sherlock, External Affairs manager at Ibec is joined by Neil Willoughby, Head of International and EU Policy at Ibec, and Róisín de Bhaldraithe, Senior EU Policy Executive at Ibec, to discuss the launch of Ibec International Focus.

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, Executive Director, Employer Relations and Fiona Higgins, Head of Advocacy Services, explore the findings of our latest Talent, Trends, and Pay Survey examining wage expectations for 2027, impacts of the newly introduced pension auto-enrolment legislation, pay transparency preparations, and other effects of new and existing policy and permissions on business.
This year’s findings reflect a landscape of stabilisation and resilient employment. Against a steady economic background, headcount projections are levelling out. Meanwhile, where headcount reductions are expected, the severity of these contractions has softened significantly. This suggests that while recruitment is becoming more targeted, retention remains a core priority for organisations seeking to preserve stability. Additionally, a significant area of focus this year is the shifting landscape of occupational pensions, driven by the introduction of pension auto-enrolment, and preparation for Pay Transparency.   

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 2027 reflects the country’s broader economic and social intent, displaying a strong commitment to meeting the challenges of our workforce transition head-on.
In this episode of Ibec Responds, Gerard Brady, Chief Economist, Hazel Ahern-Flynn, Senior Economist, and Mourad Mejdi, Economist give their reaction and analysis of Budget 2027. They discuss key measures including the unlocking of €360 million from the National Training Fund, the expansion of R&D tax credit criteria and outsourcing limits, and the capital gains tax rate cut from 33% to 31%.

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In this episode of Ibec Responds, Neil Willoughby speaks with Bobby McDonagh, former senior Irish diplomat including as Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the EU and prominent commentator on Anglo-Irish and European affairs.
Bobby joined the Irish diplomatic service in 1977, building a distinguished career as Permanent Representative to the EU, Ambassador to the UK and Italy, and Director General of Foreign Affairs’ EU division. Having also served in the European Parliament Secretariat and two Commissioner cabinets, he offers expert insights into Ireland’s EU Presidency and the future of Europe.

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, Alan Sherlock, External Affairs Manager at Ibec, speaks with incoming Ibec President, Maureen Walsh. As Managing Director of DeCare Dental Ireland, Maureen takes on this prestigious role representing the largest business representative group. 
This conversation takes place just before she addresses over 800 enterprise leaders, policymakers, and guests at the Ibec President’s Dinner. 

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.