Ibec Podcasts

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 AccelerationBridging the Capital and Scaling GapsUnlocking Talent and Skills InfrastructureThank 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 TalentDriving Growth, Innovation, and AI PreparednessNavigating the Energy & Inflation ShockThank 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/budget2026Thank 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 SolutionsThank 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.