Ibec Podcasts

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 the Ibec 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.