Ibec Podcasts

With the global economy entering a period of uncertainty, it is clear that the economic model Ireland had relied on for the past 50 years is under significant strain. However, while the immediacy of current global challenges is undeniable, we must not lose sight of the opportunities ahead.

As we look forward to Budget 2026, we must now commit to investing in our agility and prioritising the tools which make Ireland a place which can innovate, adopt new technology, deliver infrastructure, upskill our workforce and regulate proportionately.

In this episode of Ibec Responds, Gerard Brady, Chief Economist, is joined by Hazel Ahern-Flynn, Senior Economist, and Mourad Mejdi, Economist, to explore Our budget ambition – Matching vigilance with agility.

Find out more about Our budget 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.

In this episode of KC Connect, Sophie Crosbie and Mairead Crosby, Ibec Regional Directors for the South and South East, discuss how business is managing change in the workplace and exploring emerging trends.

They examine how organisations are dealing with the increased pace of change due to productivity improvements driven by automation, digitalisation & AI, changes to working patterns, cost pressures to stay competitive, talent shortages and increased regulatory requirements.

Changes to working patterns are being driven by both increases in statutory leave entitlement and demand for flexible and remote working from employees.  That in turn is driving training needs as roles changes and individuals move into different roles.  

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 advance of the publication of the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, Ibec has activated 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 Erik O’Donovan, Head of Digital Economy Policy, and Áine Clarke, Digital and AI Affairs Executive, to discuss the last of our campaign themes, 'Our digital 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.

In this episode, Keevagh Heverin, Mid West Regional Director, and Emily Maverley, Senior Employer Relations Executive, discuss employer obligations under the Payment of Wages (Amendment) (Tips and Gratuities) Act 2022 and a recent case taken under this 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.

In advance of the publication of the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, Ibec has activated '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 Conor Minogue, Senior Executive for Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Policy. Together, they explore the latest of our campaign themes, Our energy 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 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 Health
• Read more about the impact of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs

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 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/OurBusinessAmbition

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.