Wholesale energy prices have fallen, yet many Irish homes and businesses are still facing stubbornly high electricity bills. So what's really going on?

In this episode of The D-Brief, Deloitte Ireland's Chief Economist Kate English is joined by Economist Katherine Doyle to explore the hidden forces behind Ireland's energy costs, from global gas markets and grid investment to offshore wind, data centres and the weather itself. It's a story that affects every household, every business and the future competitiveness of the Irish economy.

If you've ever looked at your energy bills and wondered 'why am I still paying so much?' this episode has the answers.

AI is dominating the conversation about the future of work, but is it really the biggest force reshaping today's labour market? Deloitte Ireland's Chief Economist Kate English and Economist Katherine Doyle examine the latest evidence from Ireland and around the world, exploring why employment growth is slowing, why graduates are finding it harder to secure work and how factors such as remote working and demographics are also influencing hiring. Looking beyond the headlines, they discuss what the data tells us and the skills that will matter most in an AI-powered economy.

Chief Economist Kate English and Economist Katherine Doyle discuss the forces redrawing the business landscape and the signals leaders should be watching for.

What's covered in today's episode?

The global economy is holding up, but the pressure points are building. This episode of The D-Brief discusses the indications of a more uncertain outlook for 2026, shaped by energy market disruption, persistent inflation risks and shifting expectations for interest rates.

The economists explores why global growth is still tracking at just over 3%, yet feels increasingly fragile, with diverging regional performance and renewed volatility driven by geopolitical tensions and commodity pricing. Closer to home, the conversation turns to Ireland's exposure to energy imports, the implications for inflation, and how scenario forecasting is becoming essential in a less predictable environment.

This episode also looks beyond the immediate cycle. From AI investment and the risk of market repricing, to changing labour market dynamics and the slowdown in employment growth, the discussion focuses on what these shifts mean in practice for businesses operating in Ireland today.

Hosted by the Economic Insights Team at Deloitte Ireland

Stay informed. Stay curious.

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