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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:10:20 GMT</pubDate><image>    <url>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/IBEC.nsf/images/IBEC_Logo.gif</url>    <link>http://www.ibec.ie</link></image>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Business input to EU-U.S. high level group to deepen trade relations</title>
<description ><![CDATA[At the EU-US summit in Washington, the EU and US announced the creation of a reflection group led by the USTR and the EU Trade Commissioner to examine possibilities for a future trade agreement.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/1DD19B178B61B1C780257899005416C5</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Trade_and_international_relations~Key_issues~eu-and-u.s.-commit-to-initiatives-to-facilitate-trade-and-investments-20-02-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >EU and U.S. commit to initiatives to facilitate trade and investments</title>
<description ><![CDATA[On 23 June 2011, the EU and US signed a Joint Statement on Supply Chain Security which acknowledged that they face similar challenges and must be vigilant over abuse of the supply chain.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/92C571556D6CCDB88025798B003E207C</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Trade_and_international_relations~Key_issues~eu-negotiating-mandate-on-investment-protection-in-bilateral-negotiations-with-canada,-india-and-singapore-20-02-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >EU negotiating mandate on investment protection in bilateral negotiations with Canada, India and Singapore</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The European Council Trade Policy Committee decided on 12 Sept 2011 to grant a negotiating mandate to the European Commission on investment in bilateral negotiations with Canada, India and Singapore.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/702215C1FD9FEC0A802579250057D754</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Trade_and_international_relations~Key_issues~safety-and-security-controls-at-export-20-02-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Safety and security controls at export</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The EU Common Risk Rules involving safety and security checks on export declarations are expected to be going &#8220;live&#8221; during 2012.
]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB)</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The European Commission has recommenced its work in bringing forward a proposal for a CCCTB.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/D0709AC21E7DA4D2802577E0005C01F7</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Economics_and_taxation~Key_issues~eu-imf-loan-facility-23-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >EU/IMF loan facility</title>
<description ><![CDATA[IBEC met the EU-IMF delegation during the recent quarterly review to discuss how the business sector views the implementation of the programme and the economic outlook.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/90A45AEADBA0D746802577E3005E432B</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Economics_and_taxation~Key_issues~ireland's-international-reputation-23-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Ireland's international reputation</title>
<description ><![CDATA[IBEC has produced briefing notes and an accompanying PowerPoint for members' consumption, setting out the substantial progress that Ireland has achieved in addressing its economic difficulties.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/6F2F2FB3E2F1965D8025795E003FC841</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Economics_and_taxation~Key_issues~irish-business-beyond-the-recession-23-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Irish business beyond the recession</title>
<description ><![CDATA[This IBEC and PwC report this report presents the findings of a major survey of Irish businesses examining their expectations for turnover, employment and investment in the period out to 2016.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/2B0021CBDE5BD5DE802578C4003CBA8C</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Economics_and_taxation~Key_issues~measures-to-support-domestic-demand-23-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Measures to support domestic demand</title>
<description ><![CDATA[IBEC is seeking to explore a range of policy options which may help in restoring consumer confidence and ultimately boost domestic demand.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/50822E60FCDAC7D38025790A002CE86B</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Economics_and_taxation~Key_issues~pre-budget-submission-2012-23-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Pre-Budget submission 2012</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Scale of Budget 2012 was about right but relied too heavily on raising taxes. Expenditure decisions offered little policy innovation, but taxation measures contained a number of useful initiatives.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/0BDD462E671300FF8025798E00518A4E</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Social_affairs~Key_issues~registration-of-lobbyists-23-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Registration of Lobbyists</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Government is calling for submissions on the statutory registration and regulation of lobbyists with submissions due by February 29 2012.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/9D5BCFA0611146968025798B0057260C</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Energy~Key_Issues~business-concerns-on-draft-eu-energy-efficiency-directive-20-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Business Concerns on Draft EU Energy Efficiency Directive</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Business Concerns on Draft EU Energy Efficiency Directive]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/ED56FF6A1AC6FCC68025798B005458A1</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Energy~Key_Issues~early-action-needed-on-the-north-south-electricity-interconnector-20-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Early action needed on the North-South Electricity Interconnector</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Early action needed on the North-South Electricity Interconnector]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/8C4464B27E646CED8025798B002BC858</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Employment_issues~Key_issues~industrial-relations-(amendment)-(no-3)-bill-2011-20-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Industrial Relations (Amendment) (No 3) Bill 2011</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Industrial Relations (Amendment) (No 3) Bill 2011 was published by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on 22 December 2011.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/CC0AF4DC19ACC8CD802577A800507E5A</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Public_sector~Key_issues~launch-of-new-vfm-code-20-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Launch of new VFM code</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Department of Public Expenditure & Reform has launched a new value-for-money (VFM) code to ensure that all areas of spending are subject to rigorous scrutiny.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/1E8FF63E468208508025798B002C4D23</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Employment_issues~Key_issues~protection-of-employees-(temporary-agency-work)-bill-2011-20-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Bill 2011</title>
<description ><![CDATA[This Bill published on 16 December 2011 provides that agency workers should receive equal treatment with comparable directly recruited employees of the hirer company in which they are assigned.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/BD11806CE44C40AA8025798B002C1F33</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Employment_issues~Key_issues~reduction-in-the-redundancy-rebate-20-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Reduction in the redundancy rebate</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Social Welfare Act 2011 was enacted on 19 December 2011 and reduced the redundancy rebate paid to employers from the Social Insurance Fund from 60% to 15%.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/30B2A2B84BCD40948025798B002C9B57</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Employment_issues~Key_issues~reform-of-the-employment-rights-and-industrial-relations-structures-and-procedures-20-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Reform of the Employment Rights and Industrial Relations structures and procedures</title>
<description ><![CDATA[IBEC continues to work with the Department on the planned structural and procedural reforms of the existing employment rights institutions.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/9074E47D49684F1D8025798B00307877</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Social_affairs~Key_issues~responding-to-suicide-in-the-workplace-20-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Responding to suicide in the workplace</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Over 500 people die by suicide every year and there are few communities or workplaces that have not been affected. A guide for employers on responding to suicide will be launched on January 31st.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/BE27BDE254CB4DDE8025798B0056006A</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Energy~Key_Issues~review-of-the-un-climate-change-conference-in-durban-20-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Review of the UN Climate Change Conference in Durban</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Review of the UN Climate Change Conference in Durban]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/5786D5096FF470AF80257847005234FF</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Enterprise,_science_and_technology~Key_issues~randd-tax-credit-scheme-and-budget-2012-20-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >R&amp;D tax credit scheme &amp; Budget 2012</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The R&D tax credit scheme has proved highly effective in increasing business investment in R&D in Ireland since its introduction in 2004. Budget 2012 contains a number of improvements to the scheme.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/FB37E7ADFC61662180257823002FDAF0</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Environment~Key_issues~towards-a-new-national-waste-policy-20-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Towards a New National Waste Policy</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Development of a new National Waste Policy is underway. IBEC recently responded to a consultation on a discussion document on the issue released by the Department of the Environment.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/C0A6A3484C24BBE08025798A004590A2</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Transport~Key_issues~department-of-transport,-tourism-and-sport---legislative-programme-2012-19-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport - Legislative Programme 2012</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport - Legislative Programme 2012]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/6A46495DF311BBED8025798A0053C641</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Transport~Key_issues~government's-road-safety-strategy-delivers-50-reduction-in-road-deaths-19-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Government's Road Safety Strategy delivers 50% reduction in road deaths</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Government's Road Safety Strategy delivers 50% reduction in road deaths]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/F6403B1CE8B96E098025798A0069BCCF</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Social_affairs~Key_issues~mental-health-in-the-workplace-19-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Mental health in the workplace</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Mental ill-health is a societal problem which may affect one in four of us at some point in our lives. Employers need to take a proactive approach to the prevention and management of mental health.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/4950BBD4CCE392B68025798A003D28B6</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Transport~Key_issues~three-major-national-road-schemes-to-commence-construction-in-2012-19-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Three major national road schemes to commence construction in 2012</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Department of Transport states three major road projects to commence construction in 2012.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/A65A307C27EF80B78025798B004E89C8</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Environment~Key_issues~epa-sectoral-enforcement-2012-18-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >EPA Sectoral Enforcement 2012</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The EPA is to prioritise enforcement on specific areas for each of the sectors from 2012 onwards. This is part of a move towards &#8216;outcome based enforcement&#8217; - an extension of the risk-based approach.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/CE0C29B6495167988025798A0036F327</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Environment~Key_issues~framework-for-sustainable-development-18-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Framework for Sustainable Development</title>
<description ><![CDATA[A draft Framework for Sustainable Development for Ireland has been released by Government for public consultation until 29th February.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/55C7D9694952A46C8025791A003E5CC0</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Occupational_Health_and_Safety~Key_Issues~proposed-directive---musculoskeletal-disorders-18-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Proposed Directive &#8211; Musculoskeletal Disorders</title>
<description ><![CDATA[A recent report commissioned by the EU makes the likelihood of regulatory intervention with regards to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) highly likely.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/59DBFA21DC87732D8025798B00595D24</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Environment~Key_issues~waste-electronic-and-electrical-equipment-(weee)-revision-agreed-18-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) revision agreed</title>
<description ><![CDATA[A compromise deal revising the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Directive was agreed between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission in late December 2011.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/4B8F6BEB341B7C0E80257980004C5FF3</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/European_affairs~Key_issues~danish-presidency-11-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Danish Presidency</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Denmark took over the EU Presidency from Poland on 1 January 2012.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/F3522B9CE6ADA7F080257982003BE2B3</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/European_affairs~Key_issues~european-year-of-active-ageing-and-solidarity-between-generations-(eyaa)-11-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (EYAA)</title>
<description ><![CDATA[2012 is the European year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (EYAA).]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/448963E090B010D38025790900743563</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Education_and_training~Key_issues~ibec-response-to-plans-for-new-further-education-and-training-body-11-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >IBEC response to plans for new further education and training body</title>
<description ><![CDATA[IBEC has responded to plans for a new agency to manage and fund further education and training. Solas is a result of the merger of the Vocational Education Committees and FÁS.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/F1845297CB6D1C128025798B002E7450</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Social_affairs~Key_issues~women-and-politics-06-01-2012?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Women and politics</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Minister of State with responsibility for Equality, Ms. Kathleen Lynch, T.D., will host a Conference entitled "How to Elect More Women?" on 20 January 2012 in Dublin Castle.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/9158CC15FAE0B7118025796D0037A6DB</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Research_and_surveys~Business_environment~business-sentiment-november-2011---pay-21-12-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Business Sentiment November 2011 - Pay</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Over three quarters of respondent companies (76%) expected, or had already implemented a pay freeze in 2011. Basic pay rates were expected to be slightly reduced in 2011, down by -0.2% on average.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/F81FC53B31D757EC8025796D0038882E</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Research_and_surveys~Business_environment~business-sentiment-november-2011---sentiment-21-12-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Business Sentiment November 2011 - Sentiment</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Managers&#8217; assessment of the overall business environment in Ireland fell sharply in Q4 2011 to -28 from -13 in the previous quarter. This is the most negative assessment since the end of 2010.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/CED487D80C496DC68025796C00417ED7</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Trade_and_international_relations~Key_issues~successful-conclusion-of-the-wto's-government-procurement-negotiation-20-12-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Successful conclusion of the WTO's government procurement negotiation</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The WTO's negotiations on government procurement concluded successfully on 15 Dec 2011 after the parties of the GPA agreed an updated set of tender rules and additional market access commitments.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Temporary Agency Workers</title>
<description ><![CDATA[A proposal has been made to introduce Irish legislation transposing the Temporary Agency Work Directive retrospectively to 5 December 2011, the date by which the Directive was due to be transposed.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Work restrictions on Bulgarian and Romanian nationals to be maintained</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Government announced on 16 December 2011 that the current restrictions on access to the Irish labour market by Bulgarian and Romanian nationals are to continue to operate until the end of 2013.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/FF043ECCFC6628E78025796B00520E89</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Trade_and_international_relations~Key_issues~wto-8th-ministerial-meeting-main-results-19-12-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >WTO 8th Ministerial meeting main results</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The WTO 8th Ministerial conference was held in Geneva on 15-17 Dec 2011. The two main decisions were the accession of Russia to the WTO and an unexpected deal on the Government Procurement Agreement.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Integrated transport ticketing introduced for Dublin</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Integrated transport ticketing introduced for Dublin]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/D02C0EC923D1DF0280257959003A0BDB</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Employment_issues~Key_issues~collapse-of-taw-negotiations-01-12-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Collapse of TAW negotiations</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Due to the refusal of ICTU to enter meaningful negotiations regarding a derogation period in the legislation transposing the TAW Directive, the legislation will apply from first day of assignment.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/7E45D6821EEA2F2C8025795E003949F4</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Environment~Key_issues~water-supply,-storage-and-disposal-01-12-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Water supply, storage and disposal</title>
<description ><![CDATA[IBEC appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment in November to discuss the topic of costs to consumers for water supply and disposal.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/C1A4A793579E1EE38025798B005C8558</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Public_sector~Key_issues~public-service-reform-programme-17-11-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Public service reform programme</title>
<description ><![CDATA[On 17 November 2011, the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Brendan Howlin TD published the results of the comprehensive spending review in the form of the Public Service Reform plan.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >European Commission work programme 2012</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Every year the European Commission presents its agenda for the year to come with its work programme]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/39E17359A1230D2F802579480057EFFF</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Economics_and_taxation~Key_issues~eu-financial-transaction-tax-14-11-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >EU Financial Transaction Tax</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The European Commission wants to introduce minimum tax rates and harmonise the taxation of financial transactions across the EU.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/D987E856A0855D1980257948005757AA</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/European_affairs~Key_issues~investing-in-the-eu's-infrastructure-14-11-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Investing in the EU's infrastructure</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The European Commission proposes &#8364;50 billion to invest in upgrading the EU's infrastructure.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/7DC66C22B2885D28802579480055A34D</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/European_affairs~Key_issues~reform-of-the-common-agricultural-policy-(cap)-14-11-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The European Commission has made its proposal for a complete review of the Common Agricultural Policy.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/F0BC31B9BD97191E802579480056BE0D</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/European_affairs~Key_issues~sustainable-enterprise-package-14-11-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Sustainable Enterprise Package</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The European Commission has published a package of measures around creating sustainable enterprises.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/09BD7EB1CAD5271E802577AC00591425</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Enterprise,_science_and_technology~Key_issues~intellectual-property-implementation-group-13-11-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Intellectual Property Implementation Group</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The objective of the IP Implementation Group is to ensure companies get appropriate access to IP from publicly-funded research by HEIs and ultimately can commercialise that research.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/03C073DAFD5B7F0A80257947004983CA</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Enterprise,_science_and_technology~Key_issues~international-content-services-centre-13-11-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >International Content Services Centre</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Goverment is undertaking a feasibility assessment to examine how an International Content Services Centre could be developed to make Ireland a world leader in managing intellectual property.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/C751EF041F6776B7802579450039DEB3</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Social_affairs~Key_issues~consultation-process-on-new-human-rights-and-equality-body-11-11-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Consultation process on new human rights and equality body</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Contributions have been requested for the consultation on the new human rights and equality body which will be created through the merger of the Equality Authority and the Human Rights Commission.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/6819D7B76FBDD60C8025790A003AB2D1</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Employment_issues~Key_issues~framework-agreement-under-the-temporary-agency-workers-directive-11-11-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Framework agreement under the Temporary Agency Workers Directive</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Directive on Temporary Agency Workers must be transposed by 5 December 2011. Minister Bruton is actively engaging with the national social partners to work on the Framework Agreement at this time.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/A5162833BD7D82AA8025798B005E0095</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Public_sector~Key_issues~infrastructure-and-capital-investment-2012-16-11-11-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-16</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The new public capital programme 2012-2016 must be more ambitious in exploring private funding options in order to address infrastructure needs and not undermine our future national competitiveness.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/F026D86C435CDD748025790A003805B5</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Employment_issues~Key_issues~streamlining-five-state-employment-rights-bodies--update-11-11-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Streamlining five State employment rights bodies- update</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Minister Bruton has published a summary report following the consultation on the programme of reform of the State's employment rights and industrial relations procedures and institutions.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/C901732D39A6311E802577DD0039CEF2</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Transport~Key_issues~metro-north-and-dart-underground-deferred-while-luas-bxd-gets-green-light-10-11-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Metro North &amp; DART Underground deferred while Luas BXD gets green light</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Metro North and DART Underground will not proceed to construction in the life of the current Government. Luas BXD will commence construction in 2015.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/B9816C6BE98248E78025794800427F59</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Education_and_training~Key_issues~education-and-training-boards-bill,-2011-09-11-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Education and Training Boards Bill, 2011</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Government has published a draft Bill setting out the role of the 16 new Education and Training Boards]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/8D257B2B6C0BABBA802579480044B259</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Education_and_training~Key_issues~second-level-science-curriculum-reform-01-11-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Second level science curriculum reform</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has completed the first phase of its consultation on a new draft syllabus for physics, chemistry and biology.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/C6F4ECC4D097C03B8025792C002C751F</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Research_and_surveys~Business_environment~business-sentiment-august-2011---pay-17-10-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Business Sentiment August 2011 - Pay</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Over seven out of ten (72%) companies surveyed expect, or have already implemented, a pay freeze in 2011. Basic pay rates are expected to be slightly reduced in 2011, down by -0.2% across respondents.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/09BFD8E6D8C515E68025792C002D1727</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Research_and_surveys~Business_environment~business-sentiment-august-2011---sentiment-17-10-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Business Sentiment August 2011 - Sentiment</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Managers' assessment of the overall business environment improved slightly in Q3, despite market volatility and eurozone turmoil. The current conditions index was -13, up from -17.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/0C064B83693EDCEB802577E30031DCAA</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Energy~Resources~large-energy-users-(leus)-rebate-13-10-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Large Energy Users (LEU&#8217;s) Rebate</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Large Energy Users (LEU&#8217;s) Rebate]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/C9FCC4AAC35E800380257948003F6010</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Education_and_training~Key_issues~moving-from-second-level-to-third-level-education-08-10-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Moving from second level to third level education</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Leaving Certificate is a high stakes examination, used for selection to higher education. There is growing anecdotal evidence that the system is no longer fit for purpose.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/579CE78289059F62802578230037334B</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Environment~Key_issues~are-you-looking-to-make-cost-savings-in-your-business-13-09-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Are you looking to make cost savings in your business?</title>
<description ><![CDATA[If your business is looking to make immediate savings with little or no capital investment, then greenbusiness.ie can provide FREE assistance to achieve savings through improved resource efficiency]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/628AB4063C5BD371802577AC0058B5A3</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Enterprise,_science_and_technology~Key_issues~horizon-2020-13-09-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Horizon 2020</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Commission proposes to allocate &#8364;80 billion for the 2014-2020 period for the Common Strategic Framework for Research and Innovation to be called Horizon 2020.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/152BCB69A42D73988025789400401629</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Social_affairs~Key_issues~jobbridge-update-13-09-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >JobBridge Update</title>
<description ><![CDATA[JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme launched by the Department of Social Protection, will provide work experience placements for interns for 6-9 month periods from July 1.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/2208DFA6345447168025790A00347CA7</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Environment~Key_issues~irish-water---proposed-public-water-utility-05-09-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Irish Water - proposed public water utility</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Government has proposed the creation of Irish Water as a public utility in a regulated environment, following the part-completion of a study into the transfer of water services to a single entity.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/7185555087CDFE6F8025790A0037A60E</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Social_affairs~Key_issues~the-business-case-for-equality-between-women-and-men-05-09-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >The business case for equality between women and men</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Business Europe has set out its views on gender equality which it considers fundamental to make full use of people's talents and to foster sustainable economic growth in Europe.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/1D1A8EA2A3A3718C802578BF00538ED2</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Environment~Key_issues~possible-packaging-levy-31-08-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Possible Packaging Levy</title>
<description ><![CDATA[A public consultation on a possible packaging levy closed in August 2011. IBEC responded with a detailed submission outlining a number of concerns.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/7DB6CE7E69176434802578E2003AEA02</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Employment_issues~Key_issues~new-ewc-regulations-20-07-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >New EWC regulations</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Directive 2009/38/EC, the recast Directive on European Works Councils, was transposed into Irish law by statutory instrument on the 13 of July 2011.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/C9BBBD94318B5978802578E2003D55E7</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Employment_issues~Key_issues~pension-levy-update-20-07-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Pension levy update</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Finance (No. 2) Act 2011 provides details for a 0.6% levy on pension schemes. Details of the levy and results of an IBEC member survey in relation to the pensions levy are outlined.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/702EE40E71F8E301802578E200375B6C</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Employment_issues~Key_issues~update-on-jlc-ero-systems-subsequent-to-the-decision-of-the-high-court-on-7-july-2011-13-07-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Update on JLC/ERO systems subsequent to the decision of the High Court on 7 July 2011</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The decision of the High Court in the Quick Service Food Alliance case represents a major opportunity for Irish business to improve competitiveness and create jobs.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/8AC381371E439C00802578CB004B60F2</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Trade_and_international_relations~Key_issues~eu-japan-bilateral-summit-28-may-2011-12-07-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >EU-Japan bilateral summit 28 May 2011</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The EU-Japan summit took place in Brussels on 28 May 2011.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/9A9188D26BE940D38025780000548912</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Trade_and_international_relations~Key_issues~eu-korea-free-trade-agreement-enters-into-force-05-07-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement enters into force</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The EU-Korea free trade agreement (FTA) entered into force on 1 July 2011. It is the first of the new generation of free trade agreements launched in 2007, as part of the Global Europe Initiative.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/22FBB3B5EA47E711802578C4002FC653</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/European_affairs~Key_issues~funding-the-european-union-05-07-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Funding the European Union</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The European Commission has put forward a proposal on how it will allocate funding at EU level for the seven years 2014-2020.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/EA6C0ABF67A1EBF5802578C3005C1B02</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Social_affairs~Key_issues~social-welfare-bill-2011-04-07-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Social Welfare Bill 2011</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2011 was published on June 2 2011. A number of measures in the Jobs Initiative and in the IMF/EU Programme of Financial Support are provided for in the Bill.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/CEA1E0A82622A471802578BC0035DAAD</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Research_and_surveys~Business_environment~business-sentiment-quarterly-survey---pay-may-2011-27-06-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Business sentiment quarterly survey - pay May 2011</title>
<description ></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/45463A3364DDAFF8802578BC00382182</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Research_and_surveys~Business_environment~business-sentiment-quarterly-survey---sentiment-may-2011-27-06-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Business sentiment quarterly survey - sentiment May 2011</title>
<description ></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/31A8B18672426F358025790A0039F514</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Enterprise,_science_and_technology~Key_issues~eu's-innovation-union-competitiveness-report-17-06-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >EU's Innovation Union Competitiveness Report</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The EU&#8217;s innovation scoreboard for 2010 shows that progress needs to be made on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Ireland. Ireland remains an &#8216;innovation follower&#8217; according the scoreboard]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/6CBD2DE76D991FA8802577A80050460F</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Public_sector~Key_issues~green-public-procurement-national-action-plan-published-13-06-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Green public procurement national action plan published</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Government&#8217;s objective is to leverage its position to &#8220;move the market&#8221; towards the economic provision of environmentally superior goods and services across eight priority product groups.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/665B5D69555A4E04802578AA0053F416</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/European_affairs~Key_issues~europe-2020-strategy-for-smart,-sustainable-and-inclusive-growth-09-06-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth was presented in March 2010 as a strategy aimed at restoring growth, jobs and competitiveness to the EU economy.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/AA38F9DCFAA1B755802578A700519DFC</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/European_affairs~Key_issues~a-european-standardisation-system-06-06-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >A European standardisation system</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The European Commission has presented its strategy on a European standardisation system, which is included as one of the 12 priority actions of the Single market Act.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/6D5AF54F11A8C7D0802578A3004D05DD</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Research_and_surveys~Business_Environment~ibec-pensions-levy-survey-results-02-06-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >IBEC pensions levy survey results</title>
<description ><![CDATA[A survey of member companies in relation to the pensions levy proposed in the Government Jobs Initiative announced on May 10th was conducted by IBEC's Research Unit. Some 443 companies responded.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/FBB998DD744C8974802578860057E1B5</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Research_and_surveys~Business_Environment~business-sentiment-quarterly-survey---pay-february-2011-04-05-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Business sentiment quarterly survey - pay February 2011</title>
<description ></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/4B4067605D207BD7802578860054AC77</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Research_and_surveys~Business_Environment~business-sentiment-quarterly-survey---sentiment-february-2011-04-05-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Business sentiment quarterly survey - sentiment February 2011</title>
<description ></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/0734D28678212239802577A800501711</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Public_sector~Key_issues~promoting-participation-of-smes-in-public-procurement-02-03-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Promoting participation of SMEs in public procurement</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Implementation of guidelines from the Department of Finance for public procurement officials will improve access by SMEs to public contracts.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/E8EFE48D13B90FFD80257823003A7687</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Public_sector~Key_issues~modernistation-of-eu-public-procurement-rules-25-01-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Modernistation of EU public procurement rules</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The European Commission conducted a public consultation on the EU procurement rules. The objective is to produce new legislation that will improve the simplification and modernisation of rules.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/D85E1F819BCF8397802577A800565678</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Education_and_training~Key_issues~implementation-of-the-national-strategy-for-higher-education-to-2030-24-01-2011?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Implementation of the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Higher Education Authority has started implementing those elements of the National Strategy for Higher Education that fall within its remit.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/EDBAD1F12C55083F802577AB00364097</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Environment~Key_issues~industrial-emissions-directive-20-12-2010?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Industrial Emissions Directive</title>
<description ><![CDATA[New Directive on industrial emissions sets out a revised framework for industrial emissions across the EU under which many industrial activities are licensed.]]></description>
</item>
<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/EABA96B03F1A0A2B802577ED00405020</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Compliance_and_regulation~Key_issues~european-commission-green-paper-on-audit-policy-02-12-2010?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >European Commission Green Paper on Audit Policy</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The European Commission has recently issued a Green Paper on Audit Policy and how it should be developed in light of the recent financial crisis.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/93DB21D7ED1C24938025798B0054ED35</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Enterprise,_science_and_technology~Key_issues~fp7-funding-22-11-2010?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >FP7 funding</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The European Commission&#8217;s Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7) is designed to kick-start innovation by making &#8364;50 billion available to fund RD&I.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/49E2685AA59749378025790A003172BD</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Enterprise,_science_and_technology~Key_issues~knowledge-transfer-networks-22-11-2010?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Knowledge Transfer Networks</title>
<description ><![CDATA[A critical weakness of the national innovation ecosystem is the lack of a national knowledge transfer service between Irish-based enterprises and third level research institutes.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/A9EB917F850DF461802576EA002E7CD1</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Public_sector~Key_issues~national-postcodes-system-22-11-2010?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >National postcodes system</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Government is in the process of introducing a national postcodes system.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/13AA48363EB82EB8802577E3003C75E6</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Public_sector~Key_issues~postal-liberalisation-22-11-2010?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Postal Liberalisation</title>
<description ><![CDATA[New Government must ensure passage of legislation transposing the 3rd Postal Services Directive, Directive 2008/6/EC.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/F6D21C4C46C99498802577AC00586A90</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Enterprise,_science_and_technology~Key_issues~research-prioritisation-intiative-22-11-2010?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Research prioritisation intiative</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The national research prioritisation exercise will identify up to 20 target areas on which the Government should focus its allocation of public funding for research and development over five years.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/E1864AD3A29B596580257822004EF8AD</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Public_sector~Key_issues~shared-services-agenda-22-11-2010?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Shared services agenda</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Shared services are a credible strategy to achieve the Government&#8217;s objective of protecting outcomes and not budgets. Government must take the lead in delivering effective and higher quality services.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/FE1730DED26C0291802577E3005FB896</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/European_affairs~Key_issues~single-market-act-22-11-2010?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Single Market Act</title>
<description ><![CDATA[Following the European Union review of the functionning of the Single Market, the European Commission proposed 12 actions within the year as part of its Single European Act, presented on 13 April.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/39F74C5501987D8E802577E3005B9E0A</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/European_affairs~Key_issues~a-new-industrial-policy-for-the-eu-27-10-2010?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >A new Industrial Policy for the EU</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The European Union is taking a fresh look at EU Industrial Policy. The suggested new plan presents a fairly comprehensive package of commitments on how exactly that will be done.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/59439CBC79EC601E802577AC005806C4</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Enterprise,_science_and_technology~Key_issues~innovation-task-force-recommendations-28-09-2010?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Innovation Task Force Recommendations</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Innovation Taskforce's report outlines a strategy for Ireland on fostering entrepreneurship and ensuring public investment in R&D translates into high-value jobs and sustainable growth.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/28BC211941B0F4F5802577AC0058E7A9</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Enterprise,_science_and_technology~Key_issues~single-funding-stream-for-the-strategy-for-science,-technology-and-innovation-28-09-2010?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Single funding stream for the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The Government has the objective of establishing a single funding stream to maximise the efficiency and focus of public investment is science, technology and innovation.]]></description>
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<item><guid>http://www.ibec.ie:80/ibec/DFB.nsf/690A1AD030F7966480257865003A15F3/FB98F415D7D46DBE802577A8004F5944</guid><link>http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/DFB.nsf/vPages/Public_sector~Key_issues~standard-terms-and-conditions-for-general-goods-and-services-28-09-2010?OpenDocument&amp;SK=T</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title >Standard terms and conditions for general goods and services</title>
<description ><![CDATA[The National Procurement Service has published the Standard Suite of Public Services Procurement Documents that will simplify the procurement process and enable SMEs to access this important market.]]></description>
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