Thanks to competitiveness and productivity improvements, Ireland’s exports returned to strong growth in 2010, and thanks to this strong performance GDP expanded in 2011 by 1.4% and about 1.2% in 2012.

IBEC’s current priority is to ensure that Ireland achieves a balanced economic recovery. More must be done to boost competitiveness, but sustained growth and employment creation also require that the domestic sectors of the economy return to growth.

Helping businesses navigate the economic crisis
Excellent knowledge is the key to good decision making. IBEC economists provide an extensive range of economic services which equip members with the most up-to-date information on the domestic and international economies and help them understand the implications of these developments for their own businesses.

Interpreting domestic and international taxation issues
The global crisis has meant that governments everywhere will need to raise additional tax revenues over the coming years. IBEC can help members understand and interpret these domestic and international tax changes and engages with the government and the EU Commission to ensure that tax policy is supportive of enterprise and economic activity

Providing timely information on labour market issues
Controlling payroll costs is essential for all businesses. Drawing on a rich knowledge base, IBEC executives can advise members on historic and future pay trends in Ireland; international and sector pay benchmarks; inflation trends; and general labour market conditions.