In this episode of Ibec Responds, Ibec Chief Economist, Ger Brady and Executive Director of Employer Relations, Maeve McElwee sit down to discuss upcoming budget and the far-reaching impact of increasing labour costs for businesses.

By 2026 Government plans to replace the national minimum wage with a new, higher living wage.  This will be set at 60% of the hourly medial wages.  Here, Maeve and Ger discuss the lack of urgency in mitigating the potential unintended consequences of what will be an enormous increase in operating costs for many businesses.

Listen / Previous episodes

Ep. 28  /  Ibec Responds

30 years of the EU Single Market

The European single market represents a vital component of Ireland's economy. Over the past thirty years Ireland has been able to take advantage of the free flow of goods, services, capital, and people, which has led to significant growth in the country's trade and investment. 

Listen now

Ep. 27  /  Ibec Responds

Climate Action: A Toolkit for Business

In this episode we hear from Ibec's Conor Minogue, Nicholas Reynolds, Sustainability Manager with O’Brien Fine Foods and Caoimhe Donnelly, Chief Sustainability Officer with CIÉ, on the new 'Climate Action: A Toolkit for Business' and their experience developing climate action strategies. 

Listen now

Ep. 26  /  Ibec Responds

Talent to Thrive: EU Year of Skills

In this episode we explore the importance of lifelong learning to business and how Ibec is driving this important initiative. Nikki Gallagher, Ibec Head of Public Affairs, is joined by Claire McGee, Ibec Head of Education and Innovation Policy, and Meadhbh Costello, Ibec Social and Education Policy Executive.

Listen now

Ep. 25  /  Ibec Responds

Irish Beef Sector Sustainability Report: Progress to Date and Roadmap to 2030

In this episode, Síle Sweeney, Senior Executive at Meat Industry Ireland, is joined by Philip Tallon, Operations Manager at Dawn Meats and Margaret Berry, Head of Sustainability at Kepak, to discuss sustainability in the meat sector.

Listen now