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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.
Listen / Previous Episodes

Ep. 90 / Ibec Responds
INSPIRE: Ireland’s Next Step in Biopharma Innovation
Dr Sinead Keogh, Director of BioPharmaChem Ireland and Ibec Head of Sectors, is joined by Jamie Guidera, interim COO at SSPC. Together, they explore the centre’s academic foundations, its powerful industry network, and how Ireland’s strategic positioning in a fast-moving global landscape of therapeutic discovery.

Ep. 89 / Ibec Responds
Budget 2026 – Investing in the Experience Economy
Aviné McNally, Head of Membership, Ibec, is joined by Catherine Toolan & Mary Considine to explore the need for increased investment in Ireland’s Experience Economy as part of Budget 2026.