In this special edition of our Ibec Responds podcast series, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy is joined by Ibec President Colin Hunt to reflect on their recent high-level global engagements.

Recorded in our Brussels office, the discussion covers Ibec’s engagement in the UK-Ireland Summit and the Tripartite Social Summit, including meetings with the UK and Canadian Prime Ministers, the Presidents of the three EU institutions, and key leadership on Capitol Hill. Engagement at this level strengthens Ireland’s position as a central voice in international policy and economic stability.

The episode provides an opportunity to hear about Ibec's activity and how we are continuing to drive the message of Irish business resilience on the global stage.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here. Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

In this episode, Harry Wall and Catriona McKeating, Associate Legal Directors in our Employment Law Service Team, will discuss case law in the area of equal pay, a core principle of the Pay Transparency Directive.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here. Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

In this episode, Maeve McElwee, Employer Relations Executive Director, and Aoife McFadden, Legal Director in our Employment Law Services Team, discuss the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 – new legislation which restricts the use of contractual retirement ages below State pension age. Maeve and Aoife discuss the changes and how employers should integrate them into their own retirement policies.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here. Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

Five generations. One workplace. Endless possibilities—or potential friction. How do you lead in an era where your team spans from seasoned experts to digital natives? In this episode, we’ll explore why understanding generational diversity isn’t just a HR trend—it’s a business imperative.

Vicky O’Neill speaks with Rebecca Robins, Author of Five Generations at Work: How We Win Together, For Good, a playbook for empowering intergenerational collaboration, innovation and productivity at work. They discuss how to move from the multigenerational status quo to the intergenerational opportunity.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here. Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

In the latest episode of our Courageous Leaders podcast series, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy is joined by Kevin Bakhurst, Director General of RTÉ, to discuss the link between a responsible media, a thriving economy, and a cohesive society.

As part of Ibec’s "Open for Business" campaign, this conversation explores how our global reputation for openness and inclusion, is a fundamental driver of our economic resilience. Danny and Kevin delve into a critical reality: while Ireland has become a global leader in progress, that success is now under pressure from divisive narratives.

Kevin shares insights on RTÉ’s mission to foster an informed public conversation, the lessons learned from sustaining credibility during crises, and the role of leadership in "holding the line" for facts and inclusion.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here. Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

In this episode, Fiona Higgins speaks with Dr. Dale Whelehan Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin and former CEO of 4 Day Week Global about why time is emerging as the most critical resource in modern work. Dale explains concepts like temporal intelligence, temporal stewardship and temporal sovereignty and shares practical ways leaders can design time more intentionally to get a better return on time invested for both people, and business. We also explore common misconceptions, such as why busyness is often mistaken for value, and discuss how better time design can improve wellbeing, trust, and innovation. If you’re interested in creating smarter, more sustainable workplaces, this conversation offers valuable insights.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here. Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

Why are human rights and equality economic assets for Ireland?

In this episode of our Courageous Leaders podcast series, Ibec Head of Skills and Social Policy Dr. Kara McGann is joined by Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC).

With a background leading the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and advising President Michael D. Higgins, Liam brings a unique vantage point on why Ireland’s reputation as a rights-respecting society is critical to our competitiveness.

Kara and Liam together explore a critical reality: that inclusion and equality are economic assets that expand our talent pool and drive innovation.

Liam shares his thoughts on how employers can use their high levels of trust to counter misinformation and why protecting human rights is ultimately "good business".

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here. Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

What can the corporate world learn from a radical feminist and activist?

In the second episode of the Courageous Leaders podcast, Ibec Head of Skills and Social Policy Dr. Kara McGann is joined by Ailbhe Smyth, one of Ireland’s most influential social changemakers. As a key figure behind the Marriage Equality and Repeal the 8th campaigns, Ailbhe has endless experience in building broad coalitions among unlikely allies.

Kara and Ailbhe together explore a critical reality: for many people, the workplace is the most diverse space they inhabit. Ailbhe shares her thoughts on how businesses can move beyond performative gestures to become active guardians of social cohesion, "holding the line" against hate and ensuring Ireland remains a beacon of openness.

Courageous Leaders is a brand new Ibec podcast series, as part of our Open for Business campaign, where we hear from leaders across business and wider society on the importance of Ireland’s commitment to openness, inclusion and respect, in underpinning our economic success and social progress.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here. Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.