With over 430+ lobbying returns filed on behalf of our members in the last year, Ibec stands as Ireland’s largest business lobbying group. When members speak as one through Ibec, that collective voice creates meaningful impact, shaping an environment that enhances competitiveness.
In 2024, our advocacy efforts targeted key challenges facing businesses, including tackling cost competitiveness issues, promoting critical infrastructure delivery that supports business growth, ensuring balanced regulation to level the playing field for Irish business and supporting a flexible labour market. We also championed talent and skill initiatives while contributing to balanced, achievable sustainability targets.
Delivering / on the issues that matter
- Ibec’s ‘Cost Competitiveness Campaign’ made significant strides in saving employers €1 billion by 2025 through a more realistic timeline for key labour market reforms
- Key manifesto wins in areas such as energy costs and PRSI
- Significant amendments to the Planning and Development Bill
- Business priorities such as significantly revised housing targets reflected in revised National Planning Framework
- Delivery of political commitments on critical infrastructure projects such as energy, water, housing and transport
- Streamlining of EPA licensing and planning system
- Key policy wins such as wage, collective bargaining and labour market legislation
- Improved processing for work permits and pause on future increases on work permit salary increases
- Support for members on Gender Pay Gap
- €2 billion in Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund (ICNF)
- Major CSRD toolkit to support members to navigate sustainability reporting
- Campaign for supporting workers with caring responsibilities and for people with disabilities
- Government commitment to new regulatory approach
- Significant strengthening of SME test for business legislation
- €1.5 billion unlocked from the National Training Fund
- Major improvements in the small benefits exemption
- Support for expansion of critical skills list criteria
General Election 2024 / Our manifesto and key asks
Ibec has published its manifesto ‘Electing for Business’ outlining the measures required to secure a viable future for Irish business and to ensure that the next Government recognises and supports the vital role that business plays in communities across the country. We believe that our four-pillar campaign of fostering a competitive economy; delivering a sustainable quality of life and regional balance; securing Ireland’s role in the world and preparing the labour market for the needs of the future, can underpin prosperity for current and future generations.
Influencing around the globe
With a team covering global trade policy and international relations, Ibec works to protect and promote the interests of Irish enterprise and to champion Ireland's business model and economic priorities on the European and international stage.
Ibec has been in Brussels for 50 years and recently set up Ibec Global which is a lobbying organisation for US businesses directly into Brussels. Through our expert analysis, we equip business leaders with the knowledge and skills to succeed on the global stage, as well as opportunities to engage publicly and privately at the highest level.
