Richard Curran is presenter of The Business radio show on RTE Radio One. It is one of the top 10 shows by listenership on Irish radio. He was presenter of Dragons Den on RTE television for eight seasons. He has co-authored two books – one on entrepreneurship in Ireland and one on the collapse of Irish Nationwide Building Society. He has made several big TV documentaries for RTE including Future Shock – Property Crash in 2007 and The Battle for Rural Ireland in 2014.
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Aoife is a graduate of University College Dublin and the Dublin Institute of Technology, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Politics and a Post Graduate Diploma in Law before qualifying as a solicitor in 2001. Prior to joining Ibec’s Employment Law Services team in 2017 Aoife worked in private practice where she gained broad experience across a number of areas. She is the Co-Chair of the Dublin Solicitors Bar Association Committee on Employment Law and has lectured and tutored on the Law Society of Ireland's professional practice courses for solicitors.
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Barra is an Assistant Professor in Economics and Programme Director of the MSc in Economic Policy at Trinity College Dublin. He was a member of the Irish Government's 2021-22 Commission on Taxation and appears regularly in the Irish media to discuss issues of economic policy. His current research is focused on the design of the tax and welfare system, and the evolution and distribution of living standards in Ireland.
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Catriona is a solicitor in Ibec’s Employment Law Services Unit where she advises employers on contentious and non-contentious employment law matters. She worked as an industrial relations executive in Ibec’s Employer Relations division for several years before training as a solicitor in a leading corporate law firm. Catriona holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) (International) degree from UCD and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Limerick and was awarded first class honours in both.
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With a degree in HR and Accounting from the National College of Ireland, Cora’s career spans over 20 years across manufacturing and fuel retail industries. Beginning at Nestlé and Unilever, she gained foundational experience before transitioning to Esso and Circle K. Over the years, she has held positions ranging from Employee Relations Manager to HR Manager, and recently assumed the role as Head of HR & HSE at Circle K. Cora’s focus remains on fostering strong employee relations and ensuring operational safety.
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Harry joined the Ibec Employment Law Services Unit from the employee relations team of a leading multinational medical device company. He is a graduate of NUI Galway, where he obtained Bachelor of Industrial Engineering and Bachelor of Laws degrees, and a Masters in Law, Technology & Governance. Harry qualified as a solicitor in 2013 and worked extensively in private practice as a specialist employment law solicitor. Prior to qualifying as a solicitor Harry built up ten years industry experience working as an engineer across a variety of sectors and for a number of leading multinational companies, and brings this considerable experience to bear in the management of complex workplace and organisational issues.
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“Gender balance, diversity and inclusion are key to the competitiveness and growth of Irish business and to developing the workforce of the future.”
Head of Social Policy acts as strategic advisor and support on diversity and inclusion, skills and labour market policy and practices to Ibec member organisations. Role includes the development of tools and guidelines, lobbying and developing policy positions at a national and European level. Board member of Skillnets, member of the Governing Authority, DCU and Chair of the Joint Equality Council at ESB. An organisational psychologist and practicing psychotherapist, formerly HR manager in industry with lecturing experience at undergraduate, postgraduate and executive level.
With Ibec since 2008, specialist in strategy development and implementation, public and regulatory policy, business representation and stakeholder engagement.
Lisa is an experienced professional with a strong background in addiction treatment services, social care settings, family support environments, and young people services. As the Head of Services for Coolmine Therapeutic Community, she holds a pivotal role in ensuring the provision of effective and compassionate care to individuals and families struggling with addiction.
With 15 years of experience in the field, Lisa has developed a deep understanding of addiction treatment methodologies, particularly the Therapeutic Community (TC) model. Her passion for this model is evident in her accreditation as a Therapeutic Community Lead Reviewer with the Communities of Communities (Royal College of Psychiatrists, London). This accreditation reflects her expertise in evaluating and enhancing TC programs to ensure they meet high standards of effectiveness and quality.
Lisa's commitment to advancing the field extends beyond her work at Coolmine. She has contributed to the broader community through her involvement in the Ecett European Network, where she serves as a Board member. In this capacity, she helps promote training opportunities and facilitates the exchange of knowledge among professionals in addiction treatment and related fields.
“Being open to different approaches and ways of thinking is critical in employer relations as the pace of change in our workplaces accelerates driven by new technology, increasing diversity and globalisation.”
Executive Director, Employer Relations (2015 to date). With Ibec since 2000 in senior positions including Head of Industrial Relations and Human Resources Traded Services, and Director of the North East Region. A graduate of Trinity College, prior to joining Ibec, Maeve McElwee worked with the World Bank in Washington DC.
Marius McNicholas has been serving as the Site Leader of Pfizer Grange Castle since October 2022. The site employs 2500 colleagues, and Marius is responsible for overseeing Safety, Quality, Supply, Financials, and all aspects related to People. Marius joined Pfizer Grange Castle in 2002 as a Scientist and has since held roles of increasing responsibility and scope. Prior to joining Pfizer, Marius worked with Gerard Laboratories and Schering Plough. He holds a Diploma and Degree in Chemistry from the Technological University Dublin and Glamorgan Institute, an MBA from University College Dublin, and a Master’s degree in Organisational Psychology from Dublin City University.
Marius has a proven track record of leader development and is passionate about mentoring and supporting others in their career growth. Marius is also deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and fostering a culture of respect and belonging.
Michael Gillen is Head of OSH in Member Services in Ibec, previously senior executive with PharmaChemical Ireland (PCI) and director of the Irish BioIndustry Association (IBIA). He worked as an inspector in the Hazardous Substances Assessment Unit within the Health and Safety Authority. Michael joined Ibec in 2000 and has worked in occupational health and safety, industrial relations/human resources and science and innovation.
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Nichola Harkin is a graduate of University College Dublin, where she obtained a Bachelor of Civil Laws (BCL) (International) degree and the London School of Economics where she obtained a Masters of Law (LLM) (Employment Law). She qualified as a solicitor in 2013. Prior to joining Ibec, she worked in private practice for a number of years. Nichola joined Ibec’s Employment Law Services Unit in 2015 and was appointed Head of Employment Law Services in January 2022.
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Pauline O’Hare is a graduate of University College Dublin, where she obtained a Bachelor of Civil Laws degree and a Masters in Commercial Law, before qualifying as a solicitor in February 2006. Pauline previously worked in private practice, representing both employers and employees, before joining Ibec’s Employment Law Services Unit in February 2008, where she advises employers on both contentious and non-contentious matters.
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Ray Goggins is a former Special Forces Operator and bestselling author – you may know him as the Chief Instructor on RTE’s hit show, Ultimate Hell Week. Over the past 30 years, Ray has been building and leading teams and acquired key skills to encourage people to change their mindset. His aim is to help push them to be the very best version of themselves.
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Shane is Director of Product Development, Pricing and DB teams at Irish Life Corporate Business. Shane considers the best path forward for corporates with IORPII looming and longer term exploring how we can make the new proposed auto-enrolment pensions process in Ireland work best for all involved. De-risking of DB pension funds is another core interest of his, helping trustees fulfil their commitment to members
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Sinéad is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin where she obtained a law degree (LLB) and Leiden University in the Netherlands where she obtained a Masters of Law (LLM) in European Law. She qualified as a solicitor in 2014. Sinead previously worked in private practice for a number of years advising on both contentious and non-contentious employment law issues across a range of sectors. Sinead joined Ibec’s Employment Law Services Unit in 2020.
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