by Emma Kerins, International Affairs Executive, Chambers Ireland Earlier this month (3 May 2017), Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald, in her capacity as Minister for Justice and Equality, launched the Government’s new National Women’s Strategy in Dublin Castle. It aims to encourage women into leadership roles in the workplace, sport, politics and the arts. Chambers Ireland believes that an
Emma Kerins, International Affairs Executive at Chambers Ireland answers some of the main questions you may have about what happens when the UK trigger Article 50 and begin the process of leaving the European Union. This week, the UK Prime Minister is due to due to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, thereby
Earlier this week, Chambers Ireland and our colleagues in the International Chambers of Commerce(ICC) welcomed the entry into force of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) — a landmark global trade agreement which could provide a boost to global trade flows of over US$1trillion. More than two-thirds of WTO member states have now
Emma Kerins, International Affairs Executive, Chambers Ireland attended the recent European Movement Ireland briefing on the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU. Read her report below on the areas of importance for Irish business As the business community looks towards 2017, many challenges loom on the horizon. The consequences of Brexit have yet to become
by Emma Kerins, International Affairs Executive, Chambers Ireland On Friday the 20th January, President Donald Trump gave his inaugural address, outlining the priorities for his presidency. Inaugural speeches are typically aimed at unifying the nation post election, outing broad policy objectives and particularly highlighting priorities for the United States with regard to its foreign policy and
By Emma Kerins, International Affairs Executive Following several years of consultation, the Human Rights Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade launched Ireland’s National Action Plan to implement the UN Guiding Principle on Business and Human Rights. Speaking at the launch (15/11/2017), Minister Simon Coveney called for promotion of responsible business practices at
As part of our work to inform and brief the Chamber Network on Brexit, and what it means for their members, the Chambers Ireland team will be regularly putting together updates on the issues as they evolve. The past seven days have been eventful ones. The All Island Civic Dialogue met for the very first
Earlier this week, the European Commission published its Work Programme for 2017, entitled “Delivering a Europe that Protects, Empowers and Defends”. Several key areas of this Work Plan will inform the work of Chambers Ireland going forward into the New Year. Chambers Ireland’s key priorities include supporting the European Commission’s trade agenda, particularly with regard to the
Guest blog by Emma Kerins, International Affairs Executive Earlier this month (12th and 13th October), a delegation from across the Irish Chamber Network met with key officials from the European Commission to discuss matters of importance to the Irish business community. These meetings were followed by the “European Parliament of Enterprises”, organised by Eurochambres in cooperation with the European Parliament. The event
There has been increased media speculation about the opposition proposal of a permanent end to water charges , proposing that the water system be paid for through general taxation. Due to the current Government’s reliance on the opposition to support the Finance Bill, the influence such a proposal could have is concerning. It was agreed, in order
Saving is a fundamental element to future planning and basic financial prudence. From the cash on a business’ balance sheet, to a family’s holiday fund, to buying life insurance, there is an underlying understanding of the value that contingency planning plays in our lives. We take precaution to ensure that in the event that something
Ireland is recognised as having a world class education system and a highly educated population. Recent years have seen the introduction of many positive changes to our education and training system; however our economy still has significant skills gaps which risk impeding our economic growth and future job creation. The current skills mismatches and gaps