Whoever wins power, Irish business needs to be high on the next Programme for Government [Video]

Whatever the final outcome of the election is, it is imperative that Irish business needs are represented in the next Programme for Government, writes Fergal O’Brien, Executive Director, Lobbying and Influence, at Ibec.

While we face a challenging business environment, Ireland also stands at the cusp of an exceptional opportunity.

The next government cannot afford to be complacent about the opportunities that economic success has delivered for society, but we now need to set out an ambitious vision for Ireland that prioritises long-term competitiveness, investment, and growth.

From Ibec’s perspective, we are encouraged by the broad consensus around introducing a PRSI rebate for businesses to offset rising costs—a measure we proposed to support businesses most vulnerable to these pressures.

While parties differ on the specifics, there is a growing recognition of the need to reform the personal taxation system, particularly regarding thresholds for higher income tax rates.

Given the growing global uncertainty, it is vital that the next Government ensures …