Last month, Dublin Chamber welcomed the opportunity to speak to a joint Oireachtas committee regarding a directly elected mayor. The invitation to make this address came from Dublin Chamber’s unique position regarding the Dublin business environment, and what the Chamber has come to call the functional area of Dublin. Dublin Chamber presented its case as to why Dublin can benefit from having a directly elected representative for Dublin. Based off the recommendation of the Citizen’s Assembly, to which the Chamber also presented and advocated its views, it is the functions not the title that is most crucial for a directly elected mayor. Building on this, the Chamber recommended this plebiscite not to be rushed, but carried out in such a way that it is effective in overseeing continued cooperation across the county.
This month, Dublin Chamber hosted Senators, Catherine Ardagh and Colm Burke as they outlined the challenges and opportunities that arise from running for elected office while maintaining an active career in the private sector. This engaging event, addressing the practicalities of elected office, was timely given the local elections taking place next year.
Our Q3 Business Outlook Survey released at the end of last month led to several meetings discussing its findings and broader issues impacting the labour market. Therefore, engagement was high with politicians who closely follow the quarterly update or have a particular interest in hybrid/remote working, particularly with the right to request remote work due to commence early next year. Dublin Chamber met with Minister of State, Neale Richmond, as well as Sinn Fein’s spokesperson on Workers' Rights, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Louise O’ Reilly, and Deputy Patrick Costello of the Green Party.
Dublin Chamber’s final quarterly Business Outlook Survey was undertaken by participating Dublin companies this month. The report, with insights into Dublin businesses priorities, both for their own companies and for Dublin will be available to read on the Dublin Chamber website in early December. Dublin Chamber members provided insight on a host of issues from safety to legislative concerns facing Dublin enterprises. Preliminary data suggests that attracting and retaining staff will be the top priority for Dublin businesses for the third consecutive year.
A re-emerging factor in the tight labour market debate is employment permit legislation and the importance of a streamlined system to meet the expanding talent needs of businesses. Preliminary survey data shows that one in three Dublin businesses do not believe the current system to meet the needs of their business. Dublin Chamber has also conducted roundtables discussions on the matter as well as engaging with TDs with an interest in any form of legislative reform around these permits including Patrick Costello TD
Dublin Chamber continues to engage with and influence, a variety of boards concerning a range of matters affecting Dublin, from infrastructure and transport to safety. This month, Dublin Chamber sat attended Dublin City Council Traffic and Transport SPC.
Furthermore, Dublin Chamber met with the Uisce Éireann nondomestic stakeholder group, with water security, both in terms of clean water supply and the infrastructure needed to cope for wastewater, being crucial for safeguarding for the future considering the population growth witnessed.
We are currently looking for feedback regarding late payments following EU legislative proposals for regulation to combat late payment in commercial transactions. If you have any insight or opinions on the matter, please do not hesitate to contact the Public Affairs team at policy@dublinchamber.ie.
Equally, if there are additional thoughts or insight regarding the contents of the newsletter or the lobbying agenda more broadly, please use the email above.