Our highly anticipated 30th-anniversary business lunch at the Clontarf Castle Hotel that initially took place on 17th November 2023, had to be abandoned midway due to unforeseen circumstances. However, in the true spirit of resilience and adaptability, we are delighted to announce the rescheduled event on Friday, 22nd March 2024. This signature occasion is set to gather around 300 business owners and their staff for an unforgettable experience. Renowned comedian Barry Murphy will provide guests with delightful “Après Lunch” entertainment. Paralympic Table Tennis Player, Motivati ..read more

  Photo caption:  The delegation to meet with Minister Browne to discuss damages awarded in defamation cases were (from left): Neil McDonnell, ISME; Vincent Jennings CSNA; James Coghlan, Astropark Ltd; Stuart Lodge and Liam Gleeson, Lodge Service   Damages should be capped at €75,000   Dublin 12th April 2024:  An ISME and CSNA delegation has met with Minister of State at the Department of Justice, James Browne TD, as the Department prepares to publish the legislation amending the Defamation Act 2009.  Both of the business representative bodies have called on Mini ..read more

28th March 2024:  ISME has responded to ICTU’s comments over the past week which suggest the unions are finding hard to absorb the messages in the SaveJobs campaign. It is entirely incorrect to suggest that current labour market changes “merely bring Ireland into line with EU counterparts. While trade unionists are describing the labour cost adjustments as “modest” the fact is that the open market has decided otherwise. They are anything but modest and any SME owner will confirm that fact. “Wage inflation is the precise reason we are witnessing significant business closures around th ..read more

Spearheads nationwide campaign on Labour Costs Launching the SME campaign were – back row (from left):  Adam Weatherley, ISME Skillnet; Sean Collender, Restaurants Association of Ireland; Stuart McNamara, Irish Craft and Artisan Distilleries Association; Damien Heffernan ISME.  Front row (from left) Neil McDonnell, CEO, ISME; Elaine Dunne, Federation of Early Childhood Providers; Aidan Finnegan, Family Business Network; Suzanne Bannon, John Bannon Pharma; Tara Buckley, RGDATA; and Marc O’Dwyer, Chair of ISME. Photo by Siobhan Taylor.   12th March 2024:  In respon ..read more

6th February 2023 – ISME welcomes the decision by IBEC to host a round table meeting of business groups this week, to discuss the impacts on labour costs and business competitiveness arising from recent measures implemented by Government. “While we are frustrated it has taken so long to acknowledge the issues facing small businesses in particular, belated recognition is better than no recognition at all,” said Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive, ISME. The carnage we have seen in the small business sector since the start of the year has been entirely predictable. In a letter to the Taoiseach and t ..read more

January 15th, 2024:  ISME has today voiced its support for Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD, in the ongoing public sector pay talks.   Minister Donohoe is right to stand his ground in the public sector pay talks and must continue to hold firm against unreasonable expectations from the trade union sector. ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association, represents more than 10,500 direct and affiliated SME businesses throughout the Republic of Ireland, employing more than 245,000 people. Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive, ISME, said: “While ..read more

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new website for Cusken Sync IT, a leading provider of IT-managed services, cyber security, and business office fitouts. Based in Dundalk, Ireland, with a strong presence across the north-east region, we offer support to a diverse range of companies, both large and small. Additionally, we extend our services nationwide to a wide range of clients from both the public and private sectors. Our newly launched website will provide users with comprehensive information about our services, allowing them to explore our offerings and understand how we can cate ..read more

SME’s struggle to repay tax debt warehoused during pandemic 10 Jan Neil McDonnell, ISME CEO on RTE Radio, listen here. Hundreds Of Restaurants, Cafes and Pubs Facing Closure 8th Jan Neil McDonnell, ISME CEO at The Last Word with Matt Cooper, listen here.   ..read more

SSP will be increasing to 5 days entitlement from January 1st 2024. Summary of entitlement Under the Act all employers became obliged to make mandatory sick payments to their staff. The Act allows exceptions for companies who have more favorable sick pay policies. These employers are not required to adjust their policies. To avail of statutory sick pay, an employee must have worked with their employer for at least 13 weeks and must provide their employer with medical certification from a medical practitioner stating they are unable to work. Once those criteria are met the employee would be ent ..read more

“Tis the Season to be……Cautious” Employers may be liable for incidents that occur at the Christmas party regardless of whether it takes place outside of the workplace or normal working hours.  Please be aware that Employers may also find themselves liable for complaints of inappropriate behaviour like insulting conduct and unwanted sexual advances, etc, which may have occurred as a result of excessive alcohol consumption during the event. Given that most employees perhaps have not seen each other a day-to-day basis, serious catch ups are on the cards, however with alcohol in the mix we wo ..read more