Economy

Government must use Budget 2026 to reduce reliance on corporation tax, increase investment in public services

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has today (26 August) said the Government must place the economy on a firmer footing by reducing reliance on corporate tax windfalls and increasing investment on infrastructure. As part of its 2026 pre-Budget submission, ICTU warned that despite Ireland's...

Why ‘Private Wires’ policy could cost taxpayer billions in EU penalties and increase electricity charges

The Government's policy statement of the 15th July to allow privately owned electricity networks on public property risks a dangerous diversion of Ireland's limited infrastructure resources, could result in major EU fines and increase electricity charges for electricity customers and more generally...

"Economic vandalism" - Irish Congress of Trade Unions calls on Government to drop VAT cut

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has today (23rd July) urged the Government to drop proposals for a €1bn cut in the VAT rate for the hospitality sector, calling it "economic vandalism”. The Government has previously suggested cutting the VAT rate following intense lobbying from the hospitality...

A New Economic Model

10 Jul, 2025

Congress, as the representative voice of workers on the island of Ireland, has developed this New Economic Model in conjunction with the Nevin Economic Research Institute. It is our contribution to the debate about how we want our society to look and what type of economy we aspire to for our...

Government's proposed 'private wires' policy could increase Ireland's risk of EU fines, ICTU warns

The Government's planned policy to allow privately owned electricity networks on public property represents a dangerous diversion of Ireland's limited infrastructure resources and could result in major EU fines, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions warned today. Last month, the Government signalled...

Irish Congress of Trade Unions unveils bold vision for “New Economic Model” at Biennial Delegate Conference

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has today (July 1st) launched a ground-breaking "New Economic Model" designed to reshape Ireland's economic future in response to mounting global challenges. Launching the proposals at ICTU's Biennial Delegate Conference in Belfast, General Secretary Owen...

Unions welcome government putting the brakes on bumper profits from childcare

Responding to confirmation that the fee cap for publicly funded childcare services is to be lowered and extended in September, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions general secretary Owen Reidy said: “Ireland is almost unique in Europe in not capping the childcare fees private providers in receipt of...

Congress convenes cross-party meeting with Opposition following Government backtracking on workers’ rights

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has today (May 15th) met with Opposition parties to discuss concerns about the Government's continued erosion of workers' rights. The cross-party meeting saw a senior team of union leaders, led by Congress General Secretary Owen Reidy, meet with Sinn Féin leader...

Rana Plaza Twelve Years On: Justice is as far away as ever

Introduction Just over a year ago we updated you all on EU developments in relation to corporate accountability - more here. Although limited in scope, t he transition from voluntary guidelines to mandatory human rights due diligence was a landmark moment for workers’ rights worldwide. The prospect...

Save the Date: Workers Memorial Day 28 April 2025

Congress, along with the Government, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), Ibec, and the CIF will collectively mark Workers’ Memorial Day on Monday April 28 at the national and annual commemorative event to remember people who died, were injured, made ill and bereaved through work-related accidents...

Subscribe to Economy