North West Society news

The earning potential for Chartered Accountants working in Leinster has increased significantly, according to the Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society Salary Survey 2025. The survey results show the average salary package of Chartered Accountants in the region now stands at €131,654. This figure is a 6.6% increase on the 2024 average (€123,466) and marks a salary increase of 20% since 2020 (€109,989).   The annual survey of nearly 1,000 Chartered Accountants, launched today by Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society in partnership with Barden, Ireland’s leading accounting and tax talent advisory and recruitment firm, provides the most up-to-date guide to Chartered Accountant salaries and employment prospects in the Leinster region.    The research, conducted by Coyne, shows earning potential across the profession remains strong, with:   Average salary package of €131,654 for Chartered Accountants working across all sectors. This figure includes base salary, car or car allowance, and bonus.  Average salary package for a chartered accountant with 5 years post qualified experience now stands at €97,527, an increase of over 8% on 2024. Newly qualified respondents across all sectors saw their pay increase to €72,450 from €68,121 last year, an increase of 6%. The average salary package of newly qualified respondents working in industry now stands at €82,279 (up almost 16% on 2024 data).   Satisfaction with remuneration   Respondent satisfaction is high, with 65% satisfied or very satisfied with the salary they receive. The data highlights several positive trends, with 88% of respondents saying their total remuneration has increased in the past three years and 27% reporting more than a 25% increase. 77% expect their total remuneration to increase within the next 12 months.   Uptake of artificial intelligence (AI)  28% of Chartered Accountants use AI in some form to assist their day-to-day work, doubling from 14% in 2024. In this way, the potential of AI to streamline workflows and increase efficiency is already being felt across the profession.   Over half (57%) of respondents say AI represents a significant opportunity for the profession, and that it will allow the profession to move further up the value chain in terms of the work it does.  Two-thirds of respondents feel that artificial intelligence will impact positively on their career, with only 9% believing it will have a negative impact. Looking beyond AI to the wider impact of technological development, 69% feel that automation solutions will impact positively on their career, with 66% of respondents saying the same about online collaboration tools.   Sarah Murphy, Chairperson of Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society, said:   “Salary increases across the sector are evidence of the value that employers place on the work of chartered accountants in businesses, practices and more. Looking to the future, the potential for progression is also strong, with 44% of respondents having received a promotion in the last three years.    “As the role of accountants continues to evolve, to see a year-on-year doubling of the numbers using AI in their day-to-day work points to a profession that is highly adaptable and open to the opportunities that technology presents. Chartered Accountants hold positions of significant trust in organisations, and their ethical standards, critical thinking and analytical capabilities will be in even greater demand as business leaders as AI becomes more established. These results are a strong endorsement of Chartered Accountancy as a sustainable and fulfilling career, full of opportunity.”  Attractiveness of the profession  Becoming a Chartered Accountant remains attractive for those seeking career progression pathways while maintaining work-life balance. In the last three years, 44% of respondents received a promotion and almost 80% cited the ability to work remotely as a key way in which their employer provides flexibility.   Findings show that employers facilitate healthy work-life balance for members through a range of non-monetary rewards. As well as the option for hybrid working, parental and carers’ leave (available to 48% of respondents) and an employee assistance programme (available to 48% of respondents) were offered across sectors. 64% of respondents were satisfied with the non-monetary aspects of their job (63% in 2024); 72% were satisfied with their work environment (76% in 2024); and 67% were happy with work-life balance (66% in 2024).   Elaine Brady, Managing Partner, Barden, said:  “Despite the continued backdrop of macro-economic uncertainty over the past 12 months, the inauguration of Donald Trump and the subsequent US trade policy changes, the demand for accounting talent from 2024 continued. This has resulted in very competitive offerings from employers across the board. There has never been a better time to enter the profession, with a widespread focus from employers on work-life balance and non-monetary rewards for employees.   “The findings of this years’ survey can act as a reference point for employers focused on talent acquisition and retention. With high standards across the sector in terms of salary packages and pension contributions, employers continue to look for new ways to recognise the value of their employees. This includes hybrid working, which 80% of respondents cited as a highly valued attribute of their role.”    Common elements across salary packages   The majority (89%) of members have a pension, with 95% of these members receiving pension contributions from their employer. After basic salary, this pension contribution is the most valued aspect of the Chartered Accountant salary package for 54% of respondents. The other most common elements in respondents’ salary packages are payment of professional subscriptions (79%); Cycle to Work scheme (57%); health insurance (53%); and sponsored professional development (46%).    

On Wednesday, we had the opportunity to meet with Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, and his officials to discuss the CCAB-I’s Pre-Budget 2026 submission. Our conversation focused on several key areas critical to Ireland’s competitiveness and business environment. We highlighted the work to date through the Tax Administration Liaison Committee and the Business Tax Stakeholder Forum on tax simplification, as well as the importance of tax certainty for businesses. We also highlighted the critical need for investment in infrastructure such as housing and childcare.   In terms of the specific tax measures we raised with the Minister, we discussed the following: Enhanced reporting requirements for employers – we highlighted the operational challenges of real-time reporting of in-scope tax free benefits and expenses, recommending periodic returns on either a monthly or quarterly basis. Special Assignee Relief Programme (SARP) – We stressed the importance of SARP in attracting global talent and called for its expansion to include SMEs and benchmarking our relief against comparable regimes in other jurisdictions. Participation Exemption for certain foreign dividends – While welcoming recent progress, we advocated for further enhancements, including completing work on a corresponding foreign branch exemption. Minister Donohoe reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to certainty and stability, which are essential for fostering a thriving business environment for both domestic and international businesses. We look forward to continued engagement to ensure Ireland remains a best-in-class location for business.

Earlier this week, the Government published its Action Plan to Support Market Diversification. With Irish businesses facing the unprecedented trading challenges posed by US tariffs, the plan’s scope, with more than 100 actions, certainly reflects the scale of the task ahead and the need for a coordinated national response. The plan also signals a re-commitment of policy focus toward supporting indigenous enterprise, something this Institute is strongly in favour of. With two-thirds of our almost 40,000 members working in business, many are directly engaged with Ireland’s SMEs. While foreign direct investment continues to constitute a key part of Ireland’s economic mix, these home-grown businesses (particularly SMEs) form the backbone of the Irish economy. Ensuring they are equipped to diversify, innovate, and compete internationally should rightly now be a primary policy objective.   In this regard, the plan’s commitment to “deepen agency support for companies seeking to diversify their export markets” and “cultivate new market opportunities, both within the EU and globally” will be welcome news to aspirant businesses seeking to extend their reach beyond the domestic trading space. Moreover, the establishment of a new “Market Diversification and Resilience Fund” will provide targeted assistance to both indigenous and multinational businesses most impacted by the trade difficulties brought about by tariffs. By next year, a new Trade and Investment Strategy will be published which will reflect these new approaches and position Ireland globally for the challenges of the future. For the action plan to succeed meaningfully, supports must be designed with accessibility in mind. Chartered Accountants Ireland’s May 2025 SME Business Sentiment Survey conducted with GRID Finance highlighted how many SMEs find existing Government supports either too time- or resource-intensive to access, leading to lower than anticipated levels of uptake. While the breadth of supports is positive, further steps need to be taken to ensure that business reliefs are not overly complex or difficult to claim. Simplifying application processes and reducing administrative burdens will be key to ensuring that any new supports reach the businesses that need them most. The action plan also speaks to an intention to fast-track visa options to allow for quicker entries of skilled workers needed in high-demand sectors. Talent is a critical driver of competitiveness, and faster entry routes will be welcomed across many industries, including the accountancy profession. Chartered Accountants, already included on the Government’s Critical Skills List, are among the most in-demand professionals whose expertise will be essential to guiding businesses through the current uncertain landscape. Our research consistently shows that in times of economic uncertainty, Chartered Accountants are heavily relied upon to help businesses navigate crises. We fulfilled this important role as trusted business leaders during the Brexit transition, the COVID-19 pandemic, and more recently, during the cost-of-living crisis. Any new fast-track visa scheme should therefore reflect the importance of Chartered Accountants alongside other in-demand skills. Overall, this week’s announcement represents a positive, whole-of-Government approach toward safeguarding Ireland’s economic resilience. The challenge now is to ensure that ambition translates into action, and that the supports offered are not only comprehensive, but also genuinely accessible and impactful for the businesses that rely on them. We will continue to analyse the detail coming out of the action plan, keeping members informed of further developments and ensuring your interests are represented.

On 18 July 2025 the EU adopted its 18th package of sanctions against Russia. The European Council writes that the package focusses on five building blocks: cutting Russia's energy revenues, hitting Russia's banking sector, further weakening its military‑industrial complex, strengthening anti‑circumvention measures, and holding Russia accountable for its crimes against Ukrainian children and cultural heritage. The 18th package includes energy measures, financial measures ,trade measures Anti‑circumvention measures ,targeting Russia's military capabilities and supply chains ,Russia's accountability, measures to protect member states from arbitration and new measures against Belarus. You can read more details on the 18th Package on the European Council webpage (see link above which has links to the various legal acts to bring the 18th package into force. This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in these pages purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the pages. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of these pages, we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained in these pages.      

The Institute is delighted to announce that it has been awarded 'Investors in Diversity Bronze accreditation' by the Irish Centre for Diversity. Investors in Diversity Bronze affirms that we have built a strong foundation to embed #FREDIE™ (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement) across the operation and the Institute is equipped for the journey of becoming more equitable and inclusive. Investors in Diversity is Ireland’s premier FREDIE accreditation. The programme recognises existing efforts, and supports the journey of continuous improvement, by providing a holistic and structured framework to transform practices and culture. This affirms that the Institute has built strong foundations to embed diversity and inclusion across our business and is a significant first step on the structured path of this programme. We look forward to continuing this journey.

As we predicted last Monday, following HM Treasury’s response to the Institute’s letter on this issue, on L-day the Government published draft finance bill clauses which confirm that the changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief will be proceeding as planned from April 2026. In the draft legislation as it currently stands, none of the recommended mitigations proposed by the Institute have been included. Read the Institute’s Press Release reacting to this in which we are seeking a special derogation from these changes for Northern Ireland, given the disproportionate impact of this in the region on the agricultural sector and family-owned businesses. The relevant Policy Papers on these reforms are also available here and here. The Institute is currently considering what further action is needed on this important issue and is also aiming to discuss this with local government. A full report on the other key announcements from L-day is covered later in this edition of Chartered Accountants Tax News. In the meantime, it is noteworthy that buried amongst the L-day publications is welcome confirmation that the Government has shelved Making Tax Digital for corporation tax.

Cróna Clohisey, Director of Members and Advocacy, Chartered Accountants Ireland said “Today’s revised National Development Plan (NDP) is a strong statement of intent towards securing Ireland’s competitiveness in the coming decade. It is encouraging to see such significant emphasis on addressing housing over the next five years. 1 in 4 SMEs surveyed by Chartered Accountants Ireland in April reported that their business has lost employees or seen prospective employees unable to take a role due to the unavailability of affordable housing. “Housing is only one element of the puzzle, however. We know the critical levers to delivery also include energy and water, so these significant deficits in the State’s infrastructure need to be addressed holistically if Ireland is to fully realise its ambition of becoming a place where businesses can thrive. Today’s announcements are a step in the right direction. “Another of the most frequent barriers encountered by our 40,000 members is access to childcare. Despite featuring as a key commitment in the Programme for Government, the revised NDP lacks detail on how more childcare places will be created for working parents. Greater priority must be given to an issue that so fundamentally affects the labour market. “As an all-island body, the Institute also welcomes the focus in the NDP on the Shared Island Fund, and we look forward to engaging with stakeholders on how the NDP will deliver cross-border infrastructure projects.”

Northern Ireland should be excluded from UK Government proposals to restrict the benefit of two key Inheritance Tax reliefs; agricultural property relief and business property relief, because of the disproportionate impact this is already having on the region’s agricultural sector and family-owned businesses. Chartered Accountants Ireland, the largest professional body on the island of Ireland, which represents over 5,000 members in Northern Ireland reiterated its position after the Government published draft legislation for the next Finance Bill. As announced last October, from April 2026, 100% relief will be limited to the first £1 million of combined agricultural and business property, with any value above this receiving relief at 50%, effectively resulting in an inheritance tax liability of 20%. Director of Members and Advocacy at Chartered Accountants Ireland, Cróna Clohisey said: “Yesterday on ‘L-day’, the Government published the draft Finance Bill clauses for this policy change which confirms, disappointingly, that they will commence from April 2026 as planned. On behalf of members, this Institute has engaged extensively with Government to emphasise the impact this will have in Northern Ireland. Farming is the biggest industry in NI, and farms and family-owned businesses are the heartbeat of our economy. “We recognise that in the current geopolitical and economic environment, difficult decisions are necessary, however, we feel that the impact of these changes has not been fully considered on a regional basis and will hit Northern Ireland harder. It is already causing forced, premature business sales and the loss of jobs, lives and livelihoods. Although we have some of the highest land prices in the UK, what the government has failed to grasp is that land values here do not correlate to the income generated. Any value is tied up in land and assets, not cash.” Data from the NI Assembly already suggests that by 2026 these changes will affect approximately 75 percent of dairy farms in Northern Ireland, which account for 60 percent of owned land and provide the majority of food production in NI. Clohisey continued: “Ultimately the Government is taking a broad-brush approach to address specific concerns that ‘non-farmers’ are investing in land to avoid inheritance tax. As a result, they are missing the opportunity to reframe this policy and include a range of mitigations to protect genuine farming activity and family-owned businesses.” Chartered Accountants Ireland is urging the Government to find a way to introduce a carve out for agricultural and family-owned business sectors in Northern Ireland. If there is not a willingness to do so, the Institute is calling on the Government to amend the draft legislation to include a range of mitigations. This would enable the Government to target this policy more effectively and reduce its negative impact before the legislation begins its journey through Parliament after the summer recess. ENDS

Institute representatives Judith Condell and Cróna Clohisey attended the launch of the third Annual Report of the Women in Finance Charter. The Institute is proud to be one of 100 signatories to the Charter: an industry-led and Government supported initiative aimed at increasing women's participation at all levels of business in financial services in Ireland. The Report was launched at an event in Dublin by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin with Minister of State Robert Troy and is an important milestone highlighting the significant progress that has been made since the Charter was established in 2022. For example, since the first organisations signed up: 43.4% of senior management roles in signatory firms are now held by women – up from 36.2% Female board representation has risen from 30.3% to 36.3% CEO-level representation has increased from 19.4% to 22.6% The Institute believes in and is committed to gender diversity at all levels of our organisation, and is proud to be a signatory to the Charter. As Ireland strives for greater inclusion and competitiveness, this Charter is a powerful driver of change.  The Report can be read in full here.

Last week, the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary T.D. launched a major national awareness campaign for the new Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System, called ‘My Future Fund’. In addition to the campaign, information resources are also available including a dedicated online hub and information videos. The available resources provide details on how auto enrolment will work, who will be auto enrolled, contribution rates and relevant information for employers and employee. Announcing the launch of the campaign, Minister Calleary said: “I believe that My Future Fund will transform how people save for their retirement. This landmark policy will help hundreds of thousands of hardworking people in Ireland put money aside for their life after work. Auto Enrolment has been talked about for decades. I am delighted that this is finally happening. My Future Fund will mean that two-out-of-three private sector employees who currently have no supplementary pension will get to enjoy a greater sense of wellbeing and financial freedom in the future."

In a Written Ministerial Statement to Parliament by the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, it is confirmed that draft clauses for the next Finance Bill will be published next week on Monday 21 July 2025. These are expected to cover pre-announced policy changes (there are no details of precisely what though) and will include “accompanying explanatory notes, tax information and impact notes, responses to consultations and other supporting documents”. This is traditionally known as legislation day or ‘L-day’. Coverage of L-day will feature in Chartered Accountants Tax News in due course. It remains unclear precisely which policy changes we may see draft legislation published for next week, particularly if drafting is still in progress for areas such as recent consultations or where decisions are still being made on the final details of specific policies. There is, however, some speculation that we may see draft clauses for the controversial changes to inheritance tax, including the curtailing of agricultural property relief and business property relief. The Institute has previously written to the Government on this and also responded to the technical consultation which took place earlier this year.

In Irish news this week, Revenue has revised its guidance on the VAT waiver of exemption following the High Court decision in the Killarney Consortium case and Revenue has also updated its guidance on Relevant Contracts Tax (RCT) to clarify the application of RCT on contracts involving both the sale of land and provision of construction services. In UK news, the latest Tax Gap data has been published and HMRC is seeking agent volunteers to take part in testing during phase two of delivery of its Import One Stop Shop system. In International news, the European Commission has published its annual report on taxation. Irish 1. Revenue has updated its guidance on the collection of cancellation amounts arising from the cancellation of a waiver following the High Court’s judgment in the Killarney Consortium C v Revenue Commissioners case. 2. Read the updated guidance published by Revenue on the RCT treatment of contracts that involve both construction services and land sales. UK 3. The 2023/24 Tax Gap data has been published by HMRC. 4. Are you an agent involved in filing Import One Stop System (IOSS) returns and payments on behalf of clients? HMRC is seeking agents to participate in testing during phase 2 of delivery of the IOSS system. Read about what you can expect and how to get involved. International 5. Read the Annual return on taxation 2025 which was recently published by the European Commission. Keep up to date with all the latest Irish, UK, and international tax developments through Chartered Accountants Ireland’s Tax Newsletter. Subscribe to the Tax News by updating your preferences in MyAccount. You can also read this week’s post EU exit corner here.  

Last week Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the 2025 Spending Review in Parliament which saw HMRC awarded an additional £0.5 billion in 2026/27 to make it a digital first organisation. The Spending Review sets planned spending totals for all UK Government departments from 2026/27 to 2028/29 inclusive in addition to investment spending plans until 2029/30. Although there were no specific tax announcements in the Spending Review, speculation now continues that there will be further tax rises in the Autumn Budget later this year given the spending and investment plans set out. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has now published a podcast setting out its analysis of the review whilst the Federation of Small Businesses says that the review lacked business focus. The House of Commons Treasury Committee subsequently announced an inquiry into the review. HMRC settlement The settlement includes additional funds of £0.5 billion in 2026/27 to “make HMRC a digital-first organisation”. This will be used to improve digital services and enable the use of AI to both assist taxpayers and improve productivity within HMRC.   Over the next three years, HMRC’s settlement is as follows: 2026/27: £7.3 billion, an increase from 2025/26 of £0.5 billion, 2027/28: £7.1billion, and 2028/29: £6.9 billion. By 2029/30:  90 percent of taxpayer interactions will be digital self-serve, up from the current 70 percent; and  HMRC will have reduced the number of letters it sends by 75 percent. HMRC will “eliminate all outbound post, with limited exceptions such as letters which generate revenue”.  However, it “will continue to ensure alternative channels, including phonelines, are still there for those who need them”.  The Institute looks forward to discussing how HMRC will achieve these very ambitious targets, including how inbound post will be treated, whilst also improving its current service levels as the taxpayer self-assessment population continues to grow because of fiscal drag. More information on this is expected to be available in the coming weeks when HMRC publishes its Digital Transformation Roadmap which was delayed from the spring pending the outcome of phase two of the 2025 Spending Review. The move to use more AI is interesting given recent comments by the Public Accounts Committee which said in a recent report that HMRC’s reliance on its legacy IT systems was restricting its use and development of AI. HMRC’s settlement also aims to enable the department to deliver the package of measures announced previously to close the tax gap including modernising HMRC’s use of data and recruiting an additional 5,500 compliance staff and 2,400 debt management staff.  Alongside the main Spending Review publications, HM Treasury also published ‘Spending Review 2025: Departmental Efficiency Plans’ which explains how different departments will deliver efficiencies. According to this, HMRC will deliver efficiencies of £773 million per year by 2028/29 in the following areas:  moving to digital services, improving and modernising its IT estate, continuous improvement and productivity which includes anticipated benefits from bringing the functions of the Valuation Office Agency within HMRC, restructuring its physical estate by consolidating offices into regional centres, exiting some sites and streamlining facilities contracts. By 2030, HMRC is aiming to have 85 percent of staff based outside London, and increasing focus on up-stream compliance to prevent errors from being made, rather than taking action after.

Congratulations to the newly appointed North West Society Committee for the 2025 / 2026 term. Sorcha Sweeney has been appointed as Chair and Ann Harte as Vice Chair with Marion Prendergast and Gerry Maher taking on the Officer positions as Treasurer and Secretary respectively. Thank you to retiring committee members Pierce Maloney and Sandra Canavan for their commitment this year. To outgoing Chair Maura Ginty, a very sincere thank you from all the committee for your hard work, dedication and fun along the way! Click the link to see the full North West Society committee for 2025 / 2026: NW Committee 25 26

The North West Society AGM takes place at the Glasshouse Hotel Sligo at 6pm tomorrow evening. In the interest of a greener environment, we will not be providing printed copies of the documents, documents are available for review here

1 in 4 SMEs surveyed by Chartered Accountants Ireland in April reported that their business has lost employees or seen prospective employees unable to take a role due to the unavailability of affordable housing. This is evidence of the economic impact the housing crisis is now having according to the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies – Ireland (CCAB-I), the umbrella group for professional accountants, as it published its 2026 Pre-Budget submission today.   The OECD has noted that Ireland’s housing stock lacks the flexibility to meet the increasing demand for housing, and only last Tuesday, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) told the Oireachtas Committee on Housing that there will be no major uptick in housing supply in 2025 and 2026. CCAB-I notes this market failure, and calls for a targeted, time bound and regularly reviewed tax intervention to correct it.   Cróna Clohisey, Director of Members and Advocacy at Chartered Accountants Ireland said  “Viability of certain construction projects, namely apartments, student accommodation, and independent living facilities has been cast into sharp focus in recent months, with knock on impacts on the costs of rent, availability of student accommodation and the lack of options for downsizers. Recent data from the CSO shows that there was a drop of 24% in apartment completions from 2023 to 2024.   “October’s Budget should include tax measures to stimulate the development of such dwellings, but they need to be targeted, time-limited, and regularly reviewed to ensure that they are cost effective and do not repeat the mistakes of the past. We welcome the opportunity to discuss with government how tax might work as a lever in this regard.”    Regulatory burden  57% of SMEs surveyed by Chartered Accountants Ireland last month cited regulatory compliance as the area they most need help from the government in tackling (rising to 75% amongst small practices). In its Pre-Budget submission, CCAB-I identifies key areas where the intersection of tax law and administration are loading uncertainty and burden onto businesses, and calls for the following measures to be considered in Budget 2026:  Key proposed simplification measures   Simplify tax filing by introducing a single pay-and-file date for capital gains tax aligned with the annual income tax return.   Simplify the reporting of tax-free small benefits and expenses (the Enhanced Reporting Requirements rules) by replacing real-time reporting with monthly or quarterly returns. CCAB-I also recommends that penalties of €4,000 that are potentially chargeable where a reportable item is missed are made proportionate with the fact that the payments are non-taxable.   Introduce legislation enabling businesses to provide their staff with reasonable levels of hospitality while working without having to apply a benefit-in-kind tax charge. This would provide much needed certainty to business as to what they can provide in terms of lunches and teas and coffees and would critically support the local economy and hospitality sector. As we operate within a self-assessment tax system, employers should be empowered to determine what is a reasonable accommodation.  Cróna Clohisey, Director of Members and Advocacy at Chartered Accountants Ireland said  “A single pay-and-file date for capital gains tax aligned with the annual income tax return would alleviate the administrative burden of what is a low-yielding tax. 2024 Exchequer receipts from CGT accounted for approximately €1.7 billion, only 1.6% of the total tax receipts in that year.   “There is similar scope to ease administrative burdens for SMEs when it comes to the reporting of tax-free small benefits and travel expenses. The requirement to report these benefits “on or before” the time they are made or paid is excessive and should be replaced by monthly or even quarterly reporting. For example, in order to reduce the number of returns and the administrative headache of this requirement, many businesses now only reimburse travel expenses to workers on the same day as payroll. This means workers can be out of pocket for longer.  “Our research also shows that the regulatory compliance burden is particularly acute for SMEs with fewer than 50 staff; 35% have sought advice on how to reduce this burden, and they are the least likely to be able to shoulder it.”  Measures to support SMEs   The Programme for Government 2025 committed to rigorously implement the SME test to scrutinise every new piece of legislation and regulation for its impact on SMEs and examine the regularity of SME reporting and filing requirements.  CCAB-I calls for consideration to be given to enhancing the R&D tax credit regime for SMEs which has played an important role in promoting innovation and job creation in Ireland. The existing regime is limiting for the SME sector due to the restrictions on relief available for third party costs, and the use of third parties to carry out research and development on behalf of the SME is an indispensable option for Ireland’s SMEs. The automatic qualification for the R&D tax credit for SMEs in receipt of RD&I funding from Enterprise Ireland would also benefit the sector and remove complexity and uncertainty in this area.   Businesses are facing substantially higher employment costs, so CCAB-I is also asking that Government commits to no further increases in the rate of Employers’ PRSI for the next four years. Incremental increases across all classes of PRSI are planned up to 2028. Consideration should also be given to reducing the rate of Employers’ PRSI on minimum wage workers by 1.5% to help with the initial costs of pension auto enrolment which will likely come in next year.   Clohisey concluded:  “According to research we conducted last month among SMEs, 3 in 4 (77%) said that business costs have increased in the past six months, with staff costs the biggest challenge. There is anecdotal evidence that increases in minimum wage are causing employers to reduce hours to offset the increased costs, so committing to no further increases in the rate of Employers’ PRSI for a set period of time would go some way in trying to stem increasing labour costs.”  ENDS  Pre-Budget Submission 2026: Addressing the ongoing housing shortage

Central priorities will be promoting range of pathways into the profession and realising the all-island economic opportunity  Pamela McCreedy has been elected President of Chartered Accountants Ireland, marking a pivotal moment for the Institute and the profession. Her appointment, confirmed at the 137th Annual General Meeting in Belfast, also makes her the first public sector professional in 17 years to take on the role, and the first since the Institute’s historic amalgamation with CPA Ireland. With almost 40,000 members and 6,600 students across Ireland and internationally, Chartered Accountants Ireland is now the largest professional body on the island. The AGM in Belfast was the first held since the successful amalgamation took effect on 1 September 2024, and Ms McCreedy’s presidency begins at a time of transformation both for the organisation and for the profession it represents. Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Ms McCreedy brings extensive leadership experience across complex, public-facing organisations. She previously held senior roles in the Northern Ireland Audit Office, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and KPMG.  Commenting, Pamela McCreedy said: “I am immensely proud that the Chain of Office is being handed over in Belfast. It’s a privilege to lead the Institute at such a transformative time when the pace of change in our profession is matched only by the scale of opportunity ahead. We must meet that change with integrity, insight, and purpose. I look forward to working with members across the island and abroad to strengthen our impact and build on our proud legacy.” She paid tribute to outgoing President Barry Doyle, commending his tireless efforts in leading the Institute through amalgamation, engaging with members, and abroad, and championing SMEs, emerging talent, and responsible innovation, including AI. A strategic year ahead A central priority for Ms McCreedy’s term is the implementation of Strategy27, the Institute’s three-year strategic framework designed to strengthen the profession’s resilience, relevance, and influence. The strategy is built around five key pillars: Attracting and educating the next generation Upholding trust in the profession Providing relevant and future-focused member support Being a strong and effective voice Helping members to navigate change. “Strategy27 is a bold and timely blueprint,” Ms McCreedy said. “In a complex world of rising costs, geopolitical pressures, and technological acceleration, the trusted role of the Chartered Accountant is more important than ever. Our members are not just finance professionals they are ethical leaders, critical thinkers, and stewards of long-term value.” The Institute will also unveil a refreshed brand identity next month as part of its first student recruitment campaign under the amalgamated structure aimed at showcasing the diverse and flexible pathways into the profession. Highlighting Northern Ireland’s Strategic Advantage Speaking in Belfast, Ms McCreedy highlighted the strategic importance of Northern Ireland’s dual market access: “Northern Ireland offers unrivalled access to both UK and EU markets, a position no other European region holds. Combined with our skilled workforce and pro-business environment, this is a compelling proposition for investment, and Chartered Accountants have a central role to play in realising that potential. She affirmed the Institute’s commitment to supporting members across all sectors, public, private, and practice, and to harnessing the influence of the all-island economy. A Moment of Transition and Tribute Ms McCreedy also acknowledged the upcoming departure of Chartered Accountants Ireland Chief Executive Barry Dempsey, who has led the Institute for the past eight years: “Barry has been a driving force in shaping a stronger, more visible, and more connected Institute. His leadership has left a lasting legacy and we thank him sincerely for his vision, commitment, and service to members and students.” At today’s AGM, Joan Curry, Finance Officer at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, was elected Deputy President, and Niall Walsh, Partner at Deloitte Ireland, was elected Vice President.

Our brains shortcut for safety, not fairness, but this doesn’t mean bias should determine our decision-making. Andrea Demody explains how leaders can promote fairness and inclusion at all levels Most of us like to think we're fair-minded. Most leaders I work with genuinely believe they hire and promote based on merit. Their favourite articulation is often: "I always hire the best person for the job." But here's the thing: our brains weren't built for fairness. They were built for speed and safety. What does this mean for building a fair organisation? Imagine you're standing at a busy road crossing, the cars are whizzing by, and you're waiting for the lights to change so you can cross safely. Someone beside you starts to step out before the light changes. You instinctively reach out and stop them, without thinking this through consciously. This is your brain doing what it's designed to do—i.e. responding quickly to potential risk. It's scanning for cues, drawing on past experiences and acting fast to keep you safe. That same shortcutting also happens in the workplace. When reviewing CVs, deciding who to promote or assessing someone's performance, our brains are still looking for the familiar,  comfortable and safe option. And this is where bias can creep in. Bias is human We all have biases, conscious and unconscious. This isn’t a flaw in our character; it's just how our brains work. Understanding this is just step one, however. Step two involves designing ways to make fairer decisions despite this bias. Here are just a few examples of how bias can show up at work: Affinity bias: We tend to favour people who remind us of ourselves, such as those from the same school, background or previous employer. Halo and horns effect: A first impression can colour everything that comes after, meaning no automatic second or third chances. Confirmation bias: We notice what supports our beliefs and filter out what doesn't, making it difficult to consider contradictory perspectives. Recency bias: We give too much weight to what happened most recently, making it almost impossible to accurately judge a year's worth of performance. Groupthink: We self-censor to keep the peace, staying silent when we disagree with the majority opinion, especially if this is supported by the boss. Blind spot bias: We spot bias in others, but not in ourselves. These biases don't just affect hiring, promotion and other people processes, they can also impact strategy, innovation and team dynamics. Moving past our biases To move beyond the biases we carry, we need to establish a structure around our decisions. This might involve using rubrics for hiring or incorporating calibration into performance reviews. It could mean inviting challenge at team meetings or encouraging others to ask what evidence we are using to make decisions. The point is: you don't have to rely on willpower to be fair. You can design for it. Leaders can start small by getting curious about the voices they listen to, the perspectives they seek out and the assumptions they hold.  You may not be able to eliminate bias entirely, but you can interrupt it—and this is where progress begins. Beyond being the right thing to do, this makes smart business sense. An understanding that everyone will be included, regardless of how they might differ from the boss, is the secret sauce that makes diverse teams work together. One decision. One meeting. One moment where you put structure around the shortcut is how you state. Because designing for fairness isn't just good practice—it's good business. Andrea Dermody is Founder of Dermody Inclusion and Diversity