ECOFIN, under the Swedish presidency, has pursued work on key files, including the amendment of the Directive on administrative cooperation for tax purposes, the proposals comprised by the “VAT in the Digital Age” package, the revision of the Energy Taxation Directive, the update to the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, as well as the proposal for a Directive to prevent the misuse of shell entities for tax purposes. The draft report includes an update on the progress of these initiatives.

The OECD’s Forum on Tax Administration (FTA) Knowledge Sharing Network held its first virtual meeting last week. The group will gather for a series of meetings where practical advice will be shared, as well as lessons learned on the administrative and implementation aspects of the Two-Pillar Solution.

The transitional implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will run from 1 October 2023 until the end of 2025. The European Commission has published its first call for feedback on the rules governing the implementation of CBAM during its transitional phase. During the transitional phase, traders will only have to report on the emissions embedded in their imports subject to the mechanism without paying any financial adjustment.

Readers are reminded that PAYE taxpayers can claim the 2022 rent tax credit by filing a Form 12 via MyAccount PAYE Services, while self-assessed taxpayers can claim the rent tax credit when filing their Form 11 via ROS. In addition, PAYE taxpayers have the option of claiming their 2023 rent tax credit in 2023 by using Revenue’s Real Time Credit facility, apportioning the credit equally over the tax year. Revenue's preliminary statistics for 2023 Q1 review indicate that over 226,000 Rent Tax Credit claims have been made by over 209,000 PAYE taxpayers. Of these, 89 percent of the tenancies are registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) with 11 percent being ‘rent-a-room’ or ‘digs’. With only 1.7 percent of claims for rent payments made on behalf of children, all other claims refer to the individual’s own rental payments. To claim the rent tax credit for rent paid for a taxpayer’s child, the property must be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) and used by the claimant’s child as their principle private residence to facilitate their study obligations. Properties that are rented for the child under a ‘digs’ or ‘rent-a-room’ arrangement or that are RTB exempt will not qualify for the rent tax credit.  

Revenue has updated its Tax and Duty Manual regarding the submission of iXBRL financial statements as part of corporation tax returns.  From 2 September 2023, Revenue will accept iXBRL submissions tagged with the FRC's 2023 Irish Extension Taxonomies. The EU IFRS taxonomy now contains tags for IFRS 17 - Insurance Contracts and these should be used by entities who prepare their accounts in accordance with that standard. In addition, Revenue will require that all iXBRL submissions declare the functional / presentation currency of the financial statements using the “PrincipalCurrencyUsedInBusinessReport” tag from 2 September 2023.

Leaving work to go on holiday can be stressful. Moira Dunne outlines how to prepare effectively so you can really enjoy your break The week before we go on holiday is often the busiest of the year. We become super-productive as we crack through our ‘To Do’ list to clear tasks before we leave. The hard deadline of that final day provides a sharp focus. This helps us stay on track and avoid the usual distractions. I bet you don’t take an extended coffee break on the afternoon before your holiday! Here are three key tips to optimise your last week at work before your holiday. 1. Prioritise, prioritise, prioritise Most people I know have more work to do than they have time to do it. It is important to prioritise every week, but particularly the week before you finish up. Consider the work you have to do and decide: What is important (high priority) and what is nice to have (low priority)? What needs to be done this week, and what can be pushed out? What can be handed over to someone else? The looming deadline of a holiday helps us act more assertively. We can’t say yes to everything as we won’t be at the desk to complete it. So, we negotiate priorities and deadlines because we have no choice. 2. Capture everything In the final days before your holiday, you will be really on top of your workload. Capture everything now so that you get the benefit when you return. Update all your project plans and task lists. This frees your brain to help you switch off quickly. It also helps you get back up to speed when you return refreshed and relaxed from your holiday. 3. Plan the first week back Capitalise on that high-focus period before your break by planning your first days back in the office before you finish up. You may want to ease back into work with a low-key schedule or hit the ground running with some key meetings. Either way, planning ahead will help you switch off during your time off, so you can really rest and recharge. Moira Dunne is a Productivity Consultant and founder of beproductive.ie  

Jean Evans explores how the language women use at work can adversely affect their career prospects and how they can change it The way women use language can sometimes be perceived as undermining their confidence. It’s something women have been conditioned to do and it’s a part of how they communicate. No matter how expert, qualified or senior a woman is in the workplace, the consequences are the same. They are often unaware of the negative impact using self-defeating language can have on their career progression and professional life. Confidence and how women (and men) are perceived is often subliminal and imperceptible. Confident people get promotions, access to projects, support, financing and so much more. So, what happens when a woman is not confident at work? What happens when she undermines herself consistently without even realising it? What happens when her choice of words expresses a lack of self-belief or imposter complex? The result is that she may be turned down for a new job, passed over for a promotion, not given access to projects, or financial support ... the list goes on. Several factors can contribute to this perception: Hedging: Women tend to use more hedging language or qualifiers in their speech, such as “I think”, “maybe” or “sort of” to soften their statements or appear less assertive. This can create an impression of uncertainty or lack of confidence along with a need for validation from others. Apologising: Women often apologise more frequently than men, even when it may not be necessary. Apologising unnecessarily can give the impression that a woman lacks confidence in her opinions or actions. Politeness: Women are often socialised to be more polite and accommodating in their speech. While politeness is generally valued, it can sometimes be perceived as a lack of assertiveness or confidence. Upward inflection: Women sometimes use upward inflection, or ‘uptalk’, at the end of their sentences, making statements sound like questions. This can make them seem as if they are doubting themselves and seeking outward validation. Minimising achievements: Women often downplay their accomplishments or use self-deprecating humour to avoid appearing boastful. While this may be a way to navigate social norms, it can also inadvertently undermine their perceived confidence in their achievements. Minimising the intrusion: This often shows up as “I’m just ...” The word ‘just’ is heavily tied to point 2 in this list – apologising for intruding on someone by email, phone, etc. It’s important to note that these linguistic behaviours are not inherently indicative of a lack of confidence. No matter how expert she may be in her field, any woman may still fall into these linguistics patterns. They can be influenced by societal expectations and unconscious bias. But the fact is that every time this undermining language is used, women lose out. What’s the antidote? Firstly, it’s about women becoming aware of how they speak and write. My advice is that, if you can engage a coach or have a trusted bestie, mention this to them and ask them to highlight any linguistic tendencies that may not be serving you. After a few goes, you will become aware of when you’re doing it and then you can start redefining your speaking habits to back up just how confident and able you actually are. I had a coaching client recently who used the word ‘just’ a lot. I asked her to reread her emails before sending them and to catch herself whenever this word popped up. She texted me back the very next day to say her confidence had shot up exponentially because of this seemingly minor change. She hadn’t even noticed until then how she had been apologising for almost everything! And that was her first step towards a really positive change. Jean Evans is Networking Architect at NetworkMe

Tim Bicknell explores how to unlock the potential of innovation as a positive force for business growth Innovation, that elusive force propelling organisations forward, has become the ultimate strategic imperative in our fast-moving and sometimes chaotic business landscape. But what does it take to forge a culture of innovation? The answer lies, not just in visionary leadership and cutting-edge technology, but also in the delicate and skilled work of transforming teams and businesses into hotbeds of creative brilliance. 1. Leadership as catalyst Leadership commitment is the bedrock upon which a culture of innovation is built. Those at the top of the organisation must prioritise and actively support innovation initiatives, signalling to all the value placed on creativity and smart risk-taking. They must build an environment in which experimentation is encouraged, providing resources and dedicated time for visionary pursuits. Through personal example and unwavering support, leaders can pave the way for a culture that embraces, nourishes and rewards innovative thinking. 2. Rewarding the brave: A culture of risk-taking At the heart of innovation lies the spirit of audacious risk-taking. Organisations must, not only encourage, but also reward those who dare to dream big and venture into uncharted territory. Empowering employees to propose daring ideas, while embracing failure as a stepping-stone to success, creates an environment in which considered risk-taking can thrive. By recognising and incentivising risk-takers, regardless of the outcome, organisations send a clear message that innovative thinking is both cherished and actively encouraged. 3. Fostering cross-functional collaboration Innovation flourishes where cross-functional collaboration is supported. Organisations must shatter the silos that breed stagnation and nurture an environment in which diverse perspectives converge, birthing a breeding ground for creativity and ground-breaking solutions. By creating platforms that encourage individuals from various backgrounds to collaborate, exchange ideas and harness collective expertise, organisations can tap into a wellspring of knowledge and insight, fuelling the innovation process. 4. A learning mindset for continuous growth A culture of innovation thrives on the relentless pursuit of knowledge and growth. Organisations must provide pathways for employees to enhance skills, acquire new knowledge and stay attuned to emerging trends and technologies. Through immersive training programmes, workshops and mentorship, organisations not only arm individuals with the tools for innovation, but also showcase their commitment to personal and professional development. By nurturing a culture of lifelong learning, organisations unleash the creative spirit of their teams, enabling them to adapt and thrive in the face of an ever-changing market landscape. 5. Nurturing a culture of open communication Effective communication and a continuing, open exchange of ideas can support a culture of innovation. Organisations need to construct channels and platforms that foster a seamless flow of ideas across all levels. Regular brainstorming sessions, idea-sharing platforms and innovation forums become the lifeblood of a culture that thrives on open dialogue. Leaders must be seen to be receptive – actively listening to employee suggestions and providing constructive feedback. It is through this culture of open communication and inclusivity that organisations can unlock the creative potential within their teams. 6. Unleashing the power of diversity and inclusion Diversity and inclusion form the bedrock upon which innovation stands tall. Teams comprised of individuals with different skill sets and expertise challenge conventional thinking, leading to fresh ideas and ground-breaking solutions. Organisations must actively seek diversity and foster an inclusive environment in which all voices can be heard and valued. By embracing diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds, organisations can effectively foster a culture of innovative brilliance. Cultivating a culture of innovation within a team and business requires a multifaceted approach. Organisations unlock the potential for creative breakthroughs by: prioritising visionary leadership; embracing risk-taking; fostering collaboration and open communication; promoting continuous learning; and nurturing diversity. When these critical success factors are woven into the DNA of an organisation, innovation becomes a driving force, propelling their teams and business towards sustainable growth and success. Tim Bicknell is Managing Director of Deep Cove

Welcome to this week’s Technical Roundup. In developments this week, the World Economic Forum continues its work with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) by convening a group of sustainability professionals focused on sharing best practices and practicalities of adopting ISSB Standards; the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued financial promotion rules for cryptoassets and a consultation on guidance on how it approaches, and how firms comply with, FCA requirements that crypto-asset financial promotions must be fair, clear and not misleading. Read more on these and other developments that may be of interest to members below. Financial Reporting The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published its thematic review of fair value measurement. This publication reflects the FRC’s Corporate Reporting Review team’s experiences with IFRS 13 and has a particular focus on disclosure matters, with some measurement issues also discussed. The FRC has also published research into the impact of proxy voting advisors and ESG ratings agencies on actions and reporting by FTSE350 companies and investor voting decisions. The IFRS Interpretations committee has issued its June 2023 update which includes details of some of the requests that it has received in relation to; A merger between a parent and its subsidiary (IAS 27) Application of the ‘Own Use’ Exception (IFRS 9) Consolidation of a non-hyperinflationary subsidiary by a hyperinflationary parent (IAS 21 & IAS 29) In order to understand preparer’s views on the International Accounting Standards Board’s (IASB) upcoming Request for Information on the implementation and application of IFRS 15, the UK Endorsement Board is holding some roundtables on 20 and 21 June. Insolvency The Financial Conduct Authority is placing a ban on debt packagers receiving remuneration from debt solution providers. The ban covers any commission, fee or any other financial consideration, received by a debt packager firm, directly or indirectly, from a debt solution provider in connection with the firm referring customers to a debt solution provider, or any other related services.   Sustainability Accountancy Europe is hosting an in-person event on 5 July 2023 at their Brussels offices – CSRD: Striving for Consistent and Quality Sustainability Assurance Engagements across the EU. The European Commission launched a consultation this week seeking feedback in relation to draft delegated regulation supplementing Directive 2013/34/EU as regards sustainability reporting standards. The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) in the draft Delegated Act include significant revisions to the draft standards recommended by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) in November 2022, which include additional phase-ins, making certain disclosures voluntary, and making all disclosure requirements (apart from a set of general disclosures) subject to materiality assessments. The consultation closes on 7 July 2023. The World Economic Forum continues its work with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) by convening a group of sustainability professionals focused on sharing best practices and practicalities of adopting ISSB Standards.   Cryptoassets The Financial Conduct Authority in the UK has some recent publications on cryptoassets It released it latest 'Research Note: Cryptoassets consumer research 2023'. The research series began in 2019 to understand the trend in UK adults’ cryptoassets holdings and changes in consumer behaviour and is continued annually to gain further insights into the potential harms and benefits of cryptoassets and understand consumers’ attitudes towards cryptoassets. The FCA says the results from this research will be used to inform its cryptoassets policy work. In the conclusion it is stated that cryptoassets remain a high-risk investment, and anyone who looks to purchase them should be aware of the risks and be prepared to lose all their money. Cryptoassets predominantly sit outside of the FCA’s current regulatory perimeter and users of cryptoassets are unlikely to be covered by financial protections such as the FSCS. In further crypto news the FCA also issued Financial promotion rules for cryptoassets and a consultation on guidance on how it approaches, and how firms comply with, FCA requirements that crypto-asset financial promotions must be fair, clear and not misleading. All cryptoasset firms marketing to UK consumers, including firms based overseas, will need to comply with the UK financial promotions regime from 8 October 2023.  The UK Government is bringing promotions of certain cryptoassets within their remit. The financial promotions regime will apply to all firms marketing cryptoassets to UK consumers regardless of whether the firm is based overseas or what technology is used to make the promotion.   Other News The CCAB-I Business Law Committee submitted a response to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment public consultation on proposed amendments to Companies Act 2014. The response which is available on our website focused on responding to the areas which most impact members from a technical perspective. The Central Bank Deputy Governor spoke recently at the Banking and  Payments Federation Ireland  Retail Banking Conference 2023.The topic was ESG integration in the banking sector. The conclusion was while there is much done, there is much more to do and details of the speech can be accessed here. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU’s financial markets regulator and supervisor, has published its follow-up report to the peer review on the Guidelines on ETFs and other UCITS issues. The report shows that the National Competent Authorities (NCAs) have strengthened their supervisory practices, enhanced internal and external guidance, and performed supervisory work in the area of Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) since 2018. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment invites expressions of interest from suitably qualified individuals for membership of the Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum (EDAF).  Established in May 2022, the forum plays a key role in advising and working with government to drive industry adoption digital technologies, in accordance with the National AI Strategy and the National Digital Strategy. The UK Financial Intelligence Unit has recently published its latest SARs Reporter Booklet for June 2023 . It provides case study examples highlighting the work of law enforcement agencies in utilising SAR intelligence to initiate investigations and to inform existing ones. The Irish Workplace Relations Commission has, for information purposes published a WRC Remedies Table  (last revised May 31 2023) which sets out the remedies that may be granted by a WRC Adjudication Officer in the different areas of employment and equality legislation which come under the WRC’s jurisdiction. While the WRC states that the table should not be relied upon in place of legal advice and the WRC accepts no liability for reliance on it is a useful summary table for anyone with an interest in employment law. The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct are standards which multinational enterprises are expected to meet, and which OECD member countries have committed to uphold. The Guidelines are recommendations on responsible business conduct and provide non-binding principles and standards in a global context. The 2023 edition of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct has recently been published and they can be accessed by going to this page where key updates are also summarised. For further technical information and updates please visit the Technical Hub on the Institute website.

Institute President Sinéad Donovan and Tax and Public Policy Lead Cróna Clohisey represented Chartered Accountants Ireland at the National Economic Dialogue (NED) 2023 last week. The NED provides a forum for public consultation and debate ahead of Budget 2024 and this year’s theme was The economy in 2030: enabling a sustainable future for all. The discussion centred on the need to move the focus of economic dialogue towards more medium-term issues, with much debate around whether to spend or save the projected economic surplus. The need to accelerate housing supply, protect living standards and continue to invest in public services, all against the back-drop of managing inflation, formed part of many of the contributions. Institute representatives emphasised to Ministers the importance of addressing capacity building within the economy, particularly in housing and set out suggestions around using the tax system to boost supply. Documents and speeches from the NED can be found on gov.ie.

The Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies (CCAB), which includes Chartered Accountants Ireland, launched new resources on ethics and a series of webcast interviews with professionals with diverse business experience at a fully booked webinar on Thursday 15 June 2023. The webinar, “Resilience Under Pressure”, presented highlights from a CCAB survey which revealed significant pressures to act unethically experienced by professional accountants. It also included a panel discussion, moderated by Iain Lowson, Chair of the CCAB Ethics Group, that explored a range of issues raised by the audience with Professor Pat Barker, Sam Ennis, Head of Tax in financial services, Sue Allan, CFO at Willerby Group, Carol Colley, deputy Chief Executive and City Treasurer at Manchester City Council, and Ann Buttery, Head of Ethics, Policy Leadership at ICAS, who also presented guidance for professional accountants on speaking-up. Professor Pat Barker also contributed to the webcast interview series with Barry Doyle, Deputy President Chartered Accountants Ireland, Níall Fitzgerald, Head of Ethics and Governance at Chartered Accountants Ireland, Dominic Hall, Group Head of Ethical Business Conduct at BAE Systems Plc, Malcolm Bacchus, Interim Finance Director, and Professor Chris Cowton, Associate Director at the Institute of Business Ethics. Examples of the issues discussed, including questions raised by the audience, include: The most common sources of pressure to act unethically for professional accountants; The impact of such pressures on professional and personal life; The most common unethical behaviours experienced by professional accountants; The role of regulation and personal responsibilities in driving ethical behaviours; Advice on addressing common issues such as toxic leaders, sharp practices or managing ethical conflicts; Making ethical decisions and promoting an ethical culture; The ethical challenges posed by technology, including artificial intelligence, and the ethics of sustainability. Watch a recording of the webinar and access other resources on the CCAB Website    

  In this week’s Sustainability/ESG bulletin, read how the EU Commission has launched a public consultation following publication of their amendments to the mandatory European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRSs). Also covered is the launch of an inaugural All-Ireland Sustainability Awards, the new package of sustainable finance measures from the European Commission, developments in Europe around the circular economy, resources for SMEs to drive sustainability and business growth, as well as the usual round-up of articles, podcasts and events. Public Consultation - European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRSs) The EU Commission has published their amendments to the mandatory European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRSs) and draft delegated Act that will be used to adopt them into law. The standards cover environmental, social and governance matters which many Irish based companies will have to report on as a result coming within the scope of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. The Commission has now launched a 4-week call for public feedback until 7 July.  Find out more from our colleagues in Professional Accounting here. In other news of sustainability reporting, The World Economic Forum continues its work with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) by convening a group of sustainability professionals focused on sharing best practices and practicalities of adopting ISSB Standards. All-Ireland Sustainability Awards 2023 launches The inaugural All-Ireland Sustainability Awards 2023 launched this week, with the aim of showcasing and celebrating Northern Ireland and Ireland’s best examples of sustainability among businesses and organisations. There are 14 award categories, ranging from Social Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year; Green Marketing / Stakeholder engagement initiative of the Year; Net-Zero Initiative of the Year; Waste, Resource Management & Circular Economy Initiative of the Year; Consultant / Consultancy of the Year; Young Changemaker of the Year; to Biodiversity Initiative of the Year; and Overall Winner of the Year 2023. The awards are free to enter, and the deadline for entries is 1pm on Tuesday 15 August 2023. A network for young leaders – net zero, clean growth and sustainability, diversity & inclusion A new professional network, Leaders 2050, has launched for future leaders in all sectors who have an interest in net zero, clean growth and sustainability, with a focus on diversity and inclusion. The network is facilitated by KPMG Ireland with a mission to equip the next generation of young leaders with the skills, networks and purpose needed to drive towards a more sustainable future. Following the launch, KPMG will be running a series of events and publishing thought leadership for members, with the first in-person event taking place next month. The network is open to young professionals across every sector who have an interest in driving the ESG agenda. To sign up to receive Leaders 2050 Ireland newsletter, event invitations and subscribe to our mailing list, please see link here. Commission puts forward new package of sustainable finance measures The European Commission has put forward a package of measures to build on and strengthen the foundations of the EU sustainable finance framework. The aim of the package is to ensure the framework works for companies wishing  to invest in a sustainability transition and to make the framework easier to use, thereby continuing to contribute effectively to the European Green Deal objectives. The package adds additional activities to the EU Taxonomy and proposes new rules for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating providers, which will increase transparency on the market for sustainable investments. Europe and the Circular Economy This week saw several developments related to the circular economy in Europe: The EU parliament approved new rules to make batteries sustainable. The new rules, which will come into force once the European Council has formally endorsed the text, is particularly relevant to the 30 million electric vehicles (EVs) anticipated to be on EU roads by 2030. Speaking about the development, Rapporteur Achille Variati said: “For the first time we have circular economy legislation that covers the entire product life cycle — an approach that is good for both the environment and the economy.” The European Environment Agency (EEA) has published twobriefings that show how efficiency gains in production have reduced some environmental impacts, but are unlikely in of themselves to bring Europe’s consumption to a sustainable level. In another briefing -‘The benefits to biodiversity of a strong circular economy’ – the EEA explores how the circular economy can reduce and, in some cases, reverse the impacts of production and consumption on biodiversity, at a time when biodiversity loss and decline of ecosystems are occurring in Europe and globally due to unsustainable patterns of production and consumption. The EEA also announced a new web product produced to help prepare the public for the effects of climate change. ‘‘Extreme summer weather in a changing climate: is Europe prepared?’ aims to provide up-to-date information and data to raise awareness among decision makers and the public of the urgent need to address climate change and to support ongoing government efforts in putting in place climate mitigation measures and building societal preparedness. With it, users can explore interactive maps and charts information on heatwaves, floods, droughts and wildfires, and the rise of climate-sensitive diseases like dengue fever. Resources The UN Global Compact is inviting SMEs to join Small Business, Big Impact: A Six-Step Journey to Drive Sustainability and Business Growth. Designed specifically for SMEs, the resources comprise five short, on-demand courses, one day of virtual live peer exchange sessions, and a toolkit to help SMEs take action. It’s available in multiple languages and time zones (English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Arabic). Registration is open and free of charge to all SMEs. The UN Global Compact is a voluntary initiative based on CEO commitments to implement the universal sustainability principles and take steps to support the UN Sustainability Development Goals. Chartered Accountants Ireland joined the compact in 2021. Watch back On 8 June the Ulster Society hosted a webinar in partnership with British Business Bank addressing the issue of sustainability, and the responsibilities upon businesses and their advisers in meeting sustainability targets. This presentation by Julia Groves covered the basics of net zero and carbon accounting, the broader consideration of environmental, social and governance factors in business decision, why SMEs should take action, what they can do and how the British Business Bank is involved. A recording of this webinar is available to view here.   Podcast With Ireland set to fail emissions targets again, Dr Tara Shine explains what businesses can do (4 mins) (Radio 1) Articles Nature and biodiversity ascend the ESG agenda –three new reporting requirements pushing nature and biodiversity up the ESG agenda (Accountancy Ireland) Nature-restoration law narrowly survives in European Parliament (Irish Times) The financial sector needs to take a leadership role in addressing climate change, the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank said (Business Post) How green are your pension funds? (ICAEW) Investors pull back support for green and social measures amid US political pressure (Financial Times)   Upcoming events   The Northern Ireland Energy Summit Delivered in partnership with the Department for the Economy and the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE), the Northern Ireland Energy Summit will take place at the ICC, Belfast, on Wednesday 21 June 2023. The event will focus on building an informed consensus on how best to take Northern Ireland forward in meeting its renewable energy targets and net zero ambitions, whilst driving 10X economic growth across innovation, sustainability and inclusion. 21 June CSRD: striving for consistent and quality sustainability assurance engagements across the EU Accountancy Europe is inviting key stakeholders to exchange on their expectations for assurance engagements, the practical implications of the CSRD assurance requirement and the role of the assurance standard. This event is in person and by invitation only. For more information, contact events@accountancyeurope.eu. 5 July Network for Chartered Accountants working on ESG projects Are you a Chartered Accountant working in ESG or working on ESG-related projects? Would you like an opportunity to engage with other Chartered Accountants working in this space to share insights, challenges and opportunities? Chartered Accountant now has a network to allow members working in sustainability/ESG to meet and discuss all matters of interest re ESG and accounting. 3rd or 4th Wednesday of every month Next: 28 June, 2023  14.00-15.00/30 Chartered Accountant House/Teams If you would like to attend please email sustainability@charteredaccountants.ie   You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.