This week the Institute received formal correspondence from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) regarding My Future Fund. The letter, which members may have seen reported in media yesterday, emphasises that it is an offence to hinder employees from participating in My Future Fund. It clarifies that, despite recent reports, there has been no legal change requiring employers to enrol staff in occupational pension schemes to avoid automatic enrolment. The DSP has outlined that they understand that in some instances, employees are being compelled to join schemes with minimal employer contributions - often just 1% of salary – which falls short of the contributions required by My Future Fund. Such arrangements may deprive employees of meaningful pension benefits and could constitute an offence under Section 128 of the Auto Enrolment Retirement Savings System Act 2024 (AE Act). Any cases where employees are illegally obliged to join another pension scheme, preventing them from accessing My Future Fund will be fully investigated by DSP. Members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these developments and ensure clients are fully informed. Background on Auto Enrolment/My Future Fund From 1 January 2026, the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System – branded as My Future Fund - will come into effect. This initiative, legislated under the AE Act, is designed to provide employees who currently lack pension coverage with a secure and quality-assured way to save for retirement. Eligible employees - those aged over 23 and under 66, earning more than €5,000 in any 13-week period, and not already enrolled in a payroll-based pension scheme - will be automatically enrolled. The scheme will be operated and regulated by the newly established National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA). Clarifications and compliance issues raised by the DSP The Department outlined that it has come to their attention that contribution levels under My Future Fund will be significantly higher than those currently reported in some occupational schemes, where employer contributions may be as low as 1% of salary. According to the correspondence, such low contribution rates are considerably below the initial and future contribution levels set for My Future Fund. The Department advises that any approach which results in employees being enrolled in schemes with substantially lower benefits could raise compliance concerns under the AE Act. The Department confirms that there has been no legislative change requiring employers to enrol staff in occupational schemes to circumvent automatic enrolment. However, it has become aware of cases where employees are being compelled to join such schemes, even where membership is not required under their contracts of employment. This practice, combined with very low employer contributions, could prevent employees from accessing My Future Fund and may constitute an offence under Section 128 of the AE Act. The letter also highlights compliance obligations. Employers enrolling staff in occupational schemes must meet disclosure requirements under the Pensions Act, ensuring employees receive full and accurate information about the terms and benefits of any scheme they join. Furthermore, sharing employee details with pension administrators without explicit consent may breach data protection law, exposing employers to legal and reputational risks. Finally, the Department notes that NAERSA, in consultation with the Pensions Authority, is considering developing standards to determine whether an occupational scheme qualifies as an exempt scheme under the AE Act. These standards will aim to include minimum contribution rates and conditions to ensure that any exempt pension schemes offers benefits at least as favourable as those provided under My Future Fund. Members should monitor these developments closely, as they will directly impact employer obligations and the advice professionals provide to clients. 

In this week’s Sustainability/ESG Bulletin, read about sustainability in the Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society’s Published Accounts Awards. Also covered is the upcoming public consultation on new Responsible Business Compass, measures announced by the Government to support resilience, competitiveness and economic growth in the face of severe climate change impacts, the publication of the Northern Ireland (NI) Environmental Principles Policy Statement, the European Commission’s proposals to simplify transparency rules for sustainable financial products, and attempts at COP30 to deliver a global Mutirão. We also bring you the latest articles, resources, jobs and upcoming events. Chartered Accountants Ireland Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society’s Published Accounts Awards Sustainability was the dominant theme of the Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society’s Published Accounts Awards, which took place last week. Organisations placed increasing emphasis on sustainability, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), diversity and inclusion and brand storytelling. The standard, according to the judging panel, was reportedly among the strongest in recent years, with ESB winning the overall award on the theme ‘Empowering the Sustainable Energy Transition’, which focused on planet, place and people. Commenting, awards judge Anthony Raivellur described sustainability reporting as extending beyond disclosure to encompass about accountability, transparency and alignment with the Paris Agreement, as well as people, community and purpose.   IRELAND Public consultation on new Responsible Business Compass Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth has launched a public consultation on the new Responsible Business Compass. This is an online pilot tool designed to help Irish businesses, particularly SMEs, understand and comply with sustainability-related EU Regulations and Directives. Funded by the European Union’s Technical Support Instrument (TSI), the Compass consolidates nine key EU Regulations and Directives related to sustainability and responsible business practices. It aims to provide structured guidance on compliance obligations while connecting businesses to relevant supports offered by government departments and agencies. The project is being developed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in cooperation with the European Commission, to deliver a comprehensive report and pilot tool for Irish enterprises. The public consultation is open for four weeks on the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment website. Feedback from stakeholders will inform the final development of the Compass ICT tool, which will later be made available via the departmental website and the National Enterprise Hub. Appointment to the Climate Change Advisory Council - Call for expressions of interest Expressions of interest are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for appointment as a member of the Climate Change Advisory Council, the independent advisory body tasked with assessing and advising on how Ireland can achieve the transition to a climate-resilient, biodiversity-rich, environmentally sustainable and climate-neutral economy. There will be a total of eight vacancies, including the Chair, throughout 2026 with appointments of three or five years depending on the post. These appointments will assist the Council in its activities, including advising Ministers and Government on climate policy, conducting annual and periodic reviews of progress in furthering the achievement of the national climate objective as well as proposing carbon budgets to the Minister. For the full details of the roles and requirements please refer to the candidate information booklet which can be found at Call for Expression of Interest - Climate Change Advisory Council . The closing date for applications is 3.00pm on 5 December 2025. Protecting Ireland’s communications networks from extreme weather The Government has approved the publication of the Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Communication networks in line with the National Adaptation Framework, part of a suite of measures to ensure that Ireland’s telecommunication networks will be fit for future climate challenges. The updated plan sets out how the sector will strengthen the resilience of Ireland’s communication networks in the face of climate challenges, reflecting, among other things, a commitment to support businesses as Ireland transitions to a climate-resilient future and acknowledging that insufficient climate change adaptation measures and resilience undermine competitiveness and economic growth. The plan was published on the same day the Government approved 13 Sectoral Adaptation Plans (SAPs) to support resilience, competitiveness and economic growth in the face of severe climate change impacts. Among these, the Biodiversity Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan mentions the important role that businesses and the private sector play in addressing biodiversity loss. It points to the establishment of the Business for Biodiversity Ireland Platform, which works across the private sector to promote education and awareness, and to support businesses driving nature-positive practices. NORTHERN IRELAND/UK Publication of Environmental Principles Policy Statement The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has published the Northern Ireland (NI) Environmental Principles Policy Statement. The Statement aims to ensure that environmental considerations are central to policy development and delivery in all Government departments. It will guide policymakers to consistently consider environmental impacts, prevent damage, and find innovative opportunities to enhance the environment.  The Act includes provisions for embedding in domestic law in England and Northern Ireland five environmental principles: the principle that environmental protection should be integrated into the making of policies; the principle of preventative action to avert environmental damage; the precautionary principle, so far as relating to the environment; the principle that environmental damage should as a priority be rectified at source; and the polluter pays principle.  The Statement will be now laid before the Assembly for scrutiny. EUROPE Commission simplifies transparency rules for sustainable financial products The European Commission has proposed a set of amendments to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), the EU’s transparency framework for financial products integrating environmental or social aims. The changes are designed to address current shortcomings, making the rules simpler, more efficient, better aligned with market realities, more retail-friendly and usable for companies. For FAQs see here. Accountancy Europe Sustainability Update Accountancy Europe has published its November Sustainability Update with the following highlights EP and Council adopt their position on 2040 climate target and signal EU commitment to climate neutrality Council’s conclusions on future policy priorities EU Member States call for delay and simplification of Deforestation Regulation ESMA final report on EU Green Bond Regulation Technical Standards IAASB publishes FAQs on ISSA 5000 relevance for CSRD assurance engagements WORLD COP30  –  Mutirão COP30 – the 2025 global climate summit – is into its second week as delegates strive to deliver a global Mutirão, the proposal by the Brazilian presidency to unite humanity in a global mobilization against climate change. Running until 21 November in Belém, Brazil, the summit discusses the world’s action on tackling climate change.  You can check Chartered Accountants Ireland COP30 coverage and resources on its Sustainability Centre. ARTICLES ICAEW boosts sustainability leadership with new hire (ICAEW) Where next for sustainability in business? (Briefly from Accountancy Ireland) The hidden financial cost of weakening EU due diligence rules - Ignoring supply chain risks is costing companies billions of euros  (FT Sustainable Views – Subscription needed) Alan Kirkpatrick, “Carbon Pricing Policies and Global Climate Change” 25 June 2025 1 Carbon Pricing Policies and Global Climate Change - Critical Perspectives (Second edition) What’s really holding women back at work? (Irish Times) RESOURCES Compiled by Daniel Murray, the weekly Business Post - ESG Briefing on the latest ESG news is worth your time. The Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA), in collaboration with the Irish Accounting and Finance Association (IAFA), recently hosted a webinar on CSRD Reporting and Assurance. The full webinar is available on IAASA’s YouTube channel. PODCAST Behind the Story: The real cost of Ireland's fossil fuels Ireland is spending €1 million every hour on fossil fuels, energy expert Dr Paul Deane has told Behind the Story. It comes as a recent report from the Irish Academy of Engineering says Ireland needs to rebalance its energy policy. (RTÉ – 33 mins) JOBS Financial Services - Climate Change and Sustainability Services - Senior Consultant (EY) Sustainability Associate Director (GT) Sustainability Manager (GT) Events Dublin Chamber, The Sustainability Academy: Making Sustainability Part of the Customer Conversation This half-day workshop focuses on how sustainability shapes customer expectations and how we can respond with clear, confident communication. It’s designed for those in customer-facing roles, including sales, marketing and client/relationship management who are responsible for how their organisation is seen and understood by clients and customers. In person, 26 Nov, 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM, Dublin Chamber, 7 Clare Street, Dublin 2 D02 F9O2 IBEC, Practical Ways to Support Neuro-Inclusive Workplaces The BioPharmaChem Ireland D&I Forum, in conjunction with BioPharmaChem Skillnet, is hosting an online session focused on practical strategies to support neuro-inclusive workplaces. The webinar will feature Terry Gleeson (Specialisterne Ireland) sharing solutions to create inclusive environments for neurodivergent employees. Susan Costello (BioPharmaChem Skillnet) will highlight their award-winning Certificate in CPD in Neurodiversity in the Workplace programme, followed by Linda Mulholland (APC) discussing her experience completing the course and the learnings she applied in her own workplace. Virtual, 26 November 11:00 - 12:00 Goodbody Clearstream, Cost & Opportunity of Transitioning to Net Zero This interactive masterclass will feature a presentation by Goodbody Clearstream on the practical steps and costs of transitioning your business, followed by an interactive panel discussion on how decarbonisation strategies and actions drive business value. Come and hear how Uniphar, I-RES and AIB are transitioning their businesses for a low carbon economy.   In person, location TBC (Dublin 4), 27 November, 14.00-15.00 (light lunch from 1pm – 2pm) IBEC, Preparing for Severe Weather Events Severe weather conditions can cause major disruption to roads, bus or train infrastructure and therefore, the operation of your business. In this webinar, Dr. Michael Gillen, Head of OSH Policy will review the key points to consider, practical steps and control measures you can put in place. Virtual, 26 November 11:00 - 11:45 InterTradeIreland, Trade Series: Understanding ESG & Sustainability This free webinar will help businesses understand ESG principles, sustainability strategies, and practical steps for compliance and growth. It will cover reporting requirements, risk management, and opportunities for SMEs. Gain practical insights into how ESG and sustainability practices can help your business remain competitive, compliant, and future-ready, as well as an overview of emerging ESG and Sustainability reporting requirements. Online, Wednesday 26 November 2025, 11:00am–12:30pm EY, Four Futures: Exploring Climate Scenarios This immersive workshop invites people to step into the year 2055 and explore four distinct climate scenarios—Business As Usual, Transform, Constrain, and Collapse. Enhanced by the CCaSS team, this updated iteration incorporates the latest insights on climate impacts in Ireland. Participants will dive deeper into key drivers of climate change and examine how Business As Usual and Transform scenarios affect society, business, and the economy. EY Offices, Harcourt Street, Dublin, , D02 YA40, Friday 28 November – Friday 5 December 2025 Dublin Chamber, The Sustainability Academy: Making It Work Inside Your Organisation This half-day workshop is designed for people working behind the scenes — in finance, operations, HR and other internal roles, those who play a key part in shaping how their organisation runs day to day. It focuses on how sustainability can be built into internal systems and processes in a way that supports both people and performance. In person, 4 Dec 9am - 1pm, Dublin Chamber, 7 Clare Street, Dublin 2 D02 F9O2 Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, Event to Help Employers Apply Reasonable Adjustments This in-person event will help employers create inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities by demonstrating how reasonable adjustments can and should be applied. Hear from employers A&O Shearman and Belfast City Council on effective approaches, and learn about support services and programmes from disability sector representatives and government departments. Girdwood Community Hub, Belfast, Thursday 11 December 2025, 9:30am – 1:00pm | Cost: Free Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business - Lancaster University,  SMEs - Learning about Nature and Biodiversity This is the first in a series of three free webinars from the Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business aimed at SMEs curious about nature and biodiversity links to business activity. This session provides a natural science introduction to ecosystems and explains how these aspects impact business operations, with examples from different sectors. Virtual, Thursday 15 January 2026, 8:00am – 9:00am | 4.00pm – 5.00pm Dublin Chamber, The Sustainability Academy: Green Public Procurement Training Join us on Wednesday the 4th of February for Half-day virtual workshop on Green Public Procurement as part of Sustainable Academy, sponsored by AIB. All companies now need to learn the green public procurement rules to bid and win new contracts with the public sector. Virtual,  Wed 4th Feb 2026 | 9am - 12.30pm. Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business - Lancaster University, Starting Your Journey with Tools and Frameworks Second in the series, this webinar explores tools and frameworks that support decision-making for nature and biodiversity, including the Natural Capital Protocol and TNFD. Learn how these approaches help businesses identify relevant priorities and communicate outcomes effectively. Virtual, Thursday 12 February 2026, 8:00am – 9: 00am | 4.00pm – 5.00pm Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business - Lancaster University, What Does ‘Good’ Look Like in Corporate Reporting? The final session in the Pentland Centre’s free webinar series for SMEs explores what effective reporting on nature and biodiversity looks like. Drawing on global examples, this webinar highlights best practices and practical approaches for integrating nature and biodiversity into corporate reporting. Virtual, Thursday 12 March 2026, 8:00am – 9:00am | 4.00pm – 5.00pm Sustainability Centre You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.    

Those aiming for leadership positions can benefit from the experience of those who went before them, writes Executive Head of Member Experience Karin Lanigan.   Mentoring is certainly not a new concept; however, it is one that has been receiving increased attention in recent years within the Chartered community. The benefits of mentoring are acknowledged, and these benefits were resoundingly highlighted during a recent panel discussion event for members was hosted by the Ulster Society: “Leading with Purpose”, during which leadership and the important role of mentoring to its development were discussed. Joining me on this panel were Jackie Henry MBE – UK Managing Partner of People and Purpose, Deloitte, Sir David Sterling KCB – retired Head of Northern Ireland Civil Servant and current Non-Executive Director of various boards and trusts, Tracey McCaig – Chief Operating Officer, Department of Health’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG), Beth Lyttle –  Chartered Accountant at Northern Ireland Audit Office, and it was chaired by Jo Scott – Broadcaster with BBC NI. "The hindsight of a mentor can provide invaluable foresight" During the lively discussion, it was agreed that being in a leadership role can sometimes be a lonely place. In this situation, the benefits of having a mentor can really come to the fore. Being able to reach out and leverage the lived experiences, advice, insights and support of a mentor can help you deal more effectively with challenges, career pivots and generally enhance your career trajectory.  It was also noted that mentors are not only a useful resource during the big moments, but they are also a helpful sounding board for day-to-day aspects of your career and life dilemmas. There is significant merit in gaining support and advice from someone who is more experienced and has most likely lived through similar situations. In other words, the hindsight of a mentor can provide invaluable foresight. Among the panelists , the consensus was that selecting or being matched with the most appropriate mentor for you personally is essential in forming this dynamic and collaborative relationship. There must be a connection and chemistry there which is then underpinned by trust, confidentiality, respect and open communication. We reminded the audience that a mentoring relationship can be formal or informal and it’s definitely not the case that  one size that fits all. We also pointed out that both parties shouldn’t be prescriptive in terms of the duration of the relationship as they can tend to naturally run their course. Confidence-building and moving out of your comfort zone Developing a relationship with your mentor is an investment in your career and personal development, particularly if you want to accelerate your career and take on more senior roles and lead with purpose. Leadership doesn’t happen in isolation. With the backing and support of a mentor you can develop your leadership skills more effectively and build your self-confidence. Our panel openly outlined how they have all had their challenges with the ‘impostor syndrome’ where they doubted their abilities and were riddled with a lack of self-confidence. On these occasions having a mentor to reach out to for support, compassion, advice and new perspectives was transformational.   To truly benefit from a mentoring relationship, you as the mentee need to be willing to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. In other words, you need to be prepared to push yourself outside your comfort zone, accept feedback and push boundaries. When you get to this point, the benefits of mentoring can be truly experienced and enjoyed. In terms of practicalities, scheduling your mentoring meetings at a time that works for you is essential to their success. You need to set aside time where you can focus on the conversations and have adequate time to plan what you want to achieve from the engagement with your mentor. Taking this approach is only fair to the mentor too who has given their time to support you. Overall, mentoring was highlighted as a valuable support system, helping members and aspiring leaders to overcome challenges, build confidence, and accelerate career growth by leveraging the experience and advice of more seasoned professionals. Learn more about mentoring For any members who are interested in offering their time to an aspiring Chartered leader, or members seeking a mentor, me and my colleagues in the Institute’s careers and recruitment service would be delighted to talk to you. You can learn more about the service here. Karin Lanigan is the Institute's Executive Head of Member Experience. She has also managed the Career and Recrutiment Service. Karin holds a Masters in Personal and Management Coaching from UCC 

The 10th Annual Good Governance Awards took place last night at Chartered Accountants House, marking a decade of celebrating strong governance, transparency and high-quality reporting across Ireland’s charity and non-profit sector. Hosted in partnership with Carmichael, the event brought together trustees, volunteers, charity leaders and supporters to honour organisations that are setting the benchmark for responsible stewardship. In her remarks, the Chief Executive of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Rosemary Keogh, highlighted the central importance of trust, noting that in an increasingly complex and volatile world, good governance is the foundation on which charities earn and maintain public confidence. She emphasised that governance is not simply about compliance, it is a commitment to accountability, purpose and the ethical use of resources for the public good. A key theme of the evening was the steadily increasing standard of governance across Irish charities. With the publication of the new Charity SORP in October, and the Charities Regulator expected to finalise mandatory scoping requirements in 2026, boards, management teams and donors will have more to familiarise themselves with in the year ahead. These developments reinforce the need for ongoing training, clarity and leadership - particularly in areas such as financial reporting, risk oversight, impact measurement and transparency. The many roles played by Chartered Accountants across the non-profit landscape was also recognised at the event. Members serve as trustees, treasurers, employees, auditors, advisers, volunteers and donors, bringing professional judgement, financial stewardship and ethical leadership to charities and non-profits of all sizes. Some have also been beneficiaries of the sector’s work, reinforcing its deep societal value. Their contribution aligns with Chartered Accountants Ireland’s emphasis on trusted business leadership and reflects the profession’s commitment to serving the public interest. A very warm appreciation was also extended to Carmichael and Diarmaid O’Corrbui, Co-founder of the Good Governance Awards, for a decade of championing excellence in governance. Congratulations once again to all this year’s winners, who were: Category 1 (< €100,000): Chronic Pain Ireland Category 2 (€100,000–€250,000): Kilkenny Volunteer Centre Category 3 (€250,000–€750,000): IDEA – Irish Development Education Association Category 4 (€750,000–€2.5m): Belong To Category 5 (€2.5m–€10m): Women’s Aid Category 6 (€10m–€50m): Oxfam Ireland Category 7 (> €50m): Rehab Group All shortlisted organisations received expert feedback from volunteer judges and assessors, a core feature of the Awards that supports continuous improvement throughout the sector. For further information or comment please contact Head of Ethics and Governance, Níall Fitzgerald at ethicsgov@charteredaccountants.ie

We are delighted to announce that this year's charity partner for our Leinster Society Christmas Lunch is the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF). The Irish Youth Foundation (IYF) was set up 40 years ago by Norma Smurfit with the sole mission of ensuring that every young person in Ireland has access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive. In that time, they have invested over €30 million in young people and given 500,000 children and young people the opportunities, mentors, and safe spaces they need to thrive. They fund and support community-based projects that provide safe spaces, trusted mentors, and opportunities for personal growth, helping young people build confidence, resilience, and brighter futures. Their work focuses on addressing the root causes of inequality by investing in youth services that tackle issues such as poverty, mental health, education gaps, and social exclusion. Through strategic partnerships and targeted funding, they enable grassroots organisations to deliver high-impact programmes where they’re needed most. However, the need for the work they support has never been greater. 1 in 5 children in Ireland are living in poverty and 1 in 10 are experiencing consistent deprivation lacking access to basic resources, opportunities, and support systems.  The funds that we can raise at our Christmas Lunch this year  for the IYF is vital to help them meet this growing need and ensure that every child has the chance to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. A Youth Worker's story of guiding a young man to his Junior Cert Mary, a Youth Worker, has been working with a young man in her project since the age of 8. She remembers a day when she had to go to the child’s school to advocate on his behalf. The child was being expelled for bad behaviour, which had culminated in the boy hitting his teacher. The school could no longer tolerate this behaviour. Mary met with the Principal and filled him in on the child’s back story. The kind of story that often remains hidden. Unless there’s a caring and supportive adult in your life. This young boy’s story was harrowing. His father was physically, emotionally and mentally abusive to his wife and two children. The young boy witnessed his father physically attack his mother on numerous occasions and experienced significant abuse himself. The father was involved in gangland activity and eventually ended up in prison. A kind neighbour brought the boy a puppy to help him adjust. When his Dad returned from prison, he saw how much his son loved the puppy and in order to re-instate his authority, on his first day home he broke the dog’s neck, in front of his son, and threw him over the balcony of the flat complex. The following day the boy attacked his teacher in school. On foot of Mary’s advocacy, the boy was allowed to stay in school and Mary has continued to support him. A few years later, this same young boy was the victim of a horrific attack. A rival criminal gang petrol-bombed the boy’s family home. He, his mother and sister suffered horrific injuries. They spent months recovering in ICU. Mary was abroad at the time, with the Irish Youth Foundation, taking part in a fundraising challenge. She flew straight home to support the boy and his family. Last year, Mary spoke at one of our fundraising events and told us this story. The same young boy had just completed his Junior Cert Maths paper and had phoned Mary to tell her it had gone well. He is on track to complete his post primary education and hopefully go on to 3rd level education. All over Ireland, Youth Workers like Mary are advocating on behalf of lost young people every day. Note: Names and minor details have been changed to protect identities.  

In Irish news, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has published a paper on the impact of US tariffs and policy changes, and the Department of Finance published the Finance (Tax Appeals and Fiscal Responsibility) Bill 2024. In UK news today, the first batch of Making Tax Digital mandation letters have been issued and HMRC has asked us to share news about a change to their GOV.UK sign in screen page. In International news this week, EU finance ministers agree to abolish the €150 customs duty threshold on goods entering the EU. Ireland 1. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council published an analytical note last week examining the potential impact of US tariffs and other policy changes on Irish corporation tax receipts. 2. The Department of Finance published the Finance (Tax Appeals and Fiscal Responsibility) Bill 2024 which includes a proposal to reconsider tax appeals being held in camera. UK 3. HMRC has issued the first batch of letters to relevant taxpayers outlining the mandatory Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax obligations. 4. Read about a change to HMRC’s sign in page which introduces an additional option: GOV.UK One login. International 5. Read about the decision of EU finance ministers to abolish the €150 customs duty threshold on goods entering the EU. 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 Cross-border developments and trading corner here.

The second six-monthly SME Business Sentiment Survey from Chartered Accountants Ireland and GRID Finance has found that 60% of businesses have been impacted by global trade tensions and tariffs. The survey measures and tracks the experience, confidence and sentiment of SMEs, including small accounting practices, doing business in Ireland. The inaugural survey took place in April 2025.  Businesses more prepared for trade tensions and tariffs  Despite uncertainty in global trade and tariffs, the proportion of businesses unprepared for related disruptions has fallen from 36% to 23% in the past six months - suggesting growing resilience. Business members in particular feel better equipped to manage these issues, rising to 25% now compared to just 15% in April. The effects of Brexit continue to be felt with 41% of respondents reporting that it had a negative impact on their business.  Cróna Clohisey, Director of Members and Advocacy, Chartered Accountants Ireland said: “The findings highlight both the resilience and the pressures facing SMEs. While more businesses are now prepared for global trade disruptions, the environment remains volatile and demands continued vigilance. Our members are uniquely positioned to help businesses plan, adapt, and thrive amid these challenges, offering the trusted guidance and expertise needed to build long-term resilience. “Encouragingly, nearly a third of members (32%) report business profitability has increased in the last 6 months, an improvement on April’s findings. One in three also believe that their business will be better off in the next 12 months, up 5% from the previous survey.”  Cost pressures continue to bite The survey found that business costs are continuing to increase for the vast majority (79%) of SMEs. Small businesses remain under pressure from rising labour costs, which nearly two-fifths identify as their greatest financial challenge. This is followed by rising operational costs (30%) and regulatory compliance costs (12%). Not only are costs a financial challenge to businesses, they are viewed as the biggest competitiveness challenge faced by SMEs at 45%. This is followed by salary demands and talent pipeline/shortages. Countdown to auto-enrolment Almost two-thirds (64%) of businesses indicate that they are prepared for the pension auto-enrolment start date of 1 January. The findings reveal that business size is a significant factor in how companies prepare for this new scheme. Those with 50+ employees are more likely to budget for increased costs and expand their existing occupational pension schemes at 53% and 49% respectively compared to 32% and 33% for organisations with fewer than 50 employees.  Clohisey continued “Businesses are taking steps to ready themselves with almost 60% having attended an information session, but only 39% have budgeted for increased costs related to the scheme. Smaller firms will need additional support to manage the costs and administrative burden this reform will bring. Continued government support will be vital to ensure no business is left behind." Eoin Christian, CEO, GRID Finance said: “The November survey findings highlight the views of small businesses across a range of critical issues and clearly illustrate the challenges they continue to face. Chief among these are rising costs related to staffing, day-to-day operations and regulatory compliance. When combined with an uncertain global trading environment, these pressures make it more important than ever for small organisations to closely assess their operations and future cash-flow requirements. “With almost one-fifth of respondents reporting increased demand for borrowing, and nearly one-third applying for government supports, it is evident that businesses are actively seeking financial assistance — both from the State and from specialist finance providers such as GRID Finance.” You can read the survey in full here. About the SME Business Sentiment Survey The SME Business Sentiment Survey is conducted by Chartered Accountants Ireland and GRID Finance, the Institute’s Official Independent Lender Partner. This survey was conducted by Coyne Research between 2 and 19 October 2025 and will be repeated every six months. Approximately 300 members were surveyed from organisations employing fewer than 250 people.   About GRID Finance GRID Finance is dedicated to providing accessible and sustainable financing solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. With a deep understanding of the needs of Irish SMEs, GRID Finance offers a range of financial products and services designed to support growth, resilience, and long-term success. Social Impact and B-Corp Accreditation As a Certified B Corporation, GRID Finance meets the highest standards of social and environmental impact. With an overall B Impact Score of 127.9, significantly higher than the median score of 50.9 for ordinary businesses, GRID Finance is committed to continuous improvement and leading the transformation of the global economic system.      

Each year, November is a significance moment for men’s health and wellbeing. Movember, known best for encouraging men to grow moustaches to raise money and awareness for health issues, has become a cultural phenomenon. And International Men’s Day on November 19th provides another vital opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by men across the globe. In Ireland, where conversations around mental health have advanced significantly in the last decade, November offers a powerful moment to reflect, advocate, and take action for men’s wellbeing. The Mental Health Landscape Ireland has taken major strides in addressing mental health openly, yet men still face unique obstacles. Research consistently shows that men are statistically less likely than women to seek mental health support, despite facing high levels of mental health risks. Suicide rates among Irish men remain significantly higher than those among women, with young men particularly vulnerable. In many rural communities, challenges are intensified. Isolation, economic uncertainty, and limited access to services can all contribute to mental distress. For others, financial pressure, housing insecurity, and workplace stress often play major roles. Across all demographics, stigma is still a hurdle. Many men grow up internalising the message that expressing emotional vulnerability is a weakness. Movember and International Men’s Day challenge that narrative with a louder and more hopeful message- asking for help is a sign of strength, and mental health deserves just as much care as physical wellbeing. Proactive Steps Ireland has changed dramatically in its openness to mental health, but change must continue. One of the greatest barriers men face is silence. Many Irish men still feel they must cope alone, whether because they fear burdening others, don’t want to appear weak, or don’t recognise their own struggles as legitimate.  Asking a friend, colleague, or brother how he is doing can be the difference between coping and crisis. Encouraging emotional expression in boys is just as important. Schools across Ireland have begun teaching emotional resilience, empathy, and communication skills. Supporting boys to express their feelings without judgement sets a foundation for mentally healthier men in the future. This November, each of us can play a part in creating a healthier future for both ourselves and the men of Ireland: Check in with the men in your life. Encourage emotional honesty in conversations with boys and young men. Know the signs - Learn to recognise symptoms of stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Stay active - Exercise and outdoor time boost mental wellbeing. Limit alcohol – Alcohol is a depressant and can disrupts the balance of chemicals in your brain, such as serotonin and dopamine. Visit your GP - Schedule a medical, arrange a blood test and engage in screening services and programmes Reach out for support - whether it’s a GP, counsellor or trusted friend or family Challenge harmful stereotypes that suggest men must “tough it out”. Importance of Initiatives While Movember may be best known for sprouting a moustaches, the movement’s impact extends far beyond the hairy exterior. Movember has grown into one of the world’s largest men’s health campaigns, supporting programmes in mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. International Men’s Day also helps widening the conversation. It focuses not only on health but also on men’s social roles, identity, and emotional lives. The theme often emphasises creating positive role models, improving gender relations, celebrating contributions men make to families and communities, and addressing the challenges they face. It encourages reflection on how society raises, supports, and understands men. This culture shift is crucial. When everyday conversations include mental wellbeing as openly as sport, weather, or work, men who are struggling become more likely to speak up and seek help. If you are struggling with your mental or emotional wellbeing, Thrive can help you on your journey to better health. For wellbeing advice, contact the team by email at: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie or by phone: (+353) 86 0243294. Movember Webinar: From Self-Care to Peak Performance: A Conversation That Matters In support of Movember, join the ACA professional for an inspiring conversation on mental health and its impact on careers, relationships, and success. This webinar explores practical strategies for maintaining wellbeing and achieving peak performance, featuring insights from world-class performers, leaders, and athletes. Book your spot here: From Self-Care to Peak Performance: A Conversation That Matters - ..rteredaccountants.ie

Institute CEO Rosemary Keogh has responded to today's announcement that Paschal Donohoe is to step down as Minister for Finance to take up a role as senior managing director and chief knowledge officer at the World Bank. Commenting on the announcement, Rosemary Keogh said: "Chartered Accountants Ireland commends Paschal Donohoe for his exceptional service as Minister for Finance, and President of the Eurogroup. His steady leadership at national and European level through Brexit, the pandemic, and global economic challenges has been instrumental in safeguarding Ireland’s fiscal stability and reputation internationally.    Paschal’s collaborative approach and commitment to prudent financial management have strengthened Ireland’s position at the heart of global economic policy. We wish him every success in his new role at The World Bank, where his expertise will continue to make a global impact. We congratulate Minister Simon Harris on his appointment as Minister for Finance and we look forward to continuing our close and positive engagement with him and his officials." 

Catherine Rogers is an Associate Director at Crowe, where she acts as Head of Governance within the Consulting Department. She specialises in advising the public and not-for-profit sectors on a wide range of governance matters and is also part of Crowe’s Special Investigations Unit, which has undertaken numerous high-profile inquiries. Catherine qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2010, following a BSc in Management from DIT. What made you choose Chartered Accountancy and if you weren’t a Chartered Accountant, what other career path would you have followed? In school, I always enjoyed the accountancy side of business studies. I found the process of putting a set of accounts together logical and satisfying. If I hadn’t become an accountant, I’m not sure what path I would have taken. At one point, I considered teaching or even studying law, but my interest always came back to accounting. Can you tell us about your career path and how you got to where you are now? I began my career training in a small firm, gaining hands-on experience managing jobs and clients from an early stage. Qualifying in 2010 during a challenging job market, I spent a year working in the finance department of a catering company before moving to Edinburgh. There, I joined Lloyds Banking Group, preparing accounts for companies that owned large leased assets such as ships and trains. I later moved to RBS, working in group reporting on financial statements and budgets. In 2012, an opportunity arose to join the civil service, where I was appointed to the Department of Finance. For nearly three years, I managed the State’s shareholding in AIB – a unique experience after previously working for two banks bailed out by the UK taxpayer. While at the Department, I contributed to the Banking Inquiry, sparking my interest in understanding crises and what can be learned from them. This ultimately led me to transition into consulting with Crowe. What do you value most about your membership of the profession, and how do you think these benefits can be used to support the economy and society? For me, the greatest value lies in professional support – there’s always someone to advise or provide a listening ear. Having the opportunity to discuss economic developments helps the profession proactively address issues. The recent bill to protect the term “Accountant” will only strengthen our role in the future. Every charitable organisation also needs to have some level of input from an accountant, so we do give back a lot on a voluntary basis. What Institute services have you availed of, and to what extent have you been involved with the Institute? I have actively pursued professional development, completing diplomas in corporate finance and forensic accounting and investigations. I am also a member of the Charity and Not-for-Profit group, which provides a platform to share insights and address sector challenges. What career advice would you give to other members based on your own experience? Don’t be afraid to try something different. When I qualified, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but the qualification opened so many doors. People often underestimate the curiosity and inquisitiveness we develop as accountants. In my current role, that perspective allows me to approach issues through a unique lens. What achievement are you proudest of in your life to date? My involvement in the Scoping Inquiry into CervicalCheck is something I’m incredibly proud of. Working with Dr Gabriel Scally was eye-opening and rewarding, and knowing I played a small role in changing how women’s health is viewed is hard to beat. Meeting the women and families affected was both heartbreaking and inspiring.

In this week’s cross-border trading corner, we bring you the latest guidance updates and publications. The most recent Trader Support Service bulletin is also available as is the latest Brexit and Beyond newsletter from the Northern Ireland Assembly EU Affairs team. HMRC has also sent a further email about using ICS2 and the House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee has published its first report. Email from HMRC on ICS2 HMRC has asked us to share the below email on ICS2. The following documents have also been shared with us: ICS2 Arrival and Presentation of Goods Notifications, and FAQs - ICS2 road movements. “Email from HMRC You can use Import Control System 2 (ICS2) now to submit entry summary (ENS) declarations if you’re ready to do so. If you need more time, you must work with your supply chain to make sure you’re ready to start using ICS2 as soon as possible. This must be no later than 31 December 2025 when ICS2 becomes mandatory for all movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Preparing to submit Arrival and Presentation notifications for GB-NI movements using the Trader Integration Micro Service (TIMS) We’re continuing to work towards the release of the free-to-use Trader Integration Micro Service (TIMS) and will confirm the release date soon. TIMS will facilitate the submission of ICS2 Arrival and Presentation of Goods notifications on your behalf for Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) movements from GB-NI only. If you already use the Trader Support Service (TSS) to auto-generate your Goods Movement Reference (GMR), you do not need to take any further action. If you don’t use the TSS to auto generate your GMR and wish to benefit from using TIMS, you should start to prepare now by ensuring you enter the ENS movement reference numbers (MRNs), when prompted, in the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS). No registration is required for TIMS and there is no cost to use it – once it is released, as long as your ENS MRNs are included in the relevant GMRs, TIMS will automatically submit your ICS2 Arrival and Presentation of Goods notifications for you for movements from GB-NI only. TIMS is not the only method for submitting your arrival and presentation notifications for your GB-NI movements. However, if you have included your ENS MRNs in your GMR, then TIMS will automatically submit these notifications. You won’t need to submit separate ICS2 Arrival and Presentation of Goods notifications for these MRNs.  Choosing not to include ENS MRNs in your GMRs? If you choose not to include ENS MRNs in your GMRs for GB-NI movements, you’ll need to purchase or develop your own software to submit Arrival and Presentation of Goods notifications, which are a mandatory part of the ICS2 requirements. Read the attached guidance to find out more about this. While we do not expect you to be submitting Arrival and Presentation of Goods notifications until TIMS has launched, if you’re planning to use another method we recommend preparing now. In the meantime, continue to use the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) or another customs process to fulfil Arrival and Presentation notifications requirements for your RoRo movements. Visit GOV.UK for more information on: using ICS2: Make an entry summary declaration using the Import Control System 2, and using the TSS: Sign up for the Trader Support Service.” Northern Ireland after Brexit: Strengthening Northern Ireland’s voice in the context of the Windsor Framework The House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee has published its first report ‘Northern Ireland after Brexit: Strengthening Northern Ireland’s voice in the context of the Windsor Framework’. The Committee is warning that the current arrangements under the Windsor Framework are overwhelmingly complex and impossible for stakeholders to navigate. The report concludes that based on the evidence it received, efforts to address the democratic deficit in Northern Ireland following Brexit are insufficient. The Committee is calling for urgent action to strengthen Northern Ireland’s role in the UK-EU relationship reset. Miscellaneous guidance updates and publications This week’s miscellaneous guidance updates and publications are as follows: Appendix 1 Inventory Exports: DE 1/10: Requested and Previous Procedure Codes, Additional Information (AI) Statement Codes for Data Element 2/2 of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), CDS Declaration Completion Instructions for Imports, Appendix 2: DE 1/11: Additional Procedure Codes of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), Poly(ethylene terephthalate) glycol-modified (PETG) (Tariff notice 19), Non-electrical lamps and lighting fittings (Candle holders) (Tariff notice 20), Tariff notices, Specific wines (Tariff notice 21), Customs Special Procedures Manual, Data Element 2/3: Document and Other Reference Codes: Licence Types — Imports and Exports of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), and Refunds and waivers on customs debt by HMRC.

In this week’s detailed miscellaneous updates which you can read more about below, the latest Agent Update is available and HMRC has recently published a range of newsletters and research reports. More information is also available on the new advisory electric rates for fully electric cars for home and public charging which took effect from 1 September 2025.   In other news this week: The latest HMRC news and information bulletin is available, The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has launched a new mini-series on how to fix the UK’s tax system with the first podcast focusing on income tax and the IFS has also published the 2025 edition of its Green Budget Report, The House of Commons Treasury Committee has published the transcript of various evidence sessions on its inquiry into the 2025 Budget which takes place next week on Wednesday 26 November,  HMRC has published detailed guidance for long-term UK residents and qualifying new UK residents and their employers on the changes to the UK’s territoriality rules for income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax which commenced from 6 April 2025, The National Audit Office (NAO) has published a report to help MPs in their examination of HMRC. According to the report it “provides a factual overview for readers interested in understanding more about how HMRC collects and spends taxpayers’ money”. The report also draws on the NAO’s previous findings and publicly available sources of information, The latest schedule of HMRC Talking Points live and recorded webinars for tax agents are available for booking. Spaces are limited, so take a look now and save your place, and Check HMRC’s online services availability page for details of planned downtime and the online services affected. October Agent Update Agent Update: Issue 136 is available. Get the latest guidance and information on topics such as: Capital gains tax: working out adjustments for the rates changes in 2024/25, Bank and building society interest, Self-Assessment re-activation using option 2 of the Agent Dedicated Line, and The expansion of the Research and Development Professional Bodies mailbox which is now open to all agents. HMRC newsletters The following HMRC newsletters were recently published: Tax free savings newsletter 18, Pension Schemes newsletter 174, and Employment related securities bulletin 61.  HMRC research HMRC has published the following research reports: Digital Channel Shift Campaign Evaluation 2024 to 2025, Self-Assessment Campaign Tracking 2024 to 2025 report, Research into agents’ preparedness for Making Tax Digital for income tax – headline findings, HMRC Stakeholder Research 2025, Understanding evasion in small businesses, and Understanding social media content creators. Company electric cars advisory rates HMRC has now updated its associated guidance to explain how to apportion mileage for journeys where a company car is charged at both public and residential locations. According to HMRC, the employer may “apportion the mileage based on how much charging happens at each place” and “the apportionment calculation should be fair and reasonable”.