Business group IBEC has unveiled its pre-Budget 2026 submission, urging the Government to take bold action on productivity, innovation, and long-term infrastructure planning. The submission outlines a four-point plan aimed at ensuring Ireland remains globally competitive and socially sustainable in the years ahead.
At the heart of IBEC’s submission is the call to promote productive work and employment through stronger incentives for workforce participation and greater investment in skills and training. With the labour market under pressure from demographic shifts and global competition, IBEC stresses the need for policies that support upskilling, re-skilling, and lifelong learning to sustain productivity growth.
The group also highlights the importance of long-term investment in critical infrastructure, including energy systems, housing, and public services that directly affect quality of life. IBEC argues that sustained capital investment in these areas will support economic growth, attract talent, and improve regional development.
A key element of the submission is the reform of the regulatory system, with IBEC advocating for a shift towards simplified reporting and a reduction in compliance costs for businesses. This, it says, is essential to boosting productivity and easing the administrative burden on enterprises, particularly SMEs.
Lastly, IBEC is calling on the Government to encourage innovation and trade by significantly increasing public and private investment in research and development. The organisation notes that Ireland continues to lag behind leading global innovators, and that bridging this gap will be critical to future competitiveness and economic resilience.
