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Dr Caroline Spillane CDir | Tuesday, 7th July 2026
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Dear Member
Ireland is now at the centre stage of Europe as the Presidency of the Council of the European Union has commenced.
As part of our initiatives around the EU Presidency, I am delighted to showcase two pieces in this issue; a thought leadership article by former EU Minister Lucinda Creighton; and an in-person event this September, with an expert line of speakers including IoD Ireland members Dr Orlaigh Quinn, Interim Director General, IIEA and Jim Power, Economist, as well as Barry Andrews MEP.
As a member of the IoD Ireland Board Membership Community, you are connected to a network dedicated to board excellence. In line with this, this edition features our Board Skills Matrix – a practical toolkit designed to help you effectively evaluate your board. We also highlight the IoD Ireland Bespoke Board Training service, designed to strengthen decision-making, enhance governance standards and support long-term organisational success.
In this edition you will also discover the latest insights, resources, opportunities to help you build your board profile, broaden your network, and enhance your impact around the board table.
Thank you for your continued engagement, and we look forward to supporting you throughout the months ahead.
Best wishes
Caroline
Dr Caroline Spillane CDir
Chief Executive Officer
Institute of Directors Ireland
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Exclusively for IoD Ireland members: This thought leadership article by Lucinda Creighton, former Irish Minister for European Affairs, and CEO of Vulcan Consulting, outlines what Ireland's Presidency priorities will mean for business.
In her piece, Lucinda looks at the Multiannual Financial Framework, and what concluding this priority will mean for Ireland’s reputation. She also addresses the ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap which incorporates ongoing and proposed pieces of EU legislation aimed at reducing regulation and enhancing European competitiveness. These include legislative pieces around the digital and CSRD omnibus packages.
| | EXCLUSIVE UPCOMING EVENTS | | |
Book your place on our upcoming event exploring what the EU’s competitiveness agenda means in practice for directors and businesses in Ireland. Our panel of expert speakers will examine the Presidency’s key priorities and how they can drive competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation.
Our expert panel of speakers, include: Barry Andrews MEP; Dr Orlaigh Quinn, Interim Director General, Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA); and Jim Power, Economist. In partnership with KPMG.
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The Evolving Mandate of the Modern Board
20 August 2026 | 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Location: Webinar
This webinar will look at how boards are redefining their role - from shaping organisational culture and succession planning to strengthening resilience and decision-making in uncertain times. In partnership with OnBoard.
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Leading in Governance 2026
13 October 2026 | 3:30pm - 7:00pm
Location: Webinar
Save the Date: IoD Ireland’s flagship event Leading in Governance 2026 will explore competitiveness, infrastructure and innovation, showcasing the board's critical role. Expert speakers will deliver practical governance and leadership insights for future ready organisations today.
| | We are delighted to feature IoD Ireland member Paul Lynch in this month's member spotlight. Paul is a highly experienced Chair and Independent Non-Executive Director, currently serving on a number of leading Irish boards across the retail, healthcare and industrial sectors. Drawing on a career that has included executive leadership, corporate finance and governance roles, Paul shares his perspectives on the role of the INED and the value of effective board leadership. | |
Welcome to new members who joined in recent weeks
Whether you’re here for inspiration, knowledge, or to belong to a valued network, we’re delighted to have you as part of our IoD Ireland community.
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Meet our new Chartered Directors
Congratulations to those Chartered Directors who have passed their final professional review process, eligibility assessment and have become qualified CDirs.
| | DIRECTOR EXPERTISE AND INSIGHTS | MEMBER BENEFITS | | Explore our latest expert insights and timely thought leadership content tailored specifically for you as a director and leader. To explore the full range of what you have access to as a member, visit our membership benefits website page. | | |
EU Pay Transparency Directive: Latest Update | Article
Learn about the latest updates & developments on the EU Pay Transparency Directive. By Caroline Reidy CDir, HR and Employment Law Specialist.
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Legal Risks Facing Directors | Director Factsheet
Read about the legal risks facing directors, including personal liability and disqualification, highlighting the importance of good governance. Courtesy of McCann FitzGerald LLP.
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Gender Balance on Boards -
An Update for 2026 | Factsheet
Learn about the new EU board gender balance rules, their deadlines & practical compliance steps for listed companies. By Ciarán Doyle & Elizabeth Ryan of Mason Hayes & Curran.
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Why Boards Need Clearer Visibility into Company Records| Article
Learn how poor visibility of legal entity records creates governance risks & weakens board oversight. By Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director, Diligent Institute.
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Unlocking IP-backed Finance | Director Factsheet
Explore new EU initiatives aimed at helping innovative businesses unlock finance through intellectual property assets and IP-backed lending. Courtesy of McCann FitzGerald LLP.
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Board Skills Matrix | Evaluate Your Board
Effectively evaluate your board with a practical skills matrix to identify capability gaps, support succession planning and strengthen board performance.
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Ethical AI: Director Leadership & Responsibility | Webcast
Learn the emerging AI adoption risks & opportunities, from bias & transparency to regulatory compliance, & reputational exposure. With Ger Perdisatt, AI Advisor and INED & Joan Mulvihill, INED.
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Win a Platinum VIP Experience at Dublin Airport |Member Competition
Reminder: Take part in our competition for one lucky IoD Ireland member the chance to win an exclusive Platinum VIP airport experience for two, at Dublin Airport. Entries close at 5.00pm on Friday, 17th July 2026 .
| | RESEARCH POLICY AND ADVOCACY | SHAPING THE FUTURE OF GOVERNANCE | |
In this article, Dr Caroline Spillane CDir, CEO, IoD Ireland, reflects on Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, highlighting there is a clear sense of both opportunity and responsibility.
Caroline also reflects on IoD Ireland’s latest Risk & Business Confidence Survey which addresses business sentiment, business risk, and the priority areas business leaders want the Government to focus on during the Presidency. In the piece she also highlights some key recommendations for boards and directors.
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CBI Fitness & Probity Industry Information Webinar
23 July 2026 | 11:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Webinar
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) will host a practical information webinar on the pre-approval controlled function (PCF) assessment process.The webinar is for anyone who will be assessed for a PCF role and for employees at financial institutions, advisors and/or law firms who are involved in such applications. This webinar is being organised by the CBI. Please visit their website page if you have any queries.
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Public Consultation on the EU Cybersecurity Act 2 (CSA2)
Consultation: Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
Deadline: Wednesday, 8th July 2026
The Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is inviting submissions on the proposal for an EU Cybersecurity Act 2 also known as CSA2. It is also asking for views on key considerations for enterprises in Ireland and EU, including, but not limited to: the practical implementation of ICT supply chain measures, including associated timelines; potential cost implications, particularly in infrastructure-intensive sectors; the availability of alternative suppliers and implications for supply chain resilience; interaction with existing EU frameworks, including the NIS2 Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA); and the importance of maintaining a predictable and proportionate regulatory environment to support investment and competitiveness.
| | DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT TOOLKIT | EXCLUSIVE TO MEMBERS | | The exclusive Director Development Toolkit brings together guidance, tools and templates to help you get director ready. It includes resources on CVs, cover letters, biographies, and skills development. Access some highlighted elements below. The full toolkit is available on our website. | | |
A Guide to Board Interviews
Tips for performing your best during the interview process.
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Board Biography Template
Highlight your unique value in this essential director guide.
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Writing a Board CV
Ask the right questions and effectively showcase your experience.
| | BESPOKE BOARD TRAINING: CUSTOMISED DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUR BOARD | | |
Great boards understand that continuous improvement is key to success. Avail of a special rate for our customised board development service and get a curated training programme to meet the needs of your board. The customised programme can be adapted to the needs of your board, and cover topics such as AI Governance, cyber security, risk oversight, strategy, succession planning, finance, ESG, board effectiveness.
Designed for organisations of all sizes and sectors, the training combines practical insights, tools and real-world expertise to strengthen decision-making, enhance governance standards and support long-term organisational success in a confidential and trusted environment.
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(Pictured L to R: Neil Bowden, AI Business Development Executive at Dell Technologies; David Codd CDir, Non-Executive Director; Mary O’Connor, Chief Information Officer at ESB; Dr Barry Scannell, Member of the Government’s AI Advisory Council and Partner at William Fry; Darren Clarke, Business Development Manager, IoD Ireland).
Business Leaders Discuss AI’s Impact on Ireland’s Economic Growth and Competitiveness
Directors and senior business leaders gathered for an IoD Ireland event on 25th June exploring the role of artificial intelligence in driving Ireland’s competitiveness and economic growth. Discussions highlighted how organisations are leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency, drive innovation, and maintain a competitive edge in rapidly evolving markets.
The panel of expert speakers included: Mary O’Connor, Chief Information Officer at ESB; Dr Barry Scannell, Member of the Government’s AI Advisory Council and Partner at William Fry; and Neil Bowden, AI Business Development Executive at Dell Technologies. The discussion was moderated by David Codd CDir, Non-Executive Director. The event also included welcome addresses by Darren Clarke, Business Development Manager, IoD Ireland, and Colin Boyd, Datacentre Solutions Sales Director at Dell Technologies Ireland & Northern Ireland.
The event was held in partnership with Dell Technologies.
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