Welcome to the August/ September 2026 edition of Accountancy Ireland. As I write, I am just a few months into my presidency, having taken office in May, and I have been struck by the breadth of issues shaping the environment in which our members work.
From technological change and economic competitiveness to Europe’s evolving policy agenda, Chartered Accountants continue to play a central role in helping organisations navigate complexity and make informed decisions. Over recent months, I have had the opportunity to represent the profession in a range of discussions with policymakers, business leaders and fellow representative bodies.
Most recently, I attended the annual
Presidents’ Lunch hosted by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach, where conversations focused on many of the issues that matter most to our members and to the wider economy, including competitiveness, infrastructure, skills, artificial intelligence and the future challenges facing Irish business.
One topic that continues to feature prominently in these discussions is artificial intelligence (AI). Earlier this year, Chartered Accountants Ireland published a position paper calling for Ireland to embrace the opportunities presented by AI while ensuring its development is guided by strong ethical principles and human oversight.
I was particularly encouraged to see the positive response the paper received, including correspondence from An Taoiseach, acknowledging the contribution our profession is making to this important national conversation.
Trust has always been one of the defining characteristics of the Chartered Accountant designation. In an era where technology is advancing at extraordinary speed, this trust, combined with professional judgement and leadership, becomes even more valuable.
AI will undoubtedly change how businesses operate, but it also reinforces the importance of the skills Chartered Accountants bring to organisations every day.
Europe is another major area of focus. Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union is now underway, placing the country at the centre of the coordination of European policy-making across a wide range of areas, from competitiveness and sustainability to innovation and economic growth.
In this edition, you will find expert analysis, practical insights and member perspectives on the topics influencing our profession today. As always, our aim is to inform, challenge and support you as trusted business leaders.
I hope you enjoy the edition.