Design & Cra s Council Ireland Annual Report and Financial Statements
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023
Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) is the national agency for craft and design in Ireland. We support designers and makers in developing their businesses in a sustainable way, and advocate for the societal benefits of craft and design. DCCI’s activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland.
DCCI provides practical supports to emerging and established designers and craftspeople through a range of programmes and services.
A report for DCCI authored by Grant Thornton, stated that in 2023 the design and craft sector generated €4.2 billion in gross added value (GVA). It also showed that the sector employs approximately 63,000 people with 21,000 organisational design and craft enterprises, the majority of which are design led (14,000).
As of 31 December 2023, DCCI has sixty-three member organisations and 3,662 registered client enterprises. This represents an increase of almost 11% registered clients since 2022.
Our Team DCCI’s Executive Team is responsible and accountable for the leadership and day-to-day management and operation of the organisation. The team acts within the approved policies of the DCCI Board of Directors (the Board) and is consistent with the priorities of its clients.
The Executive Team comprises the CEO and heads of department. The heads of department report directly to the CEO and provide regular updates to the DCCI Board on the work of the organisation. The CEO reports to the DCCI Chair and Board.
DCCI’s office and the DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery are located in Castle Yard, Kilkenny, with twenty two full-time employees. The centres of excellence are located in Thomastown, County Kilkenny.
Rosemary Steen Chief Executive Officer, DCCI
Peter Hynes Chair, DCCI
2023 — Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s support for our design and craft sector delivered continued strong activity based on local, national and international collaboration.
As the CEO and Chair of the Design & Crafts Council Ireland, we are pleased to present the Annual Report for 2023. It was a transformative year for the Council, as we launched several initiatives aimed at fostering growth, sustainability, and international recognition for Irish design and craft. We look back on these twelve months with pride, thanks to our designers and craftspeople who demonstrated remarkable hard work, collaboration and creativity.
We kicked off 2023 with our successful international tradeshow, Showcase, where over €25 million was generated in sales made over the three-day period. DCCI also had a presence at Collect in London where Irish Ambassador to the UK, Martin Fraser, attended and spoke highly of the strong creative talent coming from Ireland, seen through the work of the ten master craftspeople from Ireland whose work was showcased.
We officially opened the DCCI Academy building in May of 2023 in collaboration with Kilkenny County Council in Thomastown. This is a place where we will see many students in years to come benefit from educational courses in Jewellery and Goldsmithing.
August Craft Month was a huge success with some four hundred and twenty events taking place across all thirty two counties, over the course of the month, celebrating craft in all its forms. This was a huge increase on the previous year and proof that collaboration is key to success for everyone.
We have made significant inroads in the sector throughout the year. We forged new partnerships with the Michelangelo Foundation and we were delighted to have eight Irish craftspeople involved in the international Homo Faber Fellowship, as well as building on strong partnerships with education bodies to deliver education and growth programmes for the sector. We launched comprehensive training programmes and workshops designed to enhance the skills of our members, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing world. Projects like this help Irish design and craft thrive and gain both national and international recognition. We embraced new technology and innovative ideas, helping our designers and craftspeople find new customers and work in more sustainable ways.
One of the highlights of the year was the success of Irish Design Week, which showcased the diversity, expansive-thinking and talent within our community on an international stage. This
The achievements of 2023 are a testament to the collaborative spirit of our community and the strategic direction set forth by the Council.
event not only celebrated Irish design and craft but also facilitated important connections between our members and global industry leaders, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Sustainability has been at the forefront of our agenda, as we recognise the critical role the design and craft sector plays in promoting environmentally responsible practices. Through projects, like Irish Design Week and Irish Business Design Challenge we have seen the increased use of sustainable materials and methods, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for all.
The Made Local campaign was another huge success in 2023. Our Made Local brand ambassador, Lyra was a fantastic addition and she really got behind our craftspeople and promoted the importance of supporting beautiful and locally crafted products. We had an 8.4% increase in participants to our Made Local campaign and we plan to continue to build on this as the campaign grows.
The achievements of 2023 are a testament to the collaborative spirit of our community and the strategic direction set forth by the Council. We successfully launched our new website in August and it’s a place where we celebrate design and craft. As we look ahead, we are excited about the potential for further growth and innovation within our sector. We remain committed to supporting our members in their creative endeavours, advocating for the importance of design and craft in society, and working to enhance Ireland’s reputation as a place of excellence in this vibrant and rapidly expanding field.
Finally, we would like to express a heartfelt thank you to all those who have supported us throughout the year. To the government, Minister Simon Coveney, TD, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Trade Promotion and Digital Transformation; and Neale Rich-
mond TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Employment Affairs and Retail Business; and at the Department of Social Protection and Rural and Community Development and the team at the Department of Foreign Affairs. To Leo Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, and his team, as well as all our colleagues across the Local Enterprise Offices. Also, sincere thanks for all the support received from our following partners; Kilkenny County Council; Cork County Council; the RDS; the OPW; the team at The Glucksman, UCC.
Another thank you is due to all our education partners, Atlantic Technological University; Trinity College Dublin; TUD; OCO Global and The Creative Futures Academy. And to all the teams we have worked closely with in Craft NI; Cork Airport; Aer Rianta International; Bord Bia and the team at Gifted, a huge thank you to you all. It’s been wonderful to work so collaboratively with you all and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our collaborations for the future.
We would like to extend thanks to the DCCI Board members as well as the team at the Council for their hard work and continued dedication.
And finally and most importantly, we’re grateful for everyone involved in Ireland’s design and craft scene — the sector wouldn’t exist without you. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, makers and designers, our guilds, associations, networks and societies (GANS) for your continued support and dedication. We’ve built a strong base for our next steps and we are very positive about the future prospects of our national design and crafts sector. Let’s keep pushing Irish design and craft to new heights, nurturing a world of creativity, excellence, and care for the environment.
Together, we have built a strong foundation for the future, and we are optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead. Let us continue to work hand in hand to elevate Irish design and craft, fostering a culture of creativity, excellence, and sustainability.
Ní neart go cur le chéile, Rosemary Steen CEO, Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Peter Hynes Chair, Design & Crafts Council Ireland
By 2030, the design and craft sector in Ireland will have increased its contribution to Ireland economically, socially and culturally.
As the national agency for design and crafts in Ireland, our mission is to support designers and makers to develop their businesses in a sustainable way, and to advocate for the societal benefits of design and crafts.
2023 marks year two of the strategic plan developed with KPMG and implemented under CEO Rosemary Steen. The Council’s vision, mission and values feed into the objectives that are assigned across strategic pillars –the main areas of focus for Design & Crafts Council Ireland in the coming years. The strategic plan includes four key pillars:
1. Building capability and capacity to deliver resilient growth
Targeting capacity growth in design and crafts to drive commercial success across Ireland. Building capability across our client base, who are at different points of scale and ambition.
Objectives:
— Raise the design and craft sector’s capability and capacity
— Preserve heritage and share best practices through collaboration across the sectors
— Build resilient growth with active and relevant mentoring for clients
— Clearly define partnerships with Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices
2. Championing design across Ireland
Driving better outcomes for Ireland and growing economic output by championing design thinking in the wider enterprise base as well as public-programme design.
Objectives:
— Increase awareness of the benefits of problem solving through design thinking in the public and private sectors
— Grow participation of the design sector with the Council
— Display ownership for the design agenda in Ireland with an emphasis on delivering and communicating economic returns, and shaping future policy through the application of broad design innovation
— Target meaningful impact, putting the designer’s success at the core of decision-making under this pillar
3. Leading and demonstrating sustainability
Articulating design and crafts as solutions through clear examples. Craft embodies sustainability, and design thinking is part of the solution.
Objectives:
— Advocate for design thinking as a key element for solving sustainability issues in the public and private sectors
— Market craft skills to consumers as sustainable practices, and craft output as an example of the circular economy, quality and buying local – to boost commercial demand
— Help members and clients adopt innovative sustainable practices, such as carbon footprinting and origin assurance, as well as zero-waste policies and best practice in green marketing
4. Common Enabler: Delivering a future-proof Council The Common Enabler focuses on meeting the required elements of the Council’s infrastructure, resourcing and governance to deliver the full potential across the main pillars.
Objectives:
— Develop staff through training and capabilities enhancement, as well as completing appropriate recruitment oriented towards successful strategy delivery and building momentum across design and craft sector activities
— Update IT infrastructure to serve members and clients more efficiently, including new CRM system and development of e-commerce platforms
— Engage ongoing advisory services to embed change and deliver on the full potential of the strategy
The following section outlines how the various departments within DCCI achieved these aims.
In pursuit of Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s (DCCI) vision to boost the contribution of design and craft to Ireland’s economic, social, and cultural fabric by 2030, we remain unwavering in our mission. Our goal is clear: to support designers and makers in nurturing sustainable businesses while championing the societal benefits of design and craft.
In the dynamic world of this sector, the year 2023 marked a continuation of our journey towards excellence, creativity, and innovation. Year two of Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s strategic plan saw a deliberate focus on aligning our efforts and progressing with strategic goals set in year one. It focused on enhancing impact of the sector to the overall economy, and creating an opportunity of growth for all stakeholders.
Acknowledging the support provided by key partners, it was a year of design, where creativity flourished, and new initiatives took shape. We remained committed to our strategic goal of creating meaningful impact and opportunities for all stakeholders.
Reflecting on the past year, we witnessed continued growth and evolution within the sector. With over 63,000 individuals now employed across Irish design and craft businesses, the impact of our collective efforts is undeniable. Our support extended
to over 3,662 clients, resulting in the creation of new revenue streams and bolstering the sector’s economic contribution, which now stands at an impressive €11.3bn turnover for the design and craft sector.
In the past year alone, we have delivered 22 diverse programmes, achieved €28.6m international sales, exported 39% of design and crafts products, and invested €214,000 in Programme Supports to our valued members. At DCCI, we work towards a common goal: supporting designers and makers to develop their business in a sustainable way and advocating for societal benefits of design and craft. Significantly, this commitment has led to 16 ministerial engagements, ranging from event attendance to speaking roles, supporting our mission of amplifying the importance of design and craft to both the economy but also in our society.
We would not be able to deliver so much of what we do, or to the levels to which we do it,
without many partners, collaborators and supporters. In addition to the businesses and individuals that comprise the craft and design sector, and the Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies organisations, they include our sponsoring government department – the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment – the Department of Foreign Affairs, Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, Atlantic Technological University, Tangent at Trinity College Dublin, the World Craft Council, Aer Rianta International, Cork Airport, Craft NI, RDS, Bord Bia, Creative Futures Academy, Irish national and regional media, and so many more.
Pillar One:
Building Capability and Capacity
Our commitment to nurturing growth focuses on empowering design and craft enterprises through targeted support, creating sales opportunity, and building awareness of the sector. Showcase 2023 marked a resounding success, with sales reaching €25.6 million, a 28 percent increase from the previous year. The launch of the DCCI Academy at Showcase 2023 further underscored our dedication to the importance of education and development to the future of the industry.
2023 continued to sustain momentum with August Craft Month in the second half of the year. Led by our team at DCCI, Craft NI and Cork Craft & Design, this all-island celebration marked an extraordinary leap in participation with 420 events across 32 counties, a significant increase of 80 percent from 2022. Our Executive Team engaged with the community, visiting GANS events nationwide: Rosemary Steen at Cork Craft & Design in Marino Market Cork, Tom Watts at Made in Sligo Made Craft Collective shop, Suzy O’Keefe at Bridge Street Studios in Dundalk, Mary Blanchfield at Borris Lace Makers and Ceadogán Rugs in Wexford, and Mary Jo Hoyne at Foxford in Mayo and Karen Pleass Textile Art in Kerry.
Future Makers, established in 2009, stands as a beacon for emerging talent in design, with a significant 79 percent increase in applications from 2022. Divided into Student and Emerging practitioner categories, this prestigious awards programme provides crucial financial support at a critical career stage and a chance to win a further financial award in the RDS Craft Awards. It also serves as a vital platform for showcasing and nurturing the next generation of designers and craftspeople in Ireland. Esteemed designer and keynote speaker at the event, Don O’Neill inspired all those in the room and contributed to the event’s recognition, solidifying its position as a landmark in the design and craft calendar.
Pillar Two:
Championing design across Ireland 2023 has truly emerged as the year of Design, with our flagship events serving as beacons of innovation and collaboration within the Irish design community.
The first in-person Irish Business Design Challenge Awards showcased the transformative power of sustainable design, bringing together a diverse array of businesses committed to innovation and environmental stewardship. With a generous prize fund of €51,000, it provided a platform for like-minded entrepreneurs from micro, small and medium sized businesses to engage in-person, collaborate, inspire, and drive positive change in their communities. As a ground-breaking event, it sets a precedent for future initiatives and acts as a catalyst for pushing the boundaries of design forward, together.
Later in the year, Irish Design Week 2023 made its presence felt as a transformative movement, comprising a week-long series of events that united global voices in exploration of the theme ‘Is Folklore the Future?’. Renowned speakers such as Tim Marlow, CEO of Design Museum London, and Christian Bason, former CEO of the Danish Design Centre, lent their expertise to discussions on Ireland’s plan for a National Design Centre. With 55 dynamic events held
nationwide, including engaging panels and GAA involvement, it celebrated Irish creativity while embracing diversity and sustainability. The Council opened up crucial conversations on diversity, circularity, and inclusion within the design industry, with respected Irish figures including Sinead Burke. Panel discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the role of folklore in shaping future design practices, the importance of embracing diversity in creative endeavours, and strategies for building sustainable design solutions. By addressing these pressing issues, Irish Design Week demonstrated the Council’s commitment to be a pioneer of Design in Ireland.
We have and will continue to champion design across Ireland through various high-profile exhibitions at its National Design & Craft Gallery. The Land/Marks Exhibition was notably visited by Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Neale Richmond, highlighting its national significance. The Made in Kilkenny/ Made Local exhibition, celebrating excellence in craft by the Made in Kilkenny Collective, was opened by erudite commentator Fintan O’Toole, drawing significant public and media attention. Additionally, the Golden Past, Glittering Futures and Collectibles & Curiosities exhibitions showcased a diverse array of craftsmanship, further cementing Ireland’s reputation as a hub for exceptional design and craft.
Pillar Three:
Leading and demonstrating sustainability
At DCCI, we are committed to building a sustainable and resilient design and craft industry, focusing on longevity for generations to come. Our dedication to sustainability shone through initiatives like Irish Business Design Challenge highlighted above and also the Made Local campaign. This campaign witnessed an impressive participation by over 1400 clients and 352 retailers, maintaining the momentum over the years. An overwhelming 84 percent of participants reported its positive effects on their business. Additionally, our media reach for the Made Local 2023
campaign soared to 97.2 million, further amplifying our efforts to promote and support engagement with the design and craft sector. Through an 18 month long exhibition in Cork Airport and a nationwide digital and media initiative it not only boosted sales but also raised awareness about the value of locally made, long-lasting beautiful products, supporting both makers and retailers who stock Made Local products.
Pillar Four:
With a vision of future-proofing the Council, we will continue to work on investing in initiatives that aim to deliver a resilient and adaptive organisation. In 2023 we garnered over 330k organic engagements across social, web, and exhibitions, and achieved PR value of €4.1 million, providing a platform for our clients’ and partners’ brand building.
The launch of a cutting-edge website now serves as a central hub for Ireland’s design and craft sector. We also launched our CRM redesign project to streamline processes within the agency. This project provides a centralised database to improve the council’s customer service. Additionally, we inaugurated the first purpose-built DCCI Academy facility in Sessions House, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. These steps are pivotal towards a future-proof council, strengthened by strategic partnerships and forward-thinking infrastructure.
As we embark on the next phase of our journey, we are filled with optimism and determination. Through strong collaboration, we will continue to drive growth, innovation, and success across the design and craft sector. Our journey is not merely about achieving milestones but about enriching lives and shaping a brighter, more creative future for all.
OPPOSITE PAGE
‘Pendant’ by Copperfish at Showcase 2023.
PAGE 22
Award winning piece by Jerpoint Glass in the Home category at Showcase 2023 in the RDS.
One of the judges, Sophie Reynolds, at the Irish Business Design Challenge 2023.
Kate Burrow from Westcountry Willows, who along with Alan Burrow was a winner in the micro category at the Irish Business Design Challenge 2023
PAGE 23
Robyn Byrne, contemporary dancer and choreographer, models Irish fashion and textile designs to be featured at Showcase 2023.
Moderator Siobhan McKenna, Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at the Public Appointments Service, speaks with Irish writer, academic and disability activist Sinéad Burke at an event in Trinity College as part of Irish Design Week.
PAGE 25
Malcolm Noonan, TD, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform; Cartoon Saloon co-founders, Nora Twomey; Paul Young and Tomm Moore pictured at exhibition launch at Irish Design Week 2023.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins at DCCI Irish Craft Village where
Lisa Dooley from the Factory pictured after winning in the Small business category at the Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s Irish Business Design Challenge 2023 awards ceremony in Tangent at Trinity College Dublin.
63,000
Employed in the design & craft sector
€11.3bn
Total turnover for design & craft sector
22
DCCI programmes delivered
OPPOSITE PAGE
Piece by Mike Byrne at Collect 2023.
PAGE 28
Perfume bottle by Melissa-White (Golden Past — Glittering Futures exhibition) at DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery.
‘Anthropoware IV’ by Eva Lynch (Collectibles & Curiosities Exhibition) 2023 in the DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery.
‘On the Surface’ by Mary Conroy at Collect 2023.
MACIEJ, Kaiko Studio pictured at Bloom 2023 in Phoenix Park.
PAGE 29
Robyn Ross-Young views the work of Aileen Anne Brannigan during the opening of the Design & Crafts Council Ireland, MADE IN KILKENNY/MADE LOCAL exhibition at the DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery.
Suzy O’Keefe, Head of Digital & Communications at DCCI pictured with Sarah McKenna from Bridge Street Studios as part of August Craft Month 2023.
Knitwear designer, Michelle O’Carroll, sits among her colouful knitwear which are part of the Design & Crafts Council Ireland Made Local makers space at Gifted fair in the RDS.
PAGE 30
Rosemary Steen, CEO, DCCI and Mary Jo Hoyne, Head of Craft & Education, DCCI on their visit to Magee Tweed in Donegal with Magee 1866 team.
Bernard Kavanagh pictured with his work at the Made in Kilkenny exhibition in the DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery.
Irish Design Week 2023 — Hail Thee.
PAGE 31
Grainne Watts with her work on display at the Design & Crafts Council Ireland exhibition at Collect 2023, at Somerset House in London.
Pictured at Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship Homo Faber Fellowship in Lisbon Portugal is Rosemary Steen, CEO at DCCI with Noel Donnellan; Claire Mooney; Richard Butler; Jackson Byrne; Astrid Suzano, Co-Founder, Passa Ao Future; Maria Ana Neves, Passa Ao Futuro; Celine Vogt, Michelangelo Foundation, Head of Education and Institutional Partnerships; Nicole Segundo, Michelangelo Foundation.
21,000 operational design & craft enterprises
65% businesses have > 1 full-time sta
63,000
79%
DCCI clients are looking to grow their business in the coming year
€25.6m value of sales at Showcase 2023
3,969 Design Ireland social network referrals
420
August Craft Month events across thirty-two counties
8
Master Artisans and Fellows representing Ireland involved in Homo Faber Fellowship 10
DCCI members at Collect International fair
OPPOSITE PAGE
‘Natural Rotation’ by Andrea Kavanagh at Land/Marks
Launch 14th Feb 2023
PAGE 34
Work by Matt Jones at Made in Sligo collective event as part of August Craft Month.
Anne Earls Boylan pictured with her work at Collectibles & Curiosities exhibition launch 2023 in the DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery.
PAGE 35
Work on display by Hanna Tommola, Jemma Crosbie and Sophie Broadhead at Golden Past — Glittering Futures exhibition 2023 at DCCI National Design & Crafts Gallery.
Participant pictured at Materfad workshop as part of Irish Design Week 2023.
PAGE 36
Ring by Annemarie Reinhold (Golden Past — Glittering Futures exhibition) at DCCI National Design & Crafts Gallery.
Golden Past Glittering Futures exhibition launch 2023 in the Castle Yard, Kilkenny.
PAGE 37
Jewellery exhibition Official Launch — Golden PastGlittering Futures and Collectibles & Curiosities, 6th June 2023.
Faberge Egg by Cassie McCann (Golden Past — Glittering Futures exhibition) 2023 in the DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery.
€4.2bn
Gross Value Added (GVA) generated 56
events during Design Week
2,185
Irish Design Week footfall
visits to DCCI Gallery
OPPOSITE PAGE
Award winning piece by Copperfish Lighting in the Sustainability category at Showcase 2023 in the RDS.
PAGE 40
Visit from Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Employment Affairs and Retail Business; and at the Department of Social Protection to Land/Marks Exhibition 2023 at DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery.
North American Celtic Trade Association visit to DCCI Academy in Thomastown.
PAGE 41
Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development pictured at the DCCI Academy building opening in Thomastown in 2023.
Model Dory K wearing a bridal dress by Olwen Bourke and scarf by Niamh Gillespie and Delia also wears Olwen Bourke holding a Siobhan Curtis Handbag. They are pictured at this year’s Future Makers from Design & Crafts Council Ireland.
PAGE 42
Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Trade Promotion and Digital Transformation pictured with Rosemary Steen, CEO, DCCI, Mary Jo Hoyne, Head of Craft & Education, DCCI, Maria Couchman, Senior Education Manger, DCCI and 2023 Future Makers Award winners in the RDS.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) Made Local launches with new ambassador, singer Lyra. Lyra wears Roisin Linnane black dress and Una Burke black leather corset belt
PAGE 44
Mark Newman and Jodie White pictured with their work at the DCCI JGolden Past, Glittering Futures exhibition 2023 in the DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery.
Jack O Meara, 2023 RDS Branchardière Lace Bursary winner pictured in the RDS.
1,767 participants in DCCI Made Local campaign 66% implemented sustainability measures
29%
part-time craft & design businesses
62%
primary income sourced from full-time craft & design businesses
€89k
average revenue per full-time employee
79%
growth in applications for Future Makers from 2022
3
education programmes: Growth Programme; Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship Course with Trinity College Dublin and European Programme.
OPPOSITE PAGE
Cold Process Soap by My Skin Integrityl.
PAGE 46
Work by Ola Wartak-Tolak.
Pictured previewing Irish fashion and textile designs to be featured at Showcase 2023. (l to r) Oisin Geoghegan, Local Enterprise Offices; Mary Palmer, Chair of Showcase; Minister Dara Calleary; Mary Blanchfield, Head of Operations at Design & Crafts Council Ireland; and Teri Smith, Enterprise Ireland.
PAGE 47
Pictured at Making In 2023 is Rosemary Steen, CEO, DCCI with Jean van Sinderen-Law Associate Vice President, Director of European Relations and Public Affairs UCC, Fiona Kearney, Director the Glucksman, Glenn Adamson, curator, writer and historian.
A page from the new DCCI website.
16
ministerial engagements with DCCI
330,955
organic engagement with DCCI social, web and exhibitions
June ’23
New DCCI website launched
project launched in September 2023
20 strategic partners
1st
purpose built building opened by DCCI for DCCI Academy
Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) works with a diverse range of craft and design businesses spread across Ireland.
These businesses not only add to Ireland’s cultural and historical richness but also help the economy grow, create jobs, and maintain important skills. They produce unique, high-quality crafts in some of Ireland’s most beautiful places, which also offer visitors a unique experience.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland is proud to collaborate with these designers and craftspeople to aid in the improvement of skills and promote businesses that will ensure the design and craft sector in Ireland continues to thrive for the next generations.
Breakdown of Register of Client Enterprises by county as at 31 December 2023
35 Leitrim 52 Fermanagh 16 Donegal 109
Longford 19 Offaly 43
Tyrone 26 Derry 21 Antrim 89 Down 109
Armagh 12
Louth 81 Monaghan 40
Cavan 27 Westmeath 59 Laois 49 Waterford 107 Tipperary 96
Kilkenny 145
Meath 92
Kildare 133
Wicklow 183 Dublin 788
Carlow 53
Wexford 135
Key dates in the history of the Crafts Council of Ireland Limited, now trading as Design & Crafts Council Ireland.
1970
World Crafts Council hosts its general assembly in Ireland
1971
Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) set up in Dublin as a voluntary body under the auspices of the RDS
1976
CCoI becomes a limited company, receiving funding from the minister for industry and commerce and from the Industrial Development Authority
1977
Showcase begins as the National Crafts Trade Fair
1980
CCoI business and skills training opens in Kilworth, County Cork
1986
CCoI administration moves to Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Dublin
1989
CCoI business and skills training moves to the former Kilkenny Design Workshops in Kilkenny city
1990
CCoI opens the ceramics skills & design course in Thomastown, County Kilkenny
1993
CCoI opens the jewellery and goldsmithing skills & design course in Kilkenny
1997
CCoI administration moves from Dublin to Castle Yard, Kilkenny
2000
CCoI opens the National Craft Gallery in Castle Yard, Kilkenny
2011
CCoI designates 2011 as Year of Craft and celebrates the sector in partnership with Craft NI and a network of strategic partners throughout Ireland and internationally
2013
CCoI marks the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Kilkenny Design Workshops, and a proposal is made at the Global Irish Economic Forum to designate a year to celebrating and promoting Irish design
2014
CCoI changes its trading name to the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) following the signing of a service-level agreement with Enterprise Ireland, and launches Irish Design 2015 (ID2015)
2015
DCCoI convenes the year-long governmentbacked ID2015 initiative, exploring, promoting and celebrating Irish design throughout Ireland and internationally to drive job creation, grow exports and increase competitiveness
2016
A study on the design sector commissioned as part of ID2015 results in the government publication Policy Framework for Design in Enterprise in Ireland, and DCCoI is mandated by government to work with partner organisations in leading the development of a design strategy for Ireland
2017
DCCoI publishes Ireland – the Design Island: A Consultation Paper Towards a National Design Strategy, leading to the establishment of the country’s first ministerial-led National Design Forum
2018
DCCoI collaborates with partners in advocating for the development of design infrastructure, leading to the provision of a National Design Centre as part of the National Development Plan 2018–27 and funding of a National Design Innovation Hub for the south-east under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund
2019
DCCoI updates its trading name to Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI).
The Design Ireland shop is officially opened at Terminal 2, Dublin Airport. It is operated by The Loop, with the store-name brand under licence by DCCI.
2020
Andrew Bradley appointed chair of Design & Crafts Council Ireland.
DCCI began plans for the Sessions House building in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, to develop it into the first purpose-built property – jewellery and goldsmithing school – acquired in DCCI’s history.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland marked its fiftieth anniversary through a series of events and exhibitions held in Dublin Castle in October, honouring contributors to the rich tapestry of design and craft practice in Ireland. Following the AGM and the meeting of the WCCE, President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins attended a reception to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Joe Hogan.
2022
2022 marked the first year of the new fiveyear strategy outlined by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI). Two new Executives joined the Council – Tom Watts and Mary Jo Hoyne. The very first all-island August Craft Month in collaboration with Craft NI and Cork Craft & Design took place throughout the month of August. In alignment with its new strategy, DCCI championed design across Ireland with its inaugural Design Week in November.
2023
Year two of the Strategy in which the DCCI Academy was launched at Showcase in January. In May, Sessions House, Thomastown was opened by Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development. Owned by Kilkenny County Council, the building has been completely redeveloped to facilitate the DCCI Academy jewellery school. June saw the launch of the newly designed and developed DCCI website centralising the majority of DCCI brands and digital activity.
In September, four Irish duos were accepted onto the prestigious Homo Faber Fellowship programme, run by the Michelangelo Foundation.
Irish Design Week ran again in November, featuring over 50 events across 14 counties in Ireland. New chair, Peter Hynes, and three new ministerial appointees — Anne Lanigan, Caroline Reidy and Rhona Murphy — joined the DCCI Board in December.
In this section, we present the key programme statistics from each department in the Council. Including Craft & Education; Digital and Communications and Design. The statistics shown below represent DCCI programmes and events during 2023.
DCCI is a company limited by guarantee without share capital. It is governed by its memorandum and articles of association and operates under the aegis of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The DCCI Board is responsible for the governance of the company in line with best practice and by adhering to the obligations of the company as set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. DCCI is required to comply with the provisions of the code insofar as is applicable to the structure and nature of the company. Four of the twelve Board members are appointed by the minister for enterprise, trade and employment and eight Board members are elected by DCCI’s member organisations at its annual general meeting.
A new Chair of the Board was appointed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in November 2023. Induction training for Board members took place with the Institute of Public Administration in December 2023, updating all members on their responsibilities and other relevant matters. In early 2023 the Board commissioned the Institute of Public Administration to carry out a Board Composition Review.
DCCI is committed to complying with its responsibilities as a government-funded body. Our expenditure complies with the Public Spending Code, which sets out the obligations of public bodies to treat public funds with care, and to ensure that the best possible value is obtained whenever public money is being spent or invested.
We are also committed to meeting our current obligations under:
The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, 2016
The Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995 and 2001
The Freedom of Information Act, 2014
The Official Languages Act, 2003
Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997
General Data Protection Regulation, 2018
One complaint (C140/2023) was brought to the attention of the organisation under the Official Language Act by An Coimisinéir Teanga, in August 2023. The matter was rectified and approved by the Commission.
DCCI is also committed to improving energy efficiency in line with our obligations under the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, the European Communities (Energy End-use Efficiency and Energy Services) Regulations 2009 and SI 426 of 2014.
DCCI Promotes and Values Diversity Across All Our Sectors
The board is responsible for overseeing the broad strategy and policies of the organisation. It is responsible for the systems of internal financial control in the company and for ensuring that the company has processes and procedures in place to ensure that the systems are effective. It performs these functions directly and through the operation of specific Board committees in accordance with approved terms of reference.
There is a formal schedule of matters reserved for the decision of the Board in accordance with best practice. Responsibility for implementing policy rests with the Executive Management Team of DCCI. The Board provides the appropriate level of skill and experience to support the strategy of DCCI.
Andrew Bradley (Chair) (resigned 21/06/23)
Peter Hynes (Chair) (appointed 29/11/23)
Anne Lanigan (appointed 12/12/23)
Rhona Murphy (appointed 29/11/23)
Thomas Murray (resigned 12/12/23)
Caroline Reidy (appointed 29/11/23)
Toby Scott (resigned 29/09/23)
Elected Representatives
Trish Brennan (resigned 21/06/23)
Cathy Burke (elected 21/06/23)
Niki Collier
Imelda Connolly (elected 21/06/23)
Breda Fox (resigned 01/02/23)
Jade Hogan (elected 21/06/23)
Berina Kelly
Edel MacBride
Kim-Ling Morris
Maeve Murphy (resigned 21/06/23)
Neil Read (resigned 21/06/23)
Board Attendance
The table below summarises the attendance of directors at Board meetings that they were eligible to attend during the year ended 31 December 2023.
Four Board meetings were held in 2023: Director Board
B oard members also participated in a number of committees. For details, please visit section 4.5 Our Committees on page 82.
Peter Hynes, Chair
Peter is an Architect, he studied Architecture at University College Dublin and the University of Virginia. Peter was Head of the Architects Department of Mayo County Council where he led on the design and delivery of a range of public buildings, urban interventions and arts and community projects countywide. He was appointed Mayo County Manager in May 2010 and later Chief Executive in 2014. For a decade he worked consistenly to support Enterprise and Investment in a drive to build a county which he describes as “Sustainable, Inclusive, Prosperous and Proud”. In 2022 Peter establised his own consultancy firm providing strategic development and Community engagement.
Peter is a keen photographer and a board member of a number of not for profit organisations. He has served on the boards of institutions including Ireland West Airport and Western Development Commission and is currently a member of Council and honorary treasureer of the RIAI and an academician member of the Academy of Urbanism.
Anne Lanigan
Anne is Enterprise Ireland’s Divisional Manager for Technology and Services. Prior to this role, Anne led the Enterprise Ireland’s response to the changed trading relationship with the UK as the head of Enterprise Ireland’s Brexit Unit, before moving to the role of Director of Eurozone & Central, Eastern Europe where she was responsible for the organisation’s activities across their 11 offices in Europe, which are focused on increasing export growth into the single market.
She joined Enterprise Ireland in 2003 and her distinguished career in the organisation has included a number of leadership roles and senior positions in the Enterprise Ireland head office in Ireland, as well as across their network of international offices. She previously served as Enterprise Ireland’s Director in Japan, before going on to hold a role in the Enterprise Software Solutions Department. She also worked as a Client Engagement Adviser before managing the HPSU Start team for a period.
Rhona Murphy
Rhona is an experienced non-executive director who serves on the board of The Irish Times DAC and Bus Éireann. She is also the Board Chair the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).
Rhona started her media career at The Times of London after graduating from Trinity College Dublin. In her executive career, Rhona worked for Dow Jones/The Wall Street Journal in New York and Singapore. She then moved to Newsweek where she became Global Publisher and CEO of the combined Newsweek and The Daily Beast in New York.
Caroline Reidy
Caroline is Managing Director of the HR Suite, set up in 2009, and a HR and Employment Law Expert. She is a former member of the Low Pay Commission and is also an adjudicator in the Workplace Relations Commission. She is also an independent expert observer appointed by the European Parliament to the Board of Eurofound.
Caroline completed a Masters in Human Resources in the University of Limerick, she is CIPD accredited as well as being a trained mediator. She has worked across various areas of HR for over 20 years in the corporate, retail and hospitality sector. She holds a Diploma in Company Direction with the Institute of Directors. Caroline is a regular conference speaker and contributor to national media and is recognised as a thought leader in the area of HR and employment law. Originally from Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry living in Dublin is very proud of her Kerry roots.
Cathy Burke
Cathy is a ceramicist based in County Wicklow. She has exhibited her work in Ireland, Europe, the UK, Korea and Japan. Her work has been purchased by public and private collectors at home and abroad.
Cathy sees education; skill development and continual practice support as crucial elements in the success of the designer maker industry in Ireland. An advocate of the diversity in craft; design and making in Ireland she wants to champion all aspects of creativity.
As a maker with experience of exhibiting on the world stage she understands the need to develop the opportunities available to makers particularly in terms of developing an international audience. Cathy is passionate about promoting Irish Craft and Design to maximise the reputation of Irish makers on an international stage.
Niki Collier
Niki is a Dublin-based award-winning visual artist and designer working in fibre art and wearable technology. Niki’s work uses scale to spark empathy and empowerment. Her practice blends many sources, grown up as a disabled woman she looks for resilience with die hard attitude. Her practice is nurtured by the meaningful connections with folk with various ability and diverse backgrounds. Her work has been curated in national and international shows.
Niki has developed products and experiences in the last ten years with various collaborators. She exports her products to the US, UK and Europe. The changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic provided her with an opportunity to combine her PhD in Computer Science with her understanding of craft. She has had the opportunity to create online educational engagements commissioned by CI, DCCI and RTÉ. Niki is passionate about diversity and inclusion.
Imelda Connolly
Imelda is a highly experienced and motivated Management Professional with a demonstrable track record of effective leadership and financial management of a number of companies. Results driven through the nurturing and growth of effective teams, and implementation of efficient systems and processes. Imelda is a very experienced negotiator who has effected satisfactory outcomes on behalf of her clients with Revenue Commissioners, Banks, Government Departments etc. Proven track record of generating value, driving strategic business performance, delivering performance improvement, developing, and mentoring teams and ensuring sound financial control.
Imelda has experience working on Company Boards having held Director and Secretary positions with a number of different companies and organisations. Imelda is currently chair of the Irish Woodturners Guild, having previously held the post of Treasurer for 4 years. She is also chair of a local development group and has worked with a number of NGO’s in the past.
Jade Hogan
Jade is a maker and craft business owner from Cork. She graduated from UCC, she had a career in supply chain and logistics in a multinational for many years. She returned to study Textiles: techniques and materials in 2017 at Crawford College of Art and Design.
She co-founded a textile and homeware business, Mr Kite Designs, in 2016 and worked hard to establish a thriving enterprise which is now stocked in multiple outlets nationwide. Jade joined Cork Craft and Design in 2016, a major step towards turning her craft into a real business. The power of community and shared opportunities was what needed to progress. She has been a board member of Cork Craft and Design since 2019, eager to contribute to a group that had been supportive of her own business.
Jade brings her love of craft and collaboration, experience of building a busy craft business and her organisational skills from her previous career to her role on the DCCI board. She aims to promote the work of all makers by highlighting the level of skill and quality available in the Irish craft sector on a national and international stage.
Berina is a jeweller, she has exhibited her work nationally and internationally. Born into an entrepreneurial family, she has over twenty years’ experience in retail. She has also staffed the jewellery departments of high-end retailers. As a retail manager, she has gained invaluable experience as a buyer and working with colleagues to provide the best possible experience for the customer.
As a maker, she understands a client’s needs, from aspects of design and fabrication to customer satisfaction. As a mentor, she brings experience to makers, from setting up a studio, creating collections of a high standard for competitive target markets, to packaging, marketing and all that is involved with running a business.
Edel is an experienced creative with a demonstrated history of working in the world of crafts and design for many decades as a maker, business owner, educator and volunteer. Edel’s main skills are textiles, knitwear, e-commerce, small-business management, social media and community building, craft retail and cultural tourism. She graduated from Limerick School of Art and Letterkenny Institute. She has entrepreneurship and business training from Ulster University and Boston College. She has exhibited frequently at home and internationally, from 1991–2019.
Edel has an award-winning craft brand in handmade luxury knitwear, and works with many knitters, crocheters and textile artists countrywide to create authentic ‘Made in Ireland’ clothing with a clear ethical and eco footprint. She founded Knitfield in 2012 to inspire new or aspiring textile makers. She is a founding member of Number 19 Craft and Design retail outlet at the Derry Craft Village.
Kim-Ling has a strong appreciation of elegant design and well-crafted work. Prior to coming to Cork, Kim-Ling had worked in ceramics in Paris and Lyon. After taking the textiles night class in the Crawford College of Art and Design, Kim-Ling joined the Cork Textiles Network.
Kim-Ling was one of three founding directors of Sample Studio, which is among the biggest artist-led studio groups in the country. Starting off as treasurer from its inception in 2011, with her experience in engineering project management she has continued to guide its finances through its various challenges, such as the loss of premises and COVID-19. The sharing of passion and skills is what Kim-Ling believes makes work stronger, she does not believe there is a line between art and craft, but a gradation.
Rosemary Steen, Chief Executive
Jennifer Walsh, Executive Assistant to CEO and Data Protection Officer 1
Marguerite Ryan, Executive Assistant to CEO 2
Craft & Education
Mary Jo Hoyne, Head of Craft & Education
Maria Couchman, Senior Craft & Education Advisor
Eimear Conyard, Jewellery Skills & Design Manager
Amanda Walsh, Education, Training & Development Administrator
Mary Whelan, Client Liaison Officer
Laura Kane, Craft & Education Graduate 3
National Design & Craft Gallery
Brian Byrne, Gallery Co-ordinator
Digital & Communications
Suzy O’Keefe, Head of Digital & Communications
Victoria Daly, Digital Marketing Manager4
James Walsh, Digital Assistant
Eimear Harding, Communications & Public Affairs Manager5
Tan Christhoper Cristian Susanto, CRM Manager
Douglas Pereira, Digital & Communications Graduate6
Design
Tom Watts, Head of Design
Orla Bogue, Design Co-ordinator7
Cameron Cavaliere, Design Graduate8
Operations
Mary Blanchfield, Head of Operations & Company Secretary
Seamus Murtagh, Finance Manager
Julie Jackman, Finance Assistant
Nuala McGrath, HR & Corporate Services Manager
We also recognise the contributions of interns and short-term contractors who assisted the organisation during the year.
Notes
1. Up to 20th March
2. From 2nd October
3. From 10th July
4. From 10th July
5. From 6th March
6. From 12th June
7. From 2nd May
8. From 17th October
Rosemary Steen, CEO
Rosemary Steen was appointed CEO of DCCI in January 2020. She came to DCCI after successful team leadership roles with EirGrid and Vodafone Ireland. Earlier in her career she worked with IBEC, where she served as director of the Irish Textiles Federation, and was also a member of the National Economic and Social Council.
Rosemary has a MA in Business Studies from UCD, a BA (Moderatorship) in Economics and Philosophy from Trinity College, Dublin and a Diploma in Legal Studies from DIT. She has obtained both a Certificate and a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors Ireland.
Outside of her work with DCCI, Rosemary also works in roles to support inclusion and diversity in the voluntary and education sectors.
Mary Blanchfield, Head of Operations
Mary Blanchfield joined DCCI in 1998 as finance manager and has led the Operations Team as head of operations since 2014. She is a senior executive tasked with overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the organisation under the areas of Corporate Governance, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology and Facilities.
Mary works closely with the DCCI Board as company secretary, and is responsible for overseeing the company and its directors in line with relevant legislation. She is also company secretary of Showcase Ireland (a wholly owned DCCI subsidiary company). This company was incorporated in 2020 to carry on the activity of organising and running the annual Irish Craft & Design fair and all related activities.
Mary’s personal highlight for 2023 was her participation in the management of the Made Local photography project at Cork Airport.
Suzy O’Keefe, Head of Digital & Communications
Suzy joined DCCI in February 2021 as head of digital and communications. A graduate with degrees from NCAD, TU Dublin and CCT, and professional experience in creative, commercial, teaching and data-analytics disciplines, Suzy has had senior strategic and management roles in a variety of industrial sectors. She has led marketing and communications departments and organisational change through digital transformation. Shortly before joining DCCI, Suzy consulted to Design Skillnet, an organisation co-funded by the government, which fuelled her interest in contributing to sector development.
As a ceramist herself, Suzy has a deep affinity with the members and clients of DCCI, which adds value to her role in supporting DCCI’s growth of the Irish design and craft sector.
Highlights of 2023 include the fruition of the brand new DCCI.ie website; Made Local Makers exhibition in Cork airport, and experiencing the variety of inspiring voices at Irish Design Week. Goosebumps also from the fashion and design fusion at Showcase – totally contemporary representation of richness that has been in the bones of Ireland for years.
Tom Watts, Head of Design
Tom Watts joined Design & Crafts Council Ireland from his previous role as Head of Design at CluneTech, where he worked for 11 years. He originally joined what was then Taxback Group in 2011, as the first employee at ConnectIreland. Initially driving the successful tender process with the IDA, he then embarked on setting up and leading an in-house design agency of 12 designers providing full-stack design capability for the 8 companies within the group, including Transfermate, Ireland’s first female-led tech unicorn.
Previous roles included Citi, Davy and State Street and so he is well versed in Financial Services, while also having Entrepreneurial and Design experience from two successful ventures in the Interiors and FMCG sectors. Tom has appeared on Dragons’ Den and his most recent collaboration on a Surround Sound project (with Red Bull) featured at Electric Picnic.
Tom has also been involved with Startup Ireland helping to ideate and deliver many projects including the innovative Startup Bootcamp on Spike Island, and he helped to develop the CluneTech TY programme.
Mary Jo Hoyne, Head of Craft & Education
Mary Jo Hoyne has 25 years’ experience of educational projects from concept innovation to opening and operational set up often in a community or urban regeneration context.
Specialties :International Project management of openings and transformational regeneration of colleges, university schools and brand new academies with a diverse subject offer including; Food & beverage, Public Services & Sport, Innovation & Business, Construction & Design, Robotics & Automation, Tourism & Travel and Creative Arts.
Operationalises curriculum, post opening stage ensuring learner numbers and KPIs managing and leading outstanding academies.
Drives commercial strategy through high impact leadership. Ensures financial planning, costings and efficiencies with track record of value for money across partnerships.
Highlight for 2023 was the national engagement from across the textile sector to develop a national apprenticeship in textiles.
The Crafts Council of Ireland is a company limited by guarantee trading as Design & Crafts Council Ireland. It comprises member organisations and institutions that share DCCI’s aims and objectives and are involved in the promotion of contemporary and traditional crafts and design.
Members of the company include:
Subscribers to the memorandum of association (also known as founder members)
Unincorporated GANS that the Board admits to membership
Bodies corporate that the Board admits to membership
Founding Members
DCCI had four founding members:
Patsy Duignan (RIP)
Mary V. Mullin
Blanaid Reddin (RIP)
Betty Searson (RIP)
In addition to the four founding members, as at 31 December 2023, DCCI had 62 member organisations, 13 corporate members, 24 member organisations by discipline and 27 member organisations by region.
Corporate Members
Business to Arts
Crawford College of Art and Design
Creative Spark CLG
Guaranteed Irish
Irish Countrywomen’s Association
Limerick School of Art and Design
Na Píobairí Uilleann
National College of Art and Design
New Ross Needlecraft Limited (The Ros Tapestry)
Royal Dublin Society
School of Art, Design and Printing at Dublin
Institute of Technology
ATU St Angela’s
University of Ulster
Member Organisations – by Region / Other
10 Hands Craft
Network of Local Enterprise Offices
Benchspace Cork
Bridge Street Studios
Ceardlann, Spiddal Craft and Design Studios
Clare Crafts
Cork Craft & Design
Cork Textile Network Group
Donegal Designer Makers
FORM Designmade in Carlow
Headford Lace Project
Inside Craft
Institute of Designers
Louth Craftmark Designers Network
Made in Kilkenny
Made in Sligo
Made in Westmeath
Making (Irish Craft Discussion Forum)
Offaly Crafty
Original Kerry
Original Kildare
South Wexford Craft Network
The Design Tower
The Leitrim Design House
The Makers House
West Cork Arts Centre
West Cork Craft & Design Guild
Member Organisations – by Discipline
Blackstack Studios
Ceramics Ireland
Contemporary Tapestry Artists
Council of Irish Fashion Designers
Feltmakers Ireland
Filament Fibre Artists
Glass Society of Ireland
Guild of Irish Lacemakers
Handweavers Guild of Cork
Institute of Designers in Ireland
Irish Artist Blacksmiths’ Association
Irish Basketmakers’ Association
Irish Ceramics
Irish Guild of Embroiderers
Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers
Irish Patchwork Society
Irish Society of Stage and Screen Designers
Irish Woodturners’ Guild
Mountmellick Development Association Ltd
Peannairí
Society of Cork Potters
The Big Idea House
The Quilters Guild of Ireland
Traditional Lace Makers of Ireland
Note: Figures in brackets below indicate the attendance of Directors at Committee meetings for which they were eligible to attend during the year ended 31 December 2023. Each Committee reports to the Board after each meeting.
The role of the Audit, Risk & Remuneration Committee is to support the Board in relation to its responsibilities including audit, financial planning, remuneration, board evaluations, governance codes of conduct and risk appraisal. It ensures the internal control systems are monitored actively and independently.
Toby Scott, Committee Chair (2 / 2)
Kim-Ling Morris (2 / 2)
Thomas Murray (1 / 2)
The role of the Nominations Committee is to regularly review the structure, size and composition (including the balance of skills, experience, independence, knowledge and diversity, including gender) of the Board and make recommendations to the Board with regard to any changes.
Maeve Murphy, Committee Chair (4 / 4)
Andrew Bradley (4 / 4)
Trish Brennan (4 / 4)
B erina Kelly (4 / 4)
Community, Education & Heritage
Sub-committee
This sub-committee works with the DCCI team to assist and review the activities and programmes, where relevant, that support the cultural and social value of craft. The focus of the sub-committee is to represent DCCI members and recognition of the wider impacts and values of the craft sector.
Edel MacBride, Sub-Committee Chair (3 / 3)
Dr Niki Collier
(3 / 3)
Neil Read (3 / 3)
Subsidiary Company
Showcase Design & Crafts Fair CLG
Mary Palmer, Chair
Mary Blanchfield, Company Secretary
Andrew Bradley (resigned 21/06/2023)
Kim-Ling Morris (resigned 12/11/2023)
Rosemary Steen
Directors
Peter Hynes (Chair)
Cathy Burke
Niki Collier
Imelda Connolly
Jade Hogan
Berina Kelly
Company Secretary
Mary Blanchfield
Registered number 56542
Independent Auditors
Crowe Ireland
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm
40 Mespil Road
Dublin 4
D04 C2N4
Bankers
Allied Irish Banks plc
52 Baggot Street
Dublin 4
Solicitors
Beauchamps
Riverside Two
Sir John Rogerson’s Quay
Dublin 2
Anne Lanigan
Edel MacBride
Kim-Ling Morris
Rhona Murphy
Caroline Reidy
Registered Office Castle Yard, Kilkenny
For the year ended 31 December 2023
e Directors present their annual report and the audited nancial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Directors’ Responsibilities Statement
e Directors are responsible for preparing the Directors’ Report and the nancial statements in accordance with Irish law and regulations. Irish company law requires the Directors to prepare the nancial statements for each nancial year. Under the law, the Directors have elected to prepare the nancial statements in accordance with the Companies Act 2014 and Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘ e Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’.
Under company law, the Directors must not approve the nancial statements unless they are satis ed they give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and nancial position of the Company as at the nancial year end date, of the surplus or de cit for that nancial year and otherwise comply with the Companies Act 2014.
In preparing these nancial statements, the Directors are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether the nancial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards, identify those standards, and note the e ect and the reasons for any material departure from those standards; and prepare the nancial statements on the going-concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.
e Directors are responsible for ensuring that the Company keeps or causes to be kept adequate accounting records which correctly explain and record the transactions of the Company, enable at any time the assets, liabilities, nancial position and surplus or de cit of the Company to be determined with reasonable accuracy, enable them to ensure that the nancial statements and Directors’ Report comply with the Companies Act 2014 and enable the nancial statements to be audited. ey are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
e Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and nancial information included on the Company’s website. Legislation in Republic of Ireland governing the preparation and dissemination of nancial statements may di er from legislation in other jurisdictions.
e Cra s Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee (trading as Design and Cra s Council of Ireland), which is headquartered in Kilkenny, is the national agency for the commercial development of Irish designers and makers, stimulating innovation, championing design thinking and informing Government policy. e Cra s Council of Ireland Limited by Guarantee activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Business Review
e Directors are satis ed with the Company’s performance during the year. At the end of the year the Company has assets of €1,388,978 (2022: €1,635,619) and liabilities of €1,099,349 (2022: €1,349,018). e net assets of the company have increased by €3,028 (2022: increased by €10,560) and the Directors are satis ed with the level of retained reserves at the year-end.
Results and Dividends
e surplus for the year, a er taxation, amounted to €7,821 (2022 – €14,029) .
e Directors do not recommend the declaration of a dividend.
Directors
e Directors who served during the year were:
Andrew Bradley (Chair, resigned 16 June 2023)
Peter Hynes (Chair, appointed 29 November 2023)
Patricia Brennan (resigned 21 June 2023)
Cathy Burke (appointed 21 June 2023)
Niki Collier
Imelda Connolly (appointed 21 June 2023)
Breda Fox (resigned 1 February 2023)
Jade Hogan (appointed 21 June 2023)
Berina Kelly
Anne Lanigan (appointed 12 December 2023)
Edel MacBride
Kim-Ling Morris
Rhona Murphy (appointed 29 November 2023)
Maeve Murphy (resigned 21 June 2023)
omas Murray (resigned 12 December 2023)
Neil C Read (resigned 21 June 2023)
Caroline Reidy (appointed 29 November 2023)
Toby Scott (resigned 29 September 2023)
Accounting Records
e measures taken by the Directors to ensure compliance with the requirements of Sections 281 to 285 of the Companies Act 2014 with regard to the keeping of accounting records, are the employment of appropriately quali ed accounting personnel and the maintenance of computerised accounting systems. e Company’s accounting records are maintained at the Company’s registered o ce at Castle Yard, Kilkenny.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
e main activities of the Company remain unchanged with additional funding received in 2023 for Design and Educational activity. e Directors anticipate that any future developments would relate to these activities.
e Company has budgetary and nancial reporting procedures, supported by appropriate key performance indicators, to manage credit, liquidity and other nancial risk. All key nancial gures are monitored on an ongoing basis.
Each of the persons who are Directors at the time when this Directors’ Report is approved has con rmed that:
so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware, and the Director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Director in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditors are aware of that information.
e auditors, Crowe Ireland, are eligible and have expressed a willingness to continue in o ce in accordance with section 383(2) of the Companies Act 2014. is report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf.
Peter Hynes (Chair) Director Date: 15/05/2024
Imelda Connolly Director Date: 03/05/2024
to the Members of the Cra s Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee T/A Design & Cra s Council of Ireland
We have audited the nancial statements of Cra s Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee t/a Design and Cra s Council of Ireland (the ‘Company’) for the year ended 31 December 2023, which comprise the Income Statement, the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows, the Statement of Changes in Equity and the notes to the nancial statements, including a summary of signi cant accounting policies set out in note 2. e nancial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is Irish law and Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘ e Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ issued in the United Kingdom by the Financial Reporting Council.
In our opinion, the accompanying nancial statements: give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and nancial position of the Company as at 31 December 2023 and of its surplus for the year then ended; have been properly prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘ e Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’; and have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2014.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (Ireland) (ISAs (Ireland)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the nancial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of nancial statements in Ireland, including the Ethical Standard for Auditors (Ireland) issued by the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA), and we have ful lled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is su cient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
In auditing the nancial statements, we have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the nancial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identi ed any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast signi cant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the nancial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
to the Members of the Cra s Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee T/A Design & Cra s Council of Ireland (continued)
e Directors are responsible for the other information. e other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the nancial statements and our Auditors’ Report thereon. Our opinion on the nancial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the nancial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the nancial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
on the Other Matters Prescribed by the Companies Act 2014
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, we report that: the information given in the Directors’ Report for the nancial year for which the nancial statements are prepared is consistent with the nancial statements; and the Directors’ Report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
We have obtained all the information and explanations which, to the best of our knowledge and belief, are necessary for the purposes of our audit.
In our opinion the accounting records of the Company were su cient to permit the nancial statements to be readily and properly audited, and the nancial statements are in agreement with the accounting records.
Based on the knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identi ed any material misstatements in the Directors’ Report.
e Companies Act 2014 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion, the requirements of any of sections 305 to 312 of the Act, which relate to disclosures of directors’ remuneration and transactions are not complied with by the Company. We have nothing to report in this regard.
to the Members of the Cra s Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee T/A Design & Cra s Council of Ireland (continued)
Responsibilities
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement on page 91, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the nancial statements in accordance with the applicable nancial reporting framework that give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of nancial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the nancial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the management either intends to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the nancial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors’ Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (Ireland) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to in uence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these nancial statements.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the nancial statements is located on the IAASA’s website at: https://iaasa.ie/publications/description-of-the-auditors-responsibilities-forthe-audit-of-the- nancial- statements/. is description forms part of our Auditors’ Report.
The Purpose of Our Audit Work and to Whom We Owe Our Responsibilities is report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Section 391 of the Companies Act 2014. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors’ Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Signed by: George Kennington
for and on behalf of:
Crowe Ireland
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm 40 Mespil Road, Dublin 4, D04 C2N4
Date: 17 May 2024
For the year ended 31 December 2023
ere are no items of other comprehensive income for 2023 or 2022 other than the pro t for the year.
For the year ended 31 December 2022
e notes on pages 103–114form part of these nancial statements.
as at 31 December 2023
e nancial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board:
Peter Hynes (Chair) Imelda Connolly Director Director
Date: 15/05/2024 Date: 03/05/2024 e notes on pages 103–114 form part of these nancial statements.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
For the year ended 31 December 2023
For the year ended 31 December 2023
1. General Information
e Cra s Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee (“CLG”), which is headquartered in Kilkenny, is the national agency for the commercial development of Irish designers and makers, stimulating innovation, championing design thinking and informing Government policy. e Cra s Council of Ireland CLG activities are predominantly funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland. e company registration number is 56542 and its registered o ce is Castle Yard, Kilkenny.
e Company is a company limited by guarantee incorporated and domiciled in Ireland. e Company is tax resident in Ireland.
2. Accounting Policies
2.1 Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements
e nancial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and Irish statute comprising of the Companies Act 2014.
e preparation of nancial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in applying the Company’s accounting policies (see note 3).
2.2 Foreign Currency Translation
Functional and presentation currency
e Company’s functional and presentational currency is Euros.
Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.
At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate. Nonmonetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and non-monetary items measured at fair value are measured using the exchange rate when fair value was determined.
Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the Income Statement except when deferred in other comprehensive income as qualifying cash ow hedges.
2.3 Revenue
e income shown in the income and expenditure account represents amounts invoiced during the period and grants received during the year.
2.4 Operating Leases: The Company as Lessee
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Bene ts received and receivable as an incentive to sign an operating lease are recognised on a straightline basis over the lease term unless another systematic basis is representative of the time pattern of the lessee’s bene t from the use of the leased asset.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Accounting Policies (continued)
2.5 Government Grants
Grants are accounted under the accruals model as permitted by FRS 102. Grants relating to expenditure on tangible xed assets are credited to the Income Statement at the same rate as the depreciation on the assets to which the grant relates. e deferred element of grants is included in creditors as deferred income.
Grants of a revenue nature are recognised in the Income Statement in the same period as the related expenditure.
2.6 Interest Income
Interest income is recognised in the Income Statement using the e ective interest method.
2.7 Pensions
De ned contribution pension plan
e Company operates a de ned contribution plan for its employees. A de ned contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Company pays xed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid, the Company has no further payment obligations.
e contributions are recognised as an expense in the Income Statement when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals as a liability in the Balance Sheet. e assets of the plan are held separately from the Company in independently administered funds.
e Company operates a de ned contribution PRSA scheme for certain employees. e Company operates two contributory, unfunded de ned bene t schemes which are now closed to new members. Details are set out in note 15 of the nancial statements.
2.8 Taxation
Tax is recognised in the Income Statement except that a charge attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.
e current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date in the countries where the Company operates and generates income.
2.9 Tangible Fixed Assets
Tangible xed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.
e Company adds to the carrying amount of an item of xed assets the cost of replacing part of such an item when that cost is incurred, if the replacement part is expected to provide incremental future bene ts to the Company. e carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised. Repairs and maintenance are charged to the Income Statement during the period in which they are incurred.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
Long term leasehold property — 15 years
Workshop equipment — 20 years
O ce equipment
— 3 years
Computer equipment — 5 years
Other xed assets — 5 years
e assets’ residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a signi cant change since the last reporting date.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in the Income Statement.
2.10 Valuation of Investments
Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less accumulated impairment. Where merger relief is applicable, the cost of the investment in a subsidiary undertaking is measured at the nominal value of the shares issued together with the fair value of any additional consideration paid.
Investments in unlisted company shares, whose market value can be reliably determined, are remeasured to market value at each balance sheet date. Gains and losses on remeasurement are recognised in the Income Statement for the period. Where market value cannot be reliably determined, such investments are stated at historic cost less impairment.
Investments in listed company shares are remeasured to market value at each balance sheet date. Gains and losses on remeasurement are recognised in the Income Statement for the period.
2.11 Debtors
Short-term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the e ective interest method, less any impairment.
2.12 Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with nancial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insigni cant risk of change in value.
In the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdra s that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Company’s cash management.
2.13 Creditors
Short-term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other nancial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the e ective interest method.
2.14 Financial Instruments
e Company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 “Basic Financial Instruments” of FRS 102 to all of its nancial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the Company’s Balance Sheet when the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Accounting Policies (continued)
Financial assets and liabilities are o set, with the net amounts presented in the nancial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set o the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic nancial assets
Basic nancial assets, which include trade and other receivables, cash and bank balances, are initially measured at their transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the e ective interest method, less any provision for impairment, unless the arrangement constitutes a nancing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest.
Discounting is omitted where the e ect of discounting is immaterial. e Company’s cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other receivables due with the operating cycle fall into this category of nancial instruments.
Other nancial assets
Other nancial assets, which includes investments in equity instruments which are not classi ed as subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the recognised transaction price. Such assets are subsequently measured at fair value with the changes in fair value being recognised in the pro t or loss. Where other nancial assets are not publicly traded, hence their fair value cannot be measured reliably, they are measured at cost less impairment.
Impairment of nancial assets
Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date.
Financial assets are impaired when events, subsequent to their initial recognition, indicate the estimated future cash ows derived from the nancial asset(s) have been adversely impacted. e impairment loss will be the di erence between the current carrying amount and the present value of the future cash ows at the asset(s) original e ective interest rate.
If there is a favourable change in relation to the events surrounding the impairment loss then the impairment can be reviewed for possible reversal. e reversal will not cause the current carrying amount to exceed the original carrying amount had the impairment not been recognised. e impairment reversal is recognised in the pro t or loss.
Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classi ed according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instruments any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Company a er the deduction of all its liabilities.
Basic nancial liabilities, which include trade and other payables, bank loans and other loans are initially measured at their transaction price a er transaction costs. When this constitutes a nancing transaction, whereby the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Discounting is omitted where the e ect of discounting is immaterial.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the e ective interest rate method.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods and services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Trade payables are classi ed as current liabilities if the payment is due within one year. If not, they represent non-current liabilities. Trade payables are initially recognised at their transaction price and subsequently are measured at amortised cost using the e ective interest method. Discounting is omitted where the e ect of discounting is immaterial.
Other nancial instruments
Derivatives, including forward exchange contracts, futures contracts and interest rate swaps, are not classi ed as basic nancial instruments. ese are initially recognised at fair value on the date the derivative contract is entered into, with costs being charged to the pro t or loss. ey are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in the pro t or loss.
Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions as set out in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through the pro t or loss. is recognition and measurement would also apply to nancial instruments where the performance is evaluated on a fair value basis as with a documented risk management or investment strategy.
Derecognition of financial instruments
Derecognition of nancial assets
Financial assets are derecognised when their contractual right to future cash ow expire, or are settled, or when the Company transfers the asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another party. If signi cant risks and rewards of ownership are retained a er the transfer to another party, then the Company will continue to recognise the value of the portion of the risks and rewards retained.
Derecognition of nancial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
3. Judgements in Applying Accounting Policies and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
e preparation of these nancial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that a ect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses.
Judgements and estimates are continually evaluated and are based on historical experiences and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
e Company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. e resulting accounting estimates, will by de nition, seldom equal the related actual results. e estimates and assumptions that have a signi cant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities within the next nancial year are discussed below.
(a) Establishing lives for depreciation purposes of property, plant and equipment
Long-lived assets, consisting primarily of property, plant and equipment, comprise a signi cant portion of the total assets. e annual depreciation charge depends primarily on the estimated lives of each type of assets and estimates of residual values. e Directors regularly review these asset lives and change them as necessary to re ect current thinking on remaining lives in light of prospective economic utilisation and physical condition of the assets concerned. Changes in asset lives can have a signi cant impact on depreciation and amortisation charges for the period. Detail of the useful lives is included in the accounting policies. Detail of the useful lives is included in the accounting policies.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
4. Income
An analysis of income by class of business is as follows: Enterprise Ireland
5. Surplus on Ordinary Activities Before Taxation
6. Employees
Capitalised employee costs during the year amounted to €NIL (2022 – €NIL).
e average monthly number of employees, including the Directors, during the year was as follows:
ere were 10 Directors in 2023 (2022: 11).
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Key Management Remuneration
Key management personnel include the directors and the senior management team for whom the total remuneration cost was €563,995 (2022: €491,350).
8. Taxation Current tax on surplus for the year
Taxation on surplus on ordinary activities
Factors Affecting Tax Charge for the Year
e tax assessed for the year is lower than (2022 – lower than) the standard rate of corporation tax in Ireland of 12.5% (2022 – 12.5%). e di erences are explained below:
Factors that may affect future tax charges ere were no factors that may a ect future tax charges.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Subsidiary
e following were subsidiary undertakings of the Company:
Subsidiary undertaking:
Showcase Design and Cra s Fair Company Limited by Guarantee
Cra s Council of Ireland is the sole contributor to Showcase Design and Cra s Fair Company Limited by Guarantee.
e aggregate of the share capital and reserves as at 30 April 2023 and the pro t or loss for the year ended on that date for the subsidiary undertakings were as follows:
Subsidiary undertaking:
& Cra s Fair
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure account comprise cash at bank and in
Financial assets measured at amortised cost comprise trade debtors, amounts owed by joint ventures amounts owed by group undertakings and other debtors.
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost comprise trade creditors.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
15. Company Status
e company is limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital..
16. Pension Commitments
On 15 December 1986 the then Minister for Industry and Commerce established the Cra s Council of Ireland Sta Superannuation Scheme 1986 and on 11 April 1990 the then Minister for Industry and Commerce established the Cra s Council of Ireland Limited Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme 1990. ese schemes are administered by the Cra s Council of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee on behalf of the Minister.
ese two pension schemes are now closed to new members. ese two schemes are contributory unfunded de ned bene t schemes. Contributions deducted from sta over the years are used to fund ongoing pension liabilities.
e Directors believe that the State has a responsibility to the Company and the members of the scheme to meet the obligations of the Scheme as they arise.
e Directors believe that the Company has an asset of an equal amount to any unfunded deferred liability for pensions on the basis of the assumptions detailed below and a number of past events. ese events include the statutory basis for the establishment of the superannuation schemes and the policy and practice currently in place in relation to funding public service pensions including contributions by employees to the annual estimates process. e company has no evidence that this funding policy will not continue to meet such sums in accordance with current practice.
Based on the above the Company has accounted for the contributions as if it were a de ned contribution scheme.
Details of the pensions deducted from employees, employer contributions and the bene ts paid to former employees during the year are as follows:
Costs of pension contributions recoverable from the state at year end total €124,357 (2022: €86,016).
In addition to the above the Company operates de ned contribution pension schemes (PRSA) in respect of employees not eligible to enter the above scheme. e assets of the PRSA schemes are held separately from those of the company in independently administered funds. e pension costs represent contributions payable by the company to the fund and amounted to €15,969 (2022: €16,037).
17. Deferred Tax Asset
ere is a potential tax asset of €27,788 (2022: €28,766) arising from trading losses. ese losses are o setable against potential future taxable trading surpluses.
For the year ended 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2023 the Company had future minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the following periods:
later than 1 year
than 1 year and not later than 5 years
5
Related Party Transactions
At the beginning of the year Showcase Design and Cra s Fair Company Limited by Guarantee owed €150,651 to Cra s Council of Ireland. DCCI also purchased services from Showcase for €60,150 and made sales of €44,871. Payments of €60,699 were made to Showcase and receipts were €8,278. A balance of €187,793 was owed to the Company at the Balance Sheet date.
From time to time, Directors of Cra s Council of Ireland Limited may be involved in other membership organisations that may have transactions with Cra s Council of Ireland Limited with no bene t accruing to the Directors.
20. Post Balance Sheet Events
ere have been no signi cant events a ecting the Company since the year end.
21. Approval of Financial Statements
e Board of Directors approved these nancial statements for issue on 30/04/2024
Design
Atelier TypoGraphic Design (atelier.ie)
Cover Image
Shane Holland with Submarinocurraplane at Irish Design Week 2023
Photographer: Leon Farrell, Photocall Ireland
Image Credits
Leon Farrell, Photocall Ireland
Sasko Lazarov, Photocall Ireland
Finbarr O’Rourke Photography
Dylan Vaughan Photography
Peter Varga
Provision Photographs Limited
Michael O’Rourke Photography
John Mee Photography
Brian Lougheed Photography
Colm Lougheed Photography
Daniel Lewis Photographer Limited
Joe Dunne Photography
Aengus McMahon Photography
Doreen Kilfeather Photography
Dan Dunne, Videographer
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Castle Yard, Kilkenny, R95 CAA6, Ireland
T. +353 ( 0 ) 56 776 1804
dcci.ie
Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Castle Yard
Kilkenny, R95 CAA6
Ireland
T. +353 ( 0 ) 56 776 1804
