German-Irish Business Review 2014 by Rooney Media

GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; REVIEW 2014

German-Irish Business Review 2014

The German Chamber Network

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

Patrons 2014

Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Contents Q

Chamber Foreword by the President Foreword by the CEO The Council Councillors’ Proﬁles German-Irish Chamber Position Points Positionen der Deutsch-Irischen Industrie- und Handelskammer German-Irish Chamber Golﬁng Society European Chamber of Ireland Oktoberfest 2014 Youth Unemployment and Vocational Training in Ireland St. Kilian’s German School Language Campaign Pictorial Review Membership Directory Programme of Events

4 5 6 7 11 12 15 16 19 23 27 28 30 33 57

Politics & Economics 2008 bis 2020: Der Weg zur Erholung Irlands Economic Outlook for Germany Buchvorstellung: „Irland und Deutschland: Partner im europäischen Aufschwung“ Germany’s Mittelstand: The Seven Pillars of Success Deutsche Schule am Meer

43 46 49 50 55

Published in 2014 by the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, 46 Fitzwilliam Square, IRL-Dublin 2. Tel: +353-(0)1-6424300, Fax: +353-(0)1-6424399, Email: info@german-irish.ie Editorial: Ralf Lissek, Holger Erdmann Design and Production: Rooney Media Graphics, Tel: +353 1 7978 774, E-mail: info@rooneymedia.com, Web: www.rooneymedia.com While every care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, it is a general guide and readers should not rely on any information in it in relation to a speciﬁc issue without taking further advice. Views or opinions expressed in “German-Irish Business – Review 2014” are not necessarily those of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

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Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

The German Chamber Network

DEINTERNATIONAL

Programme of Events

DEinternational Ireland

BUSINESS & INVESTMENT

DEinternational company formation for Bennett

DEinternational Steuerdienstleistungen für die Services UTW-Dienstleistungs GMBH

DEinternational’s Recruitment Service: A Case Study

Foreign Direct Investment – Why invest in Germany?

Germany Trade & Invest

Rehacare Trade Fair, Düsseldorf, Germany

MEDICA and COMPAMED 2014, Düsseldorf 2014

Geschäftsreise „Deutscher Wein”

Ireland’s Electricity Network Upgrades „SPARK“ International Business Co-operation

The Ultimate Power Struggle

A New Opportunity for German-Irish cooperation in R&D

Ireland’s energy efﬁciency revolution – Case Study

109

CONTENTS

TOURISM SPECIAL

Wie komme ich nach Irland?

Let’s meet in Ireland!

Sie bleiben nach Ihrer Veranstaltung in Irland? Zehn Dinge, die sie unbedingt tun sollten! 87 Surprising facts about Ireland

Überraschende Fakten über Irland

Have you planned a group or delegation visit to Dublin

FINANCE, TAX, LEGAL

Starke Erholung der irischen Bauwirtschaft öffnet Türen für deutsche Bauunternehmen

Important points for construction companies working in Germany

TAX – Only opens the door…

Data Protection – Recent Irish Trends

101

Financing & Innovation: The R&D Tax Credit in Ireland

103

Onshore wind activity in Ireland and opportunities for German investors

105

Know the rules – Taxation of permanent establishments / changes in German Law

107

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

Foreword by the President Dear Members and Friends, Strengthening business relationships between Irish and German companies is at the heart of the activities of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The last few months saw 17 German companies coming to Ireland with the support of the Chamber to ﬁnd business partners – from wine producers via environmental technology manufacturers to providers of smart grid technologies. They are now looking to start exporting to Ireland in the coming months, further enhancing German-Irish trade relations. Beyond such market entry projects, the Chamber offers numerous other business services for Irish and German exporters and investors. These include e. g. company formation, corporate governance, legal information, tax services, accounting, payroll, debt collection, recruitment, event management and public relations. Please contact the DEinternational business consultancy team at the Chamber anytime for further information. I would also like to highlight that our members have compiled key Chamber Position Points on important economic issues, which you will ﬁnd in this publication. These range e. g. from the support of the further development of an Irish “Mittelstand” (medium sized businesses) via the need for an increase of exports by Irish indigenous companies to our members’ support of the current competitive corporate tax regime in Ireland. If you are interested in getting involved or in the Chamber’s support for your business, simply get in touch with the Chamber team. We look forward to hearing from you. Frank Mee President, German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce

Liebe Mitglieder und Freunde, Geschäftsbeziehungen zwischen deutschen und irischen Unternehmen zu stärken steht im Fokus der Aktivitäten der Deutsch-Irischen Industrie- und Handelskammer. Allein in den letzten Monaten kamen 17 deutsche Unternehmen nach Irland, um mit Unterstützung der Kammer Geschäftspartner zu ﬁnden – darunter waren Winzer, Umwelttechnik-Hersteller und Anbieter von Smart Grid Technologien. Diese wollen nun in den kommenden Monaten ihre Exporte nach Irland starten, was die Handelsbeziehungen zwischen Deutschland und Irland weiter stärkt. Über solche Markteinstiegsprojekte hinaus bietet die Kammer zahlreiche weitere Dienstleistungen für deutsche und irische Exporteure und Investoren an. Hierzu zählen z. B. Unternehmensgründung, Rechtsauskunft, Steuervertretung, (Lohn-) Buchhaltung, Inkasso/Forderungsmanagement, Recruitment, Veranstaltungsmanagement und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit. Mehr Informationen können Sie jederzeit beim DEinternational Beratungsteam der Kammer erhalten. Zudem möchte ich darauf hinweisen, dass unsere Mitglieder wirtschaftspolitische Positionen der Kammer zusammengestellt haben, die in dieser Publikation veröffentlicht sind. Diese reichen u. a. von der Unterstützung des aktuellen wettbewerbsfähigen Körperschaftssteuersystems sowie des weiteren Ausbaus eines irischen Mittelstands bis hin zu der Notwendigkeit, dass die einheimischen irischen Unternehmen ihren Anteil an den irischen Exporten erhöhen. Falls Sie Interesse daran haben, sich in der Kammer zu engagieren oder Unterstützung durch die Kammer für Ihr Geschäft erhalten möchten, nehmen Sie einfach Kontakt mit unserem Team auf. Wir freuen uns darauf, von Ihnen zu hören. Frank Mee Präsident, Deutsch-Irische Industrie- und Handelskammer 4

Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Foreword by the CEO Dear Members and Friends, For some years now, our Chamber is working intensely to support Ireland’s image abroad. The latest successful project in this context is the new book “Ireland and Germany: Partners in European Recovery”. This publication was launched in May – in Ireland at an event with Minister of Finance Michael Noonan and in Germany with Dr. Joachim Pfeiffer, Economic and Energy Policy Spokesman for the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group in the German Bundestag. Another important position point to the Chamber is the expansion and restructuring of the dual vocational training system in Ireland. The Chamber and its members are convinced that this will contribute greatly to tackling youth unemployment. We have already contributed in the public consultation process, initiated meetings with the Department of Education and other involved governmental bodies and organised a fact finding mission to Germany with the then Minister of State Brian Hayes. This year also sees the return of our famous corporate entertainment ‘Oktoberfest’ on 19th September – the ideal occasion to entertain your clients and staff in a relaxed and original Bavarian atmosphere (see the preview in this edition of GermanIrish Business). Please note that our event management team is also on hand to organise your own events, be it breakfast briefings, business lunches, conferences, product presentations, team building events, incentive trips, golf outings or any other type of event you have in mind. In total, our Chamber organises about 50 events each year. We would like to encourage you to use these to expand your professional network and grow your business. Ralf Lissek CEO, German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce Liebe Mitglieder und Freunde, unsere Kammer arbeitet bereits seit einigen Jahren intensiv daran, das Image Irlands im Ausland zu verbessern. Das jüngste erfolgreiche Projekt in diesem Zusammenhang ist das neue Buch „Irland und Deutschland: Partner im Europäischen Aufschwung“. Diese Publikation wurde im Mai veröffentlicht – in Irland im Rahmen einer Veranstaltung mit dem irischen Finanzminister Michael Noonan und in Deutschland mit Dr. Joachim Pfeiffer, wirtschafts- und energiepolitischer Sprecher der CDU/CSU-Bundestagsfraktion. Eine weitere wichtige Position bezieht die Kammer bzgl. des Ausbaus und der Restrukturierung des Dualen Ausbildungssystems in Irland. Die Kammer und ihre Mitglieder sind davon überzeugt, dass dies stark dazu beitragen wird, die Jugendarbeitslosigkeit zu bekämpfen. Wir haben bereits zu der öffentlichen Konsultation beigetragen, Gespräche mit dem irischen Bildungsministerium und anderen beteiligten staatlichen Stellen initiiert sowie einen Informationsbesuch des damaligen Staatssekretärs Brian Hayes in Deutschland organisiert. Das beliebte AHK-Oktoberfest am 19. September stellt einen weiteren Höhepunkt dieses Jahres dar. Diese Corporate Entertainment Veranstaltung bietet die ideale Gelegenheit, Kunden und Mitarbeiter in einer entspannten original bayerischen Atmosphäre zu unterhalten (siehe auch den Vorbericht in dieser Ausgabe von German-Irish Business). Übrigens übernimmt unser Event Management Team auch sehr gerne die Organisation Ihrer eigenen Veranstaltungen für Sie– egal, ob es sich um Breakfast Briefings, Geschäftsessen, Konferenzen, Produktpräsentationen, Veranstaltungen zur Teambuildung, Incentive-Reisen, Golfturniere oder andere Veranstaltungen handelt, die Sie gerne umsetzen möchten. Insgesamt organisiert unsere Kammer jedes Jahr rund 50 Veranstaltungen. Wir möchten Sie herzlich einladen, diese zum Ausbau Ihres beruflichen Netzwerks und Ihres Geschäfts zu nutzen. Ralf Lissek Geschäftsführender Vorstand, Deutsch-Irische Industrie- und Handelskammer 5

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

12. Councillor Padraig Rushe, Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking

16. Councillor Liam Twohig, Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon

The Council 01. President Frank Mee, Allianz Worldwide Care Ltd. 02. Vice-President Dr. oec. Wolfgang Häfele, MITIE Group plc. 03. CEO Ralf Lissek, German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce

04. Councillor Iwer Baecker, 08. Councillor Dr. Frank Bayer Ireland Ltd. Heisterkamp, CRH plc

05. Councillor Philp Daly, LK 09. Councillor Gisbert Shields Kügler, IDB Deutschland 13. Councillor Liam Ryan, 17. Councillor Michael GmbH SAP Ireland Whelan, Deutsche Bank 06. Councillor Eddie Ireland Goodwin, Enterprise 10. Councillor Paul Lynam, 14. Councillor Prof. HansIreland Siemens Ltd. Jörg Schmidt-Trenz, 18. Company Secretary, HK Hamburg Andreas Fagin 07. Councillor Jonathan 11. Councillor Patrick Hackett, Botany McGrath, Miele Ireland 15. Councillor Werner Weaving Mill Ltd. Limited Schwanberg, WGZ BANK Ireland plc

Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Councillors‘ Profiles President Frank Mee, Allianz Worldwide Care Ltd Frank Mee is Finance Director of Allianz Worldwide Care, the Allianz Group’s international health insurance subsidiary, which is based in Dublin. Born in Roscommon in 1954, Frank Mee completed a BComm degree in UCG in 1975 and subsequently qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte, with which he worked for 11 years. He joined the company now known as Allianz Ireland in 1986 and served on the Board of Management of that company for many years until 1999. He was instrumental in the decision by Allianz Group to base its new international health insurance operation in Dublin in 1999. He is one of the founding Directors of that business with Ron Buchan and Claude Daboul and has filled the role of Finance Director since its establishment in 1999. He was also involved in the founding of Allianz Re Dublin Limited and has served on that company’s Board since 1999. He is a keen golfer. Vice-President Dr. oec. Wolfgang Häfele, MITIE Group plc. Dr. oec. Wolfgang Häfele is Honorary Consul of Ireland in Stuttgart/BadenWürttemberg, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Elevion Group (an electrical engineering company) and Managing Director with responsibility for Central Europe of MITIE Group plc.

In 1990 he joined the German-Dutch Chamber in The Hague as Head of Marketing, a position he held until 1995 when he moved to the Chamber in Brussels to take up the post of Deputy Director with responsibility for commercial management. While in Brussels he was the originator and driving force behind the company APRI, set up to advise Chambers of Commerce on how to lobby for and manage EU funded programs. He was appointed Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce in 1999. He holds a number of non-executive directorships.

(a London based facility service company with a turnover of €2.6 billion and 75,000 employees). He previously was Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Metabo AG (professional tools) and Senior Vice President of Imtech Suir Engineering Ltd., Waterford. Dr. Häfele also served as longstanding Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of the M+W Zander Group. M+W Zander is a globally acting company in the areas of Facility Engineering and Facility Management with a turnover of over €2.2 billion and 8,100 employees in 2007. Dr. Häfele was reelected in 2014 as a member of the Regional Parliament of the Region of Stuttgart and he is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft (economic development board) of the Stuttgart Region. Dr. Häfele studied economics at the University of Stuttgart-Hohenheim from 1981-1986 and obtained a doctorate (Dr. oec.) in 1988 with a thesis on labour law. He resides in Stuttgart with his wife Silvia and his daughter Katharina. Amongst his many interests, Dr. Häfele is a keen athlete and marathon runner.

Councillor Iwer Baecker, Bayer Ireland Ltd. Iwer Baecker is the Managing Director of the Bayer business in Ireland. Before he joined the Irish company he worked for the Bayer Healthcare European Business Development department as well as Bayer Innovation, the Innovation and Venture Capital unit of Bayer AG. In 2003 he founded a medical device and biotech company which he ultimately sold into Bayer AG in 2005 before joining the company himself in 2006. He started his professional career at Commerzbank and worked as a consultant with Cap Gemini and Ernst & Young. Iwer studied at the University of Regensburg and holds a degree in Finance, International Management and Innovation. He lives in

CEO Ralf Lissek, GermanIrish Chamber of Industry and Commerce Born in Wuppertal in 1962, Ralf Lissek completed a two and a half year traineeship in Business Administration before beginning his studies in Germany and at Aston University in the UK, where he specialised in Marketing.

Dublin and in his spare time enjoys sailing, diving and snowboarding. Councillor Philip Daly, LK Shields Philip Daly is a Partner at LK Shields. His practice is primarily in the areas of Corporate and Commercial Law. Philip has acted in mergers and acquisitions transactions across all industry sectors as well as advising on private equity funding rounds and corporate restructurings. Given his significant experience and focus on the energy sector, he is the lead partner in the firm’s successful Energy and Natural Resources Unit. Philip has had a long standing association with the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce and provides legal advice to a number of German companies located in Ireland. Councillor Eddie Goodwin, Enterprise Ireland Eddie Goodwin has over 12 years experience working in Germany with the Irish Government Agencies: Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. In his current role Eddie manages the Enterprise Ireland office for Germany, Switzerland and Austria out of Dusseldorf and leads a team of sector experts to consult for and work with Irish companies to internationalise into the German speaking region. Prior to this for 4 years Eddie managed the Enterprise Ireland Boston Office and managed the EI

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

Life Sciences portfolio for the USA. Between 2001 and 2007 Eddie worked as an Overseas Executive with IDA Ireland in Frankfurt and was involved in negotiating a number of new Foreign Direct Investment Projects into Ireland. Prior to joining the Irish Government Agencies Eddie worked in the private sector and gained experience across a number of sectors: Internet Software (DoubleClick), Financial Services (Deutsche Bank & Bankers Trust) and Services/ Recruitment (CPL PLC). Eddie has acquired an MBS in Business (DCU), Post Grad Diploma (University of Ulster), BA International (UCD), spent 2 years studying at the University of Vienna and undertook a European Integration studies program at the University of Copenhagen. Councillor Jonathan Hackett, Botany Weaving Mill Ltd. Jonathan Hackett is Managing Director of Botany Weaving Mill Ltd. which is a leading supplier of seat fabrics and carpets to the aviation industry worldwide. The Company operates from 3 plants in Ireland employing 140 people. He is a director of a number of other Companies. He holds a Bachelor Of Commerce and a Master of Business Studies degree in International Marketing from University College Dublin. He lives with his wife and 3 children in Dublin.

Councillor Dr. Frank Heisterkamp, CRH plc Frank Heisterkamp is Head of Investor Relations of CRH plc. A native of Berlin, Frank obtained a doctorate (Dr. iur.) from the University of Nürnberg and is qualiﬁed both as Solicitor in Ireland and Rechtsanwalt in Germany. He moved to Ireland in 1994 and joined the Financial Services Group of Matheson before moving to the USA in 1999 when he took up the position as Vice President Business Development with CRH’s US Division in Washington DC. In January 2005 he was appointed Director of Business Development for CRH Europe in Dublin before becoming CRH’s Country Manager China in 2007. Subsequently Frank became Country Manager for Turkey and for CRH’s business in Portugal, Tunisia and Lebanon before being appointed to his current position in February 2013. He is a keen hockey player and lives with his wife and 3 children in Dublin.

Düsseldorf. He is a golfer but does also support various soccer teams in Germany.

Councillor Gisbert Kügler, IDB Deutschland GmbH Born in Stuttgart in 1954, Gisbert Kügler studied economics at the University of Stuttgart. He started his career in the dairy industry with a Cooperative called Südmilch AG. Later on he worked as Managing Director for various companies in the FMCG sector and returned 1989 to the dairy industry again. 2004 he joined the Irish Dairy Board in Dublin to head up the IDB GmbH in Germany as CEO. Gisbert Kügler is married, has two daughters and lives in

Councillor Patrick McGrath, Miele Ireland Limited Patrick McGrath is Chief Executive at Miele Ireland. Patrick is a graduate of University of Limerick where he studied Business Studies and graduated in 1989. His early career was spent with Coca Cola System in Ireland, Greece and then Germany. Patrick returned to Ireland in June 2001 to join Emo Oil, part of DCC plc. and subsequently joined Miele Ireland Ltd. in 2005. Born in 1968 he is a native of Abbeyside, Co. Waterford and now married with 2 children. Pat is a keen golfer.

Councillor Paul Lynam, Siemens Ltd Paul Lynam is CEO of Siemens Limited. Paul joined Siemens in 2005 as Commercial Manager of the Energy & Transportation Division before taking over as CFO in July 2008 and then as CEO in December 2010. He graduated from DCU in 1989 and following a Post Grad Diploma in UCD joined The Smurfit Group in 1990 and moved to Germany with them. He spent 14 years in a number of management roles in the Smurfit-Kappa Group in Germany. During his time there, he completed an MBA before finally leaving his role of Sales Director at their southern German paperboard mill and returning to join Siemens Limited. Paul is married with two daughters and has a general interest in most sports but specifically rugby and Gaelic football.

Councillor Padraig Rushe, Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking Padraig Rushe is a Director at Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking in Dublin. He is responsible for a business unit focussed on Multinational Corporations and International Financial Services Groups. His team, based in Dublin and Stamford Connecticut, provides credit, risk management, cash management and relationship banking services to a large client base. Bank of Ireland has overseas ofﬁces in Frankfurt, London, Paris, Chicago and Stamford. The bank has been a member of the Chamber since the 1980’s and Padraig has been a Council member since 2008 and was President in 2011. Padraig is also Chairman of the Dublin IFSC Inner City Trust and a member of the Executive Board of FSI Ireland. Councillor Liam Ryan, SAP Ireland Liam Ryan is the Managing Director of SAP Ireland. Born in 1965 he graduated from Kevin St College of Technology and Trinity College with a Degree in Electronic Engineering. Liam started his career working as a Quality Engineer for Siemens in Amberg, Germany. After returning to Ireland in 1990 Liam held roles in APV Ireland, Donnelly Mirrors and Motorola before joining SAP. Liam joined SAP in 1999 when there were 33 employees and has overseen the growth of SAP in Ireland

Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

to 1,400 employees involved in Support, Development and Sales for SAP’s European and US customer base. Liam joined the Chamber Council in 2004 and was President in 2007. He is also on the Governing Board of ICT Ireland. Living in Malahide with his wife and 3 children Liam is a keen golfer.

position as Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of the Hamburg Chamber in 1995. He is Professor of Economics at the University of Saarland (since 2000) and the University of Hamburg (since 2009). Prof. Dr SchmidtTrenz has been a member of the Council of the GermanIrish Chamber since 2003.

Councillor Prof. Dr HansJörg Schmidt-Trenz, HK Hamburg Born in Saarburg near Trier in 1959, Prof. Dr Hans-Jörg Schmidt-Trenz studied Economics and History at the University of the Saarland, Saarbücken and at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. He was awarded a Ph.D. in 1989 and obtained a lectureship in Economics in 1995. He was appointed Managing Director of the Karlsruhe Chamber of Industry and Commerce in 1988 and in 1991 became Managing Director of the Consulting company, IHK-Unternehmens- und Technologie-Beratung Karlsruhe GmbH. In 1992 he was appointed Managing Director of TECHNOLOGIEREGION KARLSRUHE GDBR. Early in 1991 he became Director of Commercial services of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and was appointed to his present

Councillor Werner Schwanberg, WGZ BANK Ireland plc Werner Schwanberg is Managing Director of WGZ BANK Ireland plc and as a Chartered Director serves on a number of Irish company boards. Born in Germany in 1955, he has lived and worked in Dublin since 1991. He is a former member of the Banking and Treasury Group at the Department of the Taoiseach and has a special interest in ﬁnancial services and corporate governance issues.

Ireland. The firm is a member of Baker Tilly International, which is a Global network of high quality, independent accountancy and business service firms. Baker Tilly International is the 8th largest such network in the world by fee income and is represented by 135 firms in 102 countries including Germany, where its associate is Baker Tilly Deutschland GmbH. Liam has over 30 years experience as a Chartered Accountant, both in Ireland and abroad and has served on various committees of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and is currently a Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of VHI Healthcare. He joined the Chamber Council in 1986, was Vice-Chairman from 1989-1992, Chairman from 1992-1996, Vice-President in 1997 and became President in 1998. He rejoined the Council in 2003.

Councillor Liam Twohig, Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon Liam Twohig is Senior Partner of Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon, Business Partners & Accountants who are ranked in the top 10 accountancy ﬁrms in Ireland and who specialise in advising German companies on the ﬁnancial aspects of setting up and doing business in

Councillor Michael Whelan, Deutsche Bank Ireland Michael Whelan is the Chief Country Ofﬁcer of Deutsche Bank in Ireland. He is also a regional manager within the Global Transaction Bank of Deutsche Bank with speciﬁc business responsibilities for a number of jurisdictions including Germany, Luxembourg and the

Netherlands. He is a director of Deutsche International Corporate Services as well as numerous investment funds and special purpose vehicles. Mr Whelan is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Company Secretary Andreas Fagin Andreas joined the Finance & Personnel department of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce in August 2009. He is responsible for the preparation of the Irish and German financial returns, project controlling and process improvement. He is also the company secretary of the Chamber and has responsibility for personnel matters. Over the last 10 years Andreas has gained a wealth of international finance experience in his previous roles in Oracle Corporation and Yahoo! Europe where he held a number of positions including Accounting Manager responsible for the monthly accounts preparation and monthly and quarterly reporting. He has gained extensive experience in the implementation and testing of ERP accounting systems, particularly in several Oracle modules.

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Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

German-Irish Chamber Position Points

• Renewable energy provides signiﬁcant economic opportunities for Ireland. Germany is strong in the provision of such Greentech technologies and services and can support Ireland in achieving its target to become an exporter of Green Energy.

• Vocational training in Ireland should be improved. Benchmarking the German dual vocational training system will help to combat youth unemployment. This demand driven training system secures skilled labour needed and gives all people with different levels of qualiﬁcations a chance to enter the job market.

• The proposed free trade agreement between the EU and the US will be very beneﬁcial for both Irish and German companies. By cooperating with each other and creating joint ventures they will be able to maximise their beneﬁts.

• Our members express that the current competitive corporate tax regime in Ireland should remain as it provides an essential basis for recovery. It is an important part of the Irish economy and a successful business model over the last 30 years.

• Germany will continue to strengthen the EU and stabilise the euro. This is essential for the Irish economy as it needs a strong Europe to achieve the goals in its Programme for Government 2011 - 2016. The GermanIrish Chamber of Industry and Commerce will continue to support Ireland in playing an important and integral part in Europe.

• The Irish economy and Irish state ﬁnances are on a promising path of recovery. To achieve a full recovery, a continuous implementation of agreed measures is vital. Ireland has to remain committed to reduce spending to eventually balance the state budget. • Indigenous Irish companies have to increase their sales abroad and gain a larger share than the current 20% of Irish exports.

• Promoting the German language in Ireland will provide better employment opportunites. This will also help to generate a better understanding and integration in Europe.

• The German “Mittelstand” (medium sized businesses) is the backbone of German export success. The GermanIrish Chamber is on hand to support the further development of such a “Mittelstand” in Ireland.

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

Positionen der Deutsch-Irischen Industrie- und Handelskammer

• In Deutschland bildet der Mittelstand das Rückgrat des deutschen Exporterfolgs. Die Deutsch-Irische Industrieund Handelskammer steht beim Ausbau eines solchen Mittelstands in Irland unterstützend zur Seite.

• In Irland sollte die Berufsausbildung verbessert werden. Eine Orientierung am Dualen Berufsausbildungssystem in Deutschland würde dabei helfen, die Jugendarbeitslosigkeit zu bekämpfen. Dieses bedarfsorientierte Ausbildungssystem stellt sicher, dass die benötigten qualiﬁzierten Arbeitskräfte vorhanden sind und bietet allen Personen mit verschiedenen Qualiﬁkationsniveaus eine Eintrittschance in den Arbeitsmarkt.

• Erneuerbare Energie ist ein Sektor, der wirtschaftliche Potentiale für Irland bietet. Deutschland ist ein starker Lieferant von solchen Greentech-Technologien sowie -Dienstleistungen und kann Irland dabei unterstützen, zu einem Exporteur von „grüner Energie“ zu werden.

• Unsere Mitglieder sprechen sich dafür aus, dass das derzeit in Irland geltende, wettbewerbsfähige Körperschaftssteuersystem bestehen bleiben soll, da es eine wesentliche Grundlage für die wirtschaftliche Erholung des Landes darstellt. Es bildet einen wichtigen Teil der irischen Wirtschaft und ein in den vergangenen 30 Jahren erfolgreiches Geschäftsmodell.

• Das geplante Freihandelsabkommen zwischen der EU und den USA wird sowohl für irische als auch für deutsche Unternehmen von Vorteil sein. Durch Zusammenarbeit und die Gründung von Joint Ventures werden sie in der Lage sein, ihre Vorteile zu maximieren.

• Die irische Wirtschaft und die irischen Staatsfinanzen befinden sich auf einem erfolgversprechenden Erholungskurs. Damit eine vollkommene Erholung erreicht werden kann, ist die Umsetzung vereinbarter Maßnahmen unerläßlich. Irland muss sich weiterhin verpflichten, die Ausgaben zu reduzieren, damit letztendlich ein ausgeglichener Staatshaushalt erreicht wird.

• Deutschland wird sich auch in Zukunft für eine stärkere EU und einen stabilen Euro einsetzen. Dies ist für die irische Wirtschaft von entscheidender Bedeutung, da sich die Ziele des Regierungsprogramms 2011 - 2016 nur mit einem starken Europa erreichen lassen. Die Deutsch-Irische Industrie- und Handelskammer wird Irland weiterhin darin unterstützen, ein wichtiger und integraler Bestandteil Europas zu sein.

• Einheimische irische Unternehmen müssen den Vertrieb im Ausland ankurbeln und ihren Anteil an den irischen Exporten von aktuell 20% erhöhen.

• Die Förderung der deutschen Sprache in Irland wird bessere Berufschancen bieten. Dies fördert zudem ein besseres Verständnis und die Integration in Europa.

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* Bank of Ireland analysis of publically available information in relation to FDI companies established in ROI ** Bank of Ireland analysis of independent industry statistics 2013

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Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

German-Irish Chamber Golﬁng Society

Expand your business network on the golf course What better way to widen your business links than getting to know potential business partners out on the golf course? The German-Irish Chamber’s Golf Society is the perfect group to join in order to strengthen your connections within the German-Irish Business World. We welcome non golfers and beginners to the Chamber Golf society. So far already in 2014, there have been two golf clinics in Howth Golf Club for beginners and those that want to just ‘practise their swing’. The ﬁnal golf clinic of the year will be on the 10th October and we welcome all levels of golf players to this clinic. Still to come in 2014 on the golf calendar, the European Chamber Golf Outing will take place at Luttrellstown Castle and golf club. This event will provide both German-Irish and European-Irish networking opportunities for all participants. Every year sees exciting Golf Outings and 2014 is no different. The winners in ﬁrst place: (left to right) Tilmann Gerhards ( DZ Bank), Peter Sheridan ( Enterprise Ireland, Farid Assouad (Aareal bank) & Tony Casey ( Frank Keane Motors)

If you are interested in playing in any of the German-Irish Chamber’s Golﬁng Society events or for more information on the planned golf outings, please send an email to events@german-irish.ie.

Brian O Callaghan, receiving his prize of business class ﬂights for two people to Istanbul sponsored by Turkish Airlines (left to right) Nizam Bulut (Turkish Airlines), Brian O Callaghan (Deloitte) and Ann Marie Dalton (Turkish Airlines)

Tee-off at the ﬁrst hole.

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

Incoming events

European Chamber of Ireland

High-proﬁle events and trade promotion Once again the European Chamber of Ireland organised two high-proﬁle events in 2013, which were kindly sponsored by CRH plc. On 20th November, the then Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore informed the capacity House of Lords venue including 13 European Ambassadors about the success of the Irish EU presidency.

CRH – Patron of the European Chamber of Ireland 2009-2014

46 golfers enjoyed the European Chamber Cup golf outing on 13th November with a further 30 guests attending the dinner. A memorable day in a truly European atmosphere was had by all, providing a great opportunity to network and entertain clients. The Cup winning team consisted of Tilmann Gerhards (DZ Bank) , Peter Sheridan (Enterprise Ireland), Farid Assouad (Aareal Bank) and Tony Casey (Frank Keane Motors). The next event on the itinerary will be a European Chamber topical event on the 23rd of October. Guest speaker will be Dan O’Brian, hief Economist at the The Institute of International and European Affairs. Tickets will be free of charge. Details will be coming soon.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore at the European Chamber of Ireland event in the House of Lords, Dublin, in 2014. He saw the European Parliament vote approving the trillioneuro European Budget for the following seven years as the seal on one of the main achievements of Ireland’s European Presidency.

The participants in the European Chamber Cup golf outing and dinner in 2013.

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German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

For further information and to book places, please contact the European Chamber by telephone at +353 (0)1 6424-311 or by e-mail to info@europeanchamber.ie. The aims and objectives of the European Chamber of Ireland are: • The promotion of trade between Ireland and the other European countries • Giving European trade interests a stronger voice in Ireland • Inﬂuencing decision-makers and opinion leaders in Ireland • Provide a networking platform for Irish and European companies as well as for business organisations. The European Chamber of Ireland was established in 2009 to further trade links between Ireland and other European countries. It is an umbrella organisation for the Irish-European Chambers of Commerce, Embassies and Trade Associations already in Ireland. Current member organisations come from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey. The

The President of the European Chamber of Ireland, Jack Golden from CRH, noted at the event that 60% of everything Ireland produces is sold to trading partners within the EU’s single market with much more potential to be realised.

Chamber strongly recognises the belief that exploiting the additional trading potential of Ireland into other European countries and vice versa is the key to economic recovery. Also, the Chamber is working to overcome recent publicity and reputational issues and promote Ireland as a soundly governed economy, ready to grow again substantially.

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Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Guess who’s back - Oktoberfest 2014 The German-Irish Chamber is happy to announce that the annual corporate Oktoberfest is celebrating its return to the events calendar after a 4 year break. From 2000 to 2010, Oktoberfest provided a fantastic atmosphere with entertainment, live traditional Bavarian music and authentic German cuisine to over 6,000 guests over those 10 years and 2014 will be no different.

by the “Happy Bavarians” an original Bavarian brass band who will be ﬂown in from Munich for the night. Look forward to a delicious traditional Bavarian buffet, original beer from Bavaria (pint included in the price), traditional Oktoberfest games, traditional Oktoberfest games, great prizes and much more in a genuine Oktoberfest surrounding.

Book your seats now to ensure your place at the original Dublin corporate Oktoberfest which will take place on Friday 19th September 2014 in the Ballsbridge Hotel. In addition to individual tickets, Corporate Packages are also available (please see below).

Corporate Package: Buy 40 + tickets to this exciting event to avail of the German-Irish Chambers fantastic corporate packages. We will liaise with you to organize the evening to suit you and your guests needs in every possible way.

This is Ireland’s answer to the “Wiesn”, Munich’s world famous Oktoberfest celebration! There is no better way to entertain your clients or thank your colleagues this year, than in the relaxed and fun environment of the Oktoberfest.

A designated member of the Chamber will take care of your booking from start to ﬁnish and ensure any special requests you have are fulﬁlled. Your personal waitress / waiter will look after you and your guests on the night, making sure all have a great Oktoberfest experience.

Tickets are Euro 75.00 per person (for members) and Euro 80.00 for non-members which include live Bavarian music

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

Included in your ticket price when you buy 40 + Tickets: • Skip the queue! A designated waitress for your table will keep you and your guests topped up all night! • You win! We will organise the MC on the night to rafﬂe prizes for your guests only! • This one’s on me! Buy beer vouchers and really spoil your guests! • Sing-a-long! Choose a song that the Bavarian brass band will play especially for your guests. • Say Cheese! Special Photo call for your guests with the band. • Take your seat! We will consider your wishes for the trestle table plan.

Why not be a sponsor of this important event? Advantages: • Your company name and logo will be printed on all invitations and mailings regarding the event • Acknowledgement including your company’s logo on menus and guest lists as well as all other promotional material for the event • A note of thanks at the event • Your promotional material to be displayed at the venue • The opportunity to introduce your products and services to decision makers and potential business partners • Acknowledgement in the Chamber’s business magazine initiative Book your table now to secure your places at the Oktoberfest 2014, an unforgettable experience that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on clients and colleagues alike! If you would like to book your seat, corporate package or become a sponsor, Contact: Helen Dunne Events Manager Phone: +353-(0)1-6424311 Email: helen.dunne@german-irish.ie

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Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Youth Unemployment and Vocational Training In Ireland By Christoph Müller Excerpt from the book “Ireland and Germany: Partners in European Recovery”, Chapter 6: “The Dynamics of Ireland’s Labour Market”

Youth unemployment is now the major focus in Ireland. As many as 30 per cent of our youth are unemployed – that is 65,000 young people without work, which is an unsustainable situation.

case in Ireland. I note that this was also recently observed by the international vocational education awarding body, City and Guilds. The organisation surveyed the attitudes of more than 500 young people in Ireland towards vocational training and found that: “There is an apparent lack of awareness of Youth Unemployment Rate and Ratio in Ireland, 2004 to 2013 what vocational education really 35 means and the opportunities that can be offered. A major 30 shift in attitude is required to give vocational education the 25 status it deserves as a worthy career path for young people”. The 20 report also found that: “Young people typically saw vocational % 15 education as less challenging and less prestigious than academic 10 education; 32 per cent saw it as a route for the less able, and 26 5 per cent saw vocational education as a low status option”. It is my 0 firmly held view that we cannot Q1 04 Q1 05 Q1 06 Q1 07 Q1 08 Q1 09 Q1 10 Q1 11 Q1 12 Q1 13 run an economy entirely based Rate (%) Ratio 4 per. Mov. Avg. (Rate (%)) 4 per. Mov. Avg. (Ratio) on university graduates primarily provided for the Dublin-based Source: Central Statistics Office financial and IT services industries. Rather, we need a healthier pyramid of skills and qualifications, not only embracing what is often referred to as “blue collar” but The sharp rise in youth unemployment in the recession also crafts and more practical skills, including practical and mirrored the fall in the number of young people with jobs. recognised qualifications across a range of all economic The situation is improving, though. Central Statistics Office activities. data from Q2 2013 shows a drop in the number of young people unemployed to 64,700, which is a drop of nearly There are a number of tasks that must be undertaken to 12,000 versus the same point in 2012. This is encouraging achieve this: but much more needs to be done, since we have demographical evidence that the job market will continue • To rebalance supply and demand in the labour market, to remain under pressure from young people entering their we need to educate families, schoolteachers and the professional life. The high rate of youth unemployment entire society that non-academic education should is of course primarily a result of the economic crisis and be promoted as something that is at least equal to the resulting fall in levels of overall demand; but is also, academic education. A mismatch exists at all levels in in my view, the result of a mismatch between supply and the Irish labour market. Maths, ICT, and science-based demand for specific skills. An observation that I have made qualifications are in undersupply whereas fully qualified since I have come to Ireland is that anything other than accountants and lawyers are leaving the country to find a university education is now perceived as inferior. That jobs in the UK, Canada and Australia. is quite unique in the world and has not always been the

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

•

We need an overhaul of our dual-education system. Non-academic skills attainment needs to be re-branded. Its brand is currently ﬂawed as it is wrongly perceived as only being appropriate for those who “didn’t make it to university”. In Germany over 60 per cent of high school graduates participate in the system each year. That means that, for school-leavers completing the equivalent of the Leaving Certiﬁcate, the automatic path is not into a university or other third level institute, it is into vocational training. The job opportunities after the successful completion of an apprenticeship and later as a “Meister” are regarded as equal or even superior. In fact, most SMEs in Germany are founded by graduates of the dual educational system.

•

We need to focus on young people gaining more practical skills training. Those coming out of university often lack the practical experience that can get them the ﬁrst foothold in the jobs market. University students are not required to accomplish on the job training. In most EU countries this has become an almost mandatory part of the curriculum, not by law but by convention. When employers are sourcing graduates, they are looking for future employees who are well-trained in a company, in addition to their academic skills.

•

We have to increase the scope of non-academic qualiﬁcations available to our workforce. If we use the German dual education system as an example, the 350 different apprenticeships and traineeships available via the German Chambers of Commerce outnumber what is available here in Ireland by four to one. This is similar in other European countries with a similar history of manufacturing to Germany’s.

•

round of recruitment for 20 apprenticeships in aviation mechanics and avionics, we received more than 2,000 applications – 100 applicants for every open position! •

The qualiﬁcation obtained in practical or vocational traineeships needs to become a form of internationally accepted certiﬁcate in order to have currency in the international job market. The Irish diaspora around the world are an impressive testament not only that Irish skills are highly in demand globally but also that the Irish work ethic and the ability of Irish workers to integrate quickly in foreign environments could make “Trained in Ireland” a successful brand.

•

Proper vocational training not only supplies the immediate labour market but it also drives entrepreneurship. During my work and travel around the globe, I have always been impressed with how many German former apprentices ended up as entrepreneurs based on an internationally accepted job qualification. Not only the proverbial German brewer, baker and carpenter but also mechanics and laboratory technicians. This is similar for hotel specialists from Switzerland, water engineers from the Netherlands and chefs from France. In our industry, the aviation sector, qualifications are often based on international safety and certification standards and the prevailing language is English and so it is not surprising that airlines, aircraft maintenance companies and aviation leasing companies all around the world are peppered with managers and owners who learned their trade in Ireland. This could be the case for many other sectors of the economy.

Current Government Policy Government policy is adapting to the crisis. While it focuses on driving a return to economic growth, increased competitiveness and improved productivity as a way of creating jobs, it also realises that systems need to be put in place to keep the unemployed close to the labour market. This includes new programmes of job search assistance, sanctions for those who do not engage with the services offered and for those who cannot return to the workforce quickly, and provision of education and training.

The organisation and administration of the practical and vocational education cannot be entirely left to the State. It is fundamentally important that the business community and business organisations are fully involved in the co-ordination of the demand and supply of workforce skills. Membership organisations such as Chambers of Commerce are best positioned to step into this gap as they are directly connected to their members and are acutely aware of the labour force challenges facing them.

Training and Education: Matching Supply and Demand There are a number of Irish Government programmes aimed at providing access to training and education for young unemployed persons:

We need to encourage and incentivise employers to offer traineeships, apprenticeships and internships; this cannot wait any longer. While not all employers are in a position to offer apprenticeships, partnerships could be considered as an alternative. At Aer Lingus, we are currently working on a pilot project to supply trained mechanics not only for our own business but also for small and medium-sized companies that are too small to train their own resources. In our most recent

•

The Youthreach programme provides 6,000 integrated education and training places for early school-leavers between the ages of 15 and 20 years of age who have no qualiﬁcations or vocational training. Almost all participants are under the age of 25; approximately two-thirds are aged 18 and under.

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German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

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•

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme provides 5,000 places on a range of courses to meet the education and training needs of long-term unemployed people over 21 years of age. It is particularly aimed at unemployed people who are early school-leavers. Approximately one-ﬁfth of participants are under 25 years of age.

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The Back to Education Allowance allows unemployed people to return to full-time education in approved courses while continuing to receive income support.

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Out of approximately 27,000 people who participated in a FÁS training course in 2012 (excluding apprenticeships, evening courses, and Youthreach), almost 10,000 were aged under 25.

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The MOMENTUM scheme managed by FÁS offers 6,500 places to long-term jobseekers on training courses providing skills that are in demand in sectors where there are job opportunities. The training includes on the job training and the development of workplace skills. Over 1,250 of these places are assigned to those under the age of 25.

These programmes are led by Government agencies and are aimed at providing skills to address unemployment but need to be better connected to the current and future requirements of employers in the marketplace. Additionally, employers need to take a more active role in providing skills and qualifications for the workforce than is currently the case. Apprenticeships in the Irish system seemed focused on ‘’trades’’ rather than providing recognised qualifications for a broader range of employment activities in the business services sector of the economy. Businesses must identify their future labour needs and then partner with Government agencies in the actual provision of the skills required to meet those needs. In Germany, the content of the occupational training is determined by the employer. Furthermore the entry qualification and criteria of the candidates, the qualification of the trainer and, of course, the content and minimum qualification standards for the interim and final examination and the issuing of the certificate are set by the employers. State intervention exists at a minimal level in order to ensure that short-term needs of employers do not impede the broader educational and economic goals. Christoph Müller is Chief Executive Officer of Aer Lingus.

This advertisement has been approved and/or communicated by Deutsche Bank AG or by its subsidiaries and/ or affiliates (“DB”) and appears as a matter of record only. Without limitation, this advertisement does not constitute an offer or a recommendation to enter into any transaction. The offer of any services and/or securities in any jurisdiction by Deutsche Bank AG or by its subsidiaries and/or affiliates will be made in accordance with appropriate local legislation and regulation. Deutsche Bank AG is authorised under German Banking Law (competent authority: BaFin - Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) and by the Prudential Regulation Authority and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our authorisation and regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request. © Copyright Deutsche Bank 2014

Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

St. Kilian’s wins 2nd prize in the competition “Students build bridges worldwide” By Alice Lynch Principal, St. Kilian’s German School

We are extremely proud and delighted that our Green School project has been awarded second place in the IHK-German schools abroad competition. This award acknowledges the school’s comprehensive and successful implementation of its plan to promote environmentally conscious behaviour and sustainable living amongst students and the wider school community. It also acknowledges the embedding of these environmentally conscious objectives in the everyday life of the school. From 12th to 14th May a delegation of students from the green school committee in St. Kilian’s, accompanied by school principal Ms. Lynch and the green school coordinators Herr Sundermann and Ms. Kavanagh, travelled to Berlin to collect their prize of 25,000 Euros for gaining second place in the annual German schools abroad competition, “Students build bridges worldwide” sponsored by the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The prize giving ceremony, which recognises and awards best practise and innovative work amongst the German schools abroad network, is hosted every two years at the world conference for the Association of the chambers of industry and commerce. This year the event was opened with an address by Minister for ﬁnance Sigmar Gabriel and the prize money was handed over by the Minister of State for foreign affairs, Dr. Maria Böhmer and Eric Schweitzer, president of the German chamber of industry and commerce.

The Jury was particularly impressed by the variety of activities and measures undertaken by the students of St. Kilian’s Deutsche Schule Dublin towards creating a sustainable campus and promoting environmental awareness. They particularly noted the further development of their independent ideas and the realisation of these ideas in an environmentally sustainable campus. They also praised the creativity of the pupils involved in the green school committee. The “green school” concept is ﬁrmly embedded in the day to day life of the school. Thus far the student led initiative has resulted in the awarding of two Green Flags, one for the waste and litter management and most recently for energy conservation. We are sincerely grateful for the support of German department’s head Mrs. Adelberger who documented the work of the green school committee and submitted the application on the students’ behalf. The award is a phenomenal achievement and with this prize money, they will now be able to realise some of their more costly environmental projects, thereby securing a greener campus for the entire school community. The green school focus for the next school year is water conservation, a timely project in the context of the current government proposals for water metering.

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

News from the Language Campaign

GermanConnects:) In times of ﬁnancial restrictions, language teaching is facing cut-backs at all levels of education in Ireland. For more than one and a half years now, the GermanConnects:) campaign has been encountering this trend by highlighting the advantages of German language skills to the public and to decision-makers. The GermanConnects:) “Deutschmobil” was launched in October 2013 and has turned out to be a very successful and popular part of the campaign. It may well have visited a school near you. Organised by the German Embassy and the Goethe-Institut, staffed by a language assistant from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and ﬁlled with colourful and activating teaching materials, the “Deutschmobil” has been to primary and secondary schools all over Ireland to promote the learning of German. All in all 76 schools were visited over the school year 2013/14 and more than 2600 students were engaged in German lessons and activities that showed them that learning languages can be fun – and useful!

Recruitment Service von DEinternational Irland Karrierechancen für deutschsprachige Arbeitnehmer Für deutsche Muttersprachler sowie für alle, die Deutsch gelernt haben, bestehen exzellente Möglichkeiten auf dem deutschen und dem irischen Arbeitsmarkt. Das DEinternational Team der Deutsch-Irischen Industrie- und Handelskammer bietet einen vollständigen Recruitment Service für Arbeitssuchende und für Unternehmen, die Stellen besetzen wollen. Kandidaten finden eine große Auswahl an Arbeitsplatz-Angeboten auf unserer Homepage www.german-irish.ie. Im ersten Schritt prüfen wir Ihren Lebenslauf. Es folgt ein Test Ihrer Deutsch-/ Englischkenntnisse und wir besprechen mit Ihnen, welche Stellen am besten auf Ihr Profil zutreffen. Im nächsten Schritt veröffentlichen wir ein anonymisiertes Kurzprofil auf unserer Internetseite, so dass dieses von interessierten Arbeitgebern eingesehen werden kann. Zudem unterstützen wir unsere Kandidaten, indem wir sie auf bevorstehende Interviews vorbereiten und sie während des gesamten Prozesses begleiten. Für Unternehmen bieten wir ein sehr günstiges Honorar von 10% des Jahresgehalts im ersten Jahr für erfolgreiche Vermittlungen. Wir testen unsere Kandidaten und suchen geeignete Bewerber für die Erfordernisse der jeweiligen Stelle. Die Sprachkenntnisse jedes Kandidaten werden geprüft, bevor wir diesen weiterleiten. Die Vorteile unseres Services für Unternehmen sind: Die Kammer ist ein anerkannter Ansprechpartner für exzellente Kandidaten aus Deutschland und Irland; unser Service ist direkt mit der Internetseite www.germanconnects.ie verlinkt; Kandidaten werden auf Deutsch und Englisch getestet; das Team hat ein einzigartiges Verständnis der deutschen Sprache sowie tiefgehende Erfahrung in der Geschäftskultur.

Recruitment Service at DEinternational Ireland Opportunities for German Speakers For native German Speakers and for those who have studied German there are excellent opportunities available on the Irish and German job market. The DE International Team at the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce offers a complete recruitment service for those in search of a job and for companies who need to fill positions. For candidates we have a wide range of jobs on our website www.german-irish.ie. As a first step we screen your CV, test your German/English and discuss the positions that you would be best suited to. We publish a short profile (without personal details) on our website which can be viewed by potential employers and assist candidates in preparing for their interviews, while also providing support throughout the process. For companies we offer a very competitive rate of 10% of the salary in the first year for a successful placement. We screen candidates and match them with the needs of the companies. All candidates have an oral language test before their application is forwarded. The advantages for companies using our service are: the Chamber attracts a huge volume of excellent candidates from Germany and Ireland; the service is directly linked to the www.germanconnects.ie website; candidates are screened in English and German; the team have a unique combination of understanding the German language as well as in-depth knowledge of business culture.

Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Apart from the IT pilot programme and the “Deutschmobil”, PR efforts like the GermanConnects:) website and facebook page, a radio spot and the presentation of the German Teacher of the Year Award have all helped to bring the message across, and it seems that the campaign is showing ﬁrst results: Apparently student numbers for German are rising in 2014.

Audi Ireland generously provided the car that enabled this project to reach youngsters all over the country, and Zurich kindly insured it for free. The “Deutschmobil” visited not only schools, but also universities and Institutes of Technology, convincing (prospective) students of the important advantages that speaking German brings. There is continuing great demand for a visit by the “Deutschmobil” by educational institutions, and hopefully, funding provided, the project will continue in the school year 2014/15.

You can ﬁnd out more on the website www.germanconnects.ie, where you can listen to testimonials by representatives of Irish businesses about their experiences with the German language. You will also ﬁnd a link to current job vacancies that are available to speakers of German as well as information on courses and exchange programmes and learning resources.

About the campaign GermanConnects:) is a collaboration by several Germanspeaking institutions in Ireland: the German, Swiss and Austrian Embassies, the Goethe-Institut, the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and a number of institutions working in the ﬁeld of secondary and third-level education.

Infobox: Speaking German… … can signiﬁcantly improve your chance of employment – both in Ireland, where Irish and foreign companies are in need of German-speaking employees, as well as abroad … can enable you to study in Germany, Austria and Switzerland at relatively low costs … can enable you to avail of apprenticeship or training opportunities in one of these countries … gives you access to a rich body of literature, music and scientiﬁc works … enables you to communicate with 120 million speakers of German in the heart of Europe

Campaigners have visited universities and IT’s to talk to those in charge about the importance of keeping German on offer in their course programmes. With the help of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, a work placement pilot programme is being set up that will enable students with a knowledge in German from different Irish IT’s and different subjects to gain work experience in Germany. The ﬁrst students are going to start their work placements in Germany in January 2015. This will not only provide them with a personal insight into career prospects available through language skills. It will also strengthen the position of German in the IT’s course programmes.

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

Pictorial Review German-Irish Chamber Events 2013/2014 As always, the calendar of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce was packed with a diverse range of events including the launch of the new book “Ireland and Germany: Partners in European Recovery” in both countries. The members of the Chamber had once again ample opportunities to network, to develop business opportunities and to gather information on current business topics. Here are some of the highlights: Christmas Lunch 13 December 2013 Venue: The Conrad Hotel, Dublin

Annual General Meeting/German-Irish Business Evening 29 January 2014 Venue: St. Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club

Honoured by the attendance of Minister of Finance, Michael Noonan, who received the Kuratorium Award 2013, the annual Christmas Lunch with over 200 guests was a great success.

This year’s Annual General Meeting took place in the prestigious St. Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club. Guests enjoyed a superb evening with keynote speaker Gisbert Kügler (left), Managing Director at IDB Deutschland. Earlier that day Frank Mee (2nd from left) was elected President of the German-Irish Chamber 2014.

President’s Dinner 20 February 2014 Venue: The Westin Hotel, Dublin

Member’s night 06 May 2014 Venue: The Double Tree by Hilton, Dublin

In acknowledgement of their continued support and guidance the current as well as former Presidents of the German-Irish Chamber gathered for dinner in the Westin Hotel.

We highly appreciated the participation of Ciaran Cannon, Minister of State, who gave an insight into vocational training in Ireland. A topic to which the Chamber was able to contribute relevant advice in the past referring to the German Dual Vocational Training Programme.

Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

German Book Launch “Ireland and Germany: Partners in European Recovery” 09 May 2014 Venue: Haus der Bundespressekonferenz, Berlin

Irish Book Launch “Ireland and Germany: Partners in European Recovery” 13 May 2014 Venue: The European Union House, Dublin

With the support of Dr. Joachim Pfeiffer MdB the authors Marc Coleman (Broadcaster, 4th from left) and Ralf Lissek (CEO, German-Irish Chamber, 5th from left) successfully launched this book with its powerful insights into the European Recovery from the 2009 crisis.

The attendance of Michael Noonan, Minister of Finance (middle) and Brian Hayes, Minister of State underlined the importance of this recent publication to which German-Irish Chamber CEO Ralf Lissek (1st from left) contributed several chapters.

World Cup Screenings 16 June – 13 July 2014 Venue: The Charlemont Hilton + DoubleTree by Hilton, Dublin

Budget and Finance Committee from Germany 17 June 2014 Venue: The Constitution Room, Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin

In conjunction with the German Embassy the German-Irish Chamber was delighted to organise live screenings of German matches during this year’s World Cup in Brazil. For example, 250 people celebrated the German victory in the World Cup Final vs Argentina.

Together with experts on the Irish economy, the German Bundestag Budget and Finance Committee discussed Ireland’s role in Europe and its contribution to the European Recovery regarding the 2009 ﬁnancial crisis as well as related economic topics.

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Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

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German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

Membership Directory A A&L Goodbody Solicitors Mr. Adrian Burke North Wall Quay IFSC Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 649 2240 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 649 2649 Email: acburke@algoodbody.com www.algoodbody.com

Aramex Ireland Ltd. Mr. Frank Kilbride Bellingstown Ballyboughal Dublin Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 807 8000 Email: frank.kilbride@aramex.com www.aramex.com

B Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon Mr. Liam Twohig Trinity House, Charleston Road Ranelagh Dublin 6 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 496 5388 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 496 9226 Email: info@bakertillyrg.ie www.bakertillyrg.ie

Aareal Bank AG Mr. Farid Assouad 4 Custom House Plaza IFSC Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 636 9220 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 670 2785 Email: farid.assouad@aareal-bank.com www.aareal-bank.com

arrows biomedical Deutschland GmbH Herr Arnold M. Raem Center for Nanotechnology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Heisenbergstraße 11 D-48149 Münster Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 25 15 34 06 400 Fax: + 49 (0) 251 53406 401 Email: raem@arrows-biomedical.com www.arrows-biomedical.com

Allianz Corporate Ireland Plc. Mr. Brian Higgins Allianz House, Elmpark Merrion Road Dublin 4 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 613 3000 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 660 5214 Email: info@allianz.ie www.allianz.ie

Arthur Cox Ms. Rachel Hussey Earlsfort Centre Earlsfort Terrace Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 618 0850 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 618 0744 Email: rachel.hussey@arthurcox.com www.arthurcox.com

Barclays Bank Ireland Plc. Mr. Conor Heaney 2 Park Place Hatch Street Upper Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 618 2617 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 662 3141 Email: conor.heaney@barclays.com www.barclays.ie

Allianz Worldwide Care Ltd. Mr. Frank Mee 18B Beckett Way, Park West Business Campus Nangor Road Dublin 12 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 630 1300 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 630 1306 Email: frank.mee@ allianzworldwidecare.com www.allianzworldwidecare.com

ARUP Ms. Claire Curtis 50 Ringsend Road Dublin 4 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 233 4455 Email: claire.curtis@arup.com www.arup.ie

BASF Ireland Ltd. Ms. Ann McEvoy Bracetown Business Park, Breacetown Clonee Co. Meath Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 825 5701 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 825 2038 Email: ann.mcevoy@basf.com www.basf.com

Alloy Mechanical Ltd. Ms. Sara Gorman Castle Fleming House Erris Co. Laois Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 5 054 4898 Email: amech@indigo.ie American Chamber of Commerce Ireland Mr. Mark Redmond 6 Wilton Place Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 6616201 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 661 6217 Email: info@amcham.ie www.amcham.ie

Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking Mr. Padraig Rushe 2 Burlington Plaza Burlington Road Dublin 4 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 604 4065 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 604 4105 Email: padraig.rushe@boimail.com www.boi.ie

Arvato Finance Services Ltd. Ms. Alicia Berrondo Gilde House, Eastpoint Business Park Fairview Dublin 3 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 855 4780 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 855 4792 Email: info@arvatoﬁnance.ie www.arvatoﬁnance.ie

Bayer Ltd. Mr. Iwer Baecker The Atrium Blackthorn Road Dublin 18 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 299 9314 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 206 1456 Email: info.ireland@bayerhealthcare.com www.bayer.ie

Audi Ireland Mr. Alan Cowley Liffey Valley Ofﬁce Campus Dublin 22 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 87 926 8167 Email: alan.cowley@audi.ie www.audi.ie

Bene Ofﬁce Furniture Ireland Ltd. Mr. Peter McCann Bridgewater Business Centre, Bridgewater Quay Islandbridge Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 707 9110 Email: peter.mccann@bene.com www.bene.com

Bennett Construction Ltd. Mr. Michael Pigott Forest Park, Mullingar Business Park Mullingar Co. Westmeath Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 44 934 6000 Fax: + 353 (0) 44 934 6040 Email: michaelpigott@ bennettconstruction.ie www.bennettconstruction.ie Bette Westenberger Brink Herr Ulrich Brink Große Bleiche 60 55116 Mainz Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 61 31 28 77 00 Fax: + 49 (0) 6131 287 7099 Email: info@mainz.bwb-law.de www.bwb-law.de BMOL Partners Mr. Enda Bannon 19 Herbert Street Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 662 2700 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 662 2701 Email: enda.bannon@bmol.ie www.bmol.ie BNP Paribas Ms. Melanie Devine 5 George’s Dock IFSC Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 612 5163 Email: melanie.devine@bnpparibas.com www.bnpparibas.ie Botany Weaving Mill Ltd. Mr. Jonathan Hackett Vauxhall Avenue Cork Street Dublin 8 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 453 2278 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 454 4428 Email: info@botanyweaving.com www.botanyweaving.com Bushell Interiors Mr. Richard Crowe 12 Heaney Avenue Park West Dublin 12 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 474 9214 Email: RCrowe@bushellinteriors.com www.bushellinteriors.com

Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

C Canada Life (Europe) Ltd. Ms. Fidelma Wimberger Canada Life House, Temple Road Blackrock Co. Dublin Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 210 286 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 210 2053 Email: Fidelma.Wimberger@ canadalife.de www.canadalife.ie Canyon Bicycles GmbH Herr Patrick Decker Karl-Tesche-Str. 12 56073 Koblenz Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 26 14 04 00 10 Fax: + 49 (0) 261 404 0040 Email: PDecker@canyon.com www.canyon.com Cara Partners Mr. Alan McKnight Little Island Ind.Estate Little Island Co. Cork Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 21 452 0500 Fax: + 353 (0) 21 452 0510 Email: lobrien@carapartners.ie www.carapartners.ie Caracavi Utility Cables Ltd. Mr. Hugh Boyle 29 Saint Bridgids Grove Artane Dublin 5 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 831 1008 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 805 8527 Email: caracavi@eircom.net Citi Bank Europe Plc. Ms. Sinead Meenagh 2 North Wall Quay Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 622 6631 Email: sinead.meenagh@citi.com www.citigroup.com Coady Partnership Architects Mrs. Anne Fletscher Mount Pleasant Business Centre, Upper Mount Pleasant Ranelagh Dublin 6 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 497 6766 Email: admin@coady.ie www.coady.ie Cogan International College Mr. Kay Cogan Abbey House 4 North Abbey Street Cork Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 89 440 1709 Email: kay.cogan@cogancork.com www.cogancork.com

College Ireland Irish Aviation Authority Mr. Brian Joyce The Times Building 11-12 D’Olier Street Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 603 1427 Email: Brian.joyce@iaa.ie www.collegeireland.org

D DB Schenker Ireland Ltd. Mr. Greg Hourigan Unit F&G Furry Park Santry Dublin 9 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 816 5430 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 816 5793 Email: greg.hourigan@dbschenker.com www.dbschenker.com

Collen Construction Ltd. Mr. Jens Arheit River House East Wall Road Dublin 3 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 874 5411 Email: JArheit@collen.com www.collen.com

Deirdre K. Ryan & Solicitors Ms. Deirdre K.Ryan Credit Union House, Main Street Roscrea Co. Tipperary Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 50 524 4616 Fax: + 353 (0) 505 31982 Email: info@dkryan.ie www.dkryan.ie

Colt International GmbH Herr Michael Duif Briener Straße 186 47553 Kleve Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 28 21 99 02 16 Fax: + 49 (0) 2821 990204 Email: michael.duif@de.coltgroup.com www.colt-info.de

Deloitte & Touche Mr. Joan O’Connor Deloitte & Touche House Earlsfort Terrace Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 417 2200 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 417 2300 Email: joconnor@deloitte.ie www2.deloitte.com

Commerz Europe (Ireland) Mr. Eoin Mangan Commerzbank House Guild Street, IFSC Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 649 1100 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 649 1199 Email: eoin.mangan@commerzbank.com www.commerzbank.com

DEPFA Bank Plc. Mr. Tom Glynn 1 Commons Street Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 792 2222 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 792 2211 Email: tom.glynn@depfa.com www.depfa.com

Conrad Dublin Hotel Mr. Martin Mangan Earlsfort Terrace Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 602 8900 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 676 5424 Email: dublininfo@conradhotels.com conradhotels3.hilton.com

Deutsche Bank Mr. Michael Whelan 5 Harbourmaster Place International Financial Services Centre Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 680 6017 +353 (0) 86 2472341 Email: michael.whelan@db.com www.db.com

Cork Chamber Mr. Conor Healy Fitzgerald House Summerhill North Cork Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 21 450 9044 Fax: + 353 (0) 21 450 8568 Email: info@corkchamber.ie www.corkchamber.ie

Deutsche Leasing (Ireland) Ltd. Mr. Dermot Lanigan 66 Fitzwilliam Square Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 669 9960 Email: dermot.lanigan@ deutscheleasing.ie www.deutscheleasing.ie

CRH Group Services Ltd. Ms. Ann Fitzpatrick Belgard Castle Belgard Road, Clondalkin Dublin 22 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 404 1000 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 404 1007 Email: mail@crh.com www.crh.com

Deutsche Leasing (UK) Ltd. Mr. Thilo Drewitz 45 London Road, Reigate Surrey RH2 9PY Great Britain Tel: + 44 (0) 17 37 23 29 24 Email: thilo.drewitz@ deutscheleasing.co.uk www.deutscheleasing.co.uk Deutsch-Irische Juristen- und Wirtschaftsvereinigung e.V. Herr Elmar Conrads-Hassel Mozartstr. 5 53155 Bonn Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 22 82 21 118 Fax: + 49 (0) 228 96399122 Email: vorstand@deutsch-irischejuristen.de www.deutsch-irische-juristen.de Dieter Heusel Herr Dieter Heusel Veilchenweg 27 85591 Vaterstetten Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 81 06 30 22 81 Email: a-d.heusel@t-online.de DoubleTree by Hilton Mr. David Monks Burlington Road Upper Leeson Street Dublin 4 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 618 5600 Email: david.monks@hilton.com www.doubletree3.hilton.com DQS Certification Ireland Ltd. Mr. Brendan Mc Keon 2nd Floor Offices EnviroBead Building, IDA Business and Technology Park Quartertown, Mallow Co. Cork Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 222 2102 Email: office@dqsireland.ie www.dqsireland.ie Dromoland Castle Mr. Christian Schmelter Newmarket-on-Fergus Co. Clare Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 6 136 8144 Email: Christian.schmelter@ dromoland.ie www.dromoland.ie Dublin Chamber of Commerce Ms. Gina Quin 7 Clare Street Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 644 7200 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 644 7234 Email: reception@dublinchamber.ie www.dublinchamber.ie

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Chamber Ms. Gabby Mellon Kilcullen House 1 Haigh Terrace Dun Laoghaire, Dublin Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 284 5066 Email: ofﬁce@dlrchamber.ie www.dlrchamber.ie Duncan Grehan & Partners Mr. Duncan Grehan Gainsboro House 24 Suffolk Street Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 677 9078 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 677 9076 Email: mail@duncangrehan.com www.duncangrehan.com DZ Bank Ireland Plc. Herr Tilmann Gerhards International House 3 Harbourmaster Place Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 670 0715 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 829 0298 Email: tilmann.gerhards@dzbank.ie www.dzbank.ie EAA Covered Bond Bank Plc. (Formerly WestLB) Mr. Michael Doherty IFSC House IFSC Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 612 7133 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 829 0037 Email: bonds@eaa.ie www.aa1.de EBARA PM Europe GmbH Herr Willi Trebing Rodenbacher Chaussee 6 63457 Hanau Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 61 81 18 760 Fax: + 49 (0) 6181 187643 Email: info@ebara-pm.eu www.ebara-europe.com

E EFL International Distribution & Skantrans Ireland Ltd. Mr. Bjoern Alblas Unit 4B, Santry Hall Industrial Estate Dublin 9 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 886 7748 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 842 1910 Email: bjoern@ueﬂ.ie www.ueﬂ.ie

Eugene F. Collins Ms. Deborah Kelly Temple Chambers 3 Burlington Road Dublin 4 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 202 6400 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 667 5200 Email: DKelly@EFC.ie www.efc.ie

EGRS (Enviro Gyp Recycling Systems) Ltd. Mr. Martin Eves Fincashel, Donegal Road Pettigo Co. Donegal Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 71 986 1772 Fax: + 353 (0) 71 986 1731 Email: info@ gypsumrecyclingsolutions.com www.gypsumrecyclingsolutions.com

ElastoMetall Ireland Ltd. Mr. Patrick Doherty Manorhamilton Co. Leitrim Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 71 985 5590 Fax: + 353 (0) 71 985 5591 Email: pdoherty@elasto-ireland.com www.elastometall.ie

Frank Keane BMW Mr. Donal Mahony John F. Kennedy Drive Naas Road Dublin 12 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 240 5666 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 450 8509 Email: donal.mahony@ frankkeanebmw.ie www.frankkeanebmw.ie

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Herr Dr. Eckhard Lübkemeier 31 Trimlestown Avenue Booterstown Co. Dublin Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 269 3011 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 269 3800 Email: info@dublin.diplo.de www.dublin.diplo.de

Frey & Klein Herr Fritz Frey Weinenweg 3 55469 Ohlweiler Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 67 61 90 580 Fax: + 49 (0) 6761 905814 Email: fritz.frey@frey-klein.de www.frey-klein.de

EMS Embankment Machinery Sales Mr. Philip Dilworth Blessington Road Saggart Co. Dublin Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 451 1282 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 451 1708 Email: p.dilworth@emsmachinery.com www.emsmachinery.com

G Gaeltacht Irland Reisen Herr Christian Ludwig Schwarzer Weg 25 47447 Moers Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 28 41 93 01 11 Fax: + 49 (0) 2841 30665 Email: ebz@gaeltacht.de www.gaeltacht.de

ENERCON Windfarm Service Ireland Mr. Christoph Klimek Innovation Works 1, Kerry Technology Park Tralee Co. Kerry Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 66 717 8215 Email: Christoph.Klimek@enercon.de www.enercon.de

Geodis (Ireland) Ltd. Mr. Robert Cashman Damastown Industrial Park Mulhuddart Dublin 15 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 826 3000 Email: robert.cashman@geodis.com www.geodis.ie Glen Dimplex Ms. Ann Donnelly Airport Road Cloghran Co. Dublin Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 852 3400 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 852 3449 Email: ann.donnelly@glendimplex.com www.glendimplex.com

Enterprise Ireland Mr. Eddie Goodwin Derendorfer Allee 6 40476 Düsseldorf Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 21 14 70 590 Email: eddie.goodwin@EnterpriseIreland.com www.enterprise-ireland.com

Global Tele Sales Group Dublin Herr Torsten Berndt Eastpoint Business Park, The Plaza 1st Floor Clontarf Dublin 3 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 819 1051 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 819 1169 Email: tberndt@globaltelesales.ie www.globaltelesales.ie Globoforce Ms. Deirdre Humphreys 21 Beckett Way Park West Business Park Dublin 12 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 625 8820 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 625 8881 Email: corporate@globoforce.com www.globoforce.com GMT Gummi-Metall-Technik GmbH Frau Susanne Engstler Liechtersmatten 5 77815 Bühl Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 72 23 80 40 Fax: + 49 (0) 7223 21075 Email: info@gmt-gmbh.de www.gmt-gmbh.de H.E. Clissmann Mr. Conn Clissmann 4036 Citywest Dublin 24 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 468 8700 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 468 8701 Email: mail@clissmann.com www.clissmann.com

H Hainault Capital Ltd. Mr. Peter O’Dwyer 26 Pembroke Street Upper Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 637 3936 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 662 0365 Email: info@hainaultcapital.com www.hainaultcapital.com Handelskammer Bremen Frau Annabelle Girond Am Markt 13 28195 Bremen Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 421 363 7244 Email: girond@handelskammerbremen.de www.handelskammer-bremen.ihk24.de Handelskammer Hamburg Prof. Hans-Jörg Schmidt-Trenz Adolphsplatz 1 20457 Hamburg Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 40 36 13 81 38 Fax: + 353 (0) 40 36138401 Email: service@hk24.de www.hk24.de

Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Hanebutt GmbH Herr Henning Hanebutt Justus-von-Liebig-Straße 16 31535 Neustadt Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 50 32 95 21 40 Fax: + 49 (0) 5032 62999 Email: info@hanebutt.de www.hanebutt.de Hanse Haus GmbH Herr Marco Hammer Buchrasen 1-3 97789 Oberleichtersbach Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 80 01 00 23 09 Fax: + 49 (0) 9741 808479 Email: info@hanse-haus.de www.hanse-haus.com Hartley & Marks Publishers Ltd. Frau Inez Kreuzberg Beaux Lane House Lower Mercer Street Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 425 1800 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 475 9811 Email: orders@paberblanks.com www.paperblanks.com Helaba Asset Services Mr. Patrick Smyth 4th Floor, La Touche House IFSC Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 646 0900 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 64609999 Email: helabadublin@helaba.de www.helaba.ie Heyco-Werk Ireland Ltd. Mr. Burkhard Kalian Bunree Road Ballina Co. Mayo Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 96 70444 Fax: + 353 (0) 96 70259 Email: info@heyco-werk-ireland.ie www.heyco.de Hilti (Fastening Systems) Ltd. Mr. Denis Markey Unit C4 North City Business Park Finglas Road Dublin 11 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 886 4166 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 800654600 Email: dennis.markey@hilti.com www.hilti.com Hitachi Vokusai Electric Europe GmbH Ms. Kirsten Neumann Gruitener Str.3 40699 Erkrath Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 21 96 55 17 Email: k.neumann@hitachi-keu.com www.hitachi-keu.com

HSG Zander Ireland Ltd. Mr. Philip Blake Landscape House, Landscape Road, Churchtown Dublin 14 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 215 7056 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 215 7070 Email: philip.blake@ie.hsgzander.com www.hsgzander.com

IHK Arnsberg, Hellweg-Sauerland Herr Klaus Wälter Königsstraße 18-20 59821 Arnsberg Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 293 18780 Fax: + 49 (0) 2931 878100 Email: ihk@arnsberg.ihk.de www.ihk-arnsberg.de IHK Bonn/Rhein-Sieg Herr Karl Reiners Bonner Talweg 17 53113 Bonn Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 228 228 4100 Fax: + 49 (0) 228 2284225 Email: info@bonn.ihk.de www.ihk-bonn.de

Hugo Vogelsang Maschinenbau GmbH Frau Jutta Schleper Holthoege 10-14 49632 Essen Oldenburg Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 543 483 115 Email: schleper@vogelsang-gmbh.com www.vogelsang.info

IHK Bremerhaven Herr Wilfried Allers Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 6 27570 Bremerhaven Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 471 924 6014 Fax: + 49 (0) 471 9246092 Email: hintze@bremerhaven.ihk.de www.bremerhaven.ihk.de

HWV Hardwareversand Herr Michael Kotthoff Daimlerweg 4 59519 Möhnesee Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 2924 9900 Fax: + 49 (0) 2924 994400 Email: mkotthoff@hardwareversand.de www.hardwareversand.de

IHK Dortmund Herr Wulf-Christian Ehrich Märkische Str. 120 44141 Dortmund Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 231 54170 Fax: + 49 (0) 231 5417109 Email: info@dortmund.ihk.de www.dortmund.ihk24.de

HYDROTEC GmbH Herr Wolfgang Schulze Roland-Dorschner-Str. 5 95100 Selb Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 9287 800 640 Fax: + 49 (0) 9287 800 64150 Email: karin.binder@hydrotec-selb.com www.hydrotec-selb.com

IHK Düsseldorf Herr Dr. Gerhard Eschenbaum Ernst-Schneider-Platz 1 40212 Düsseldorf Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 211 35570 Fax: + 49 (0) 211 3557400 Email: ihkdus@duesseldorf.ihk.de www.duesseldorf.ihk.de

I IDA Ireland Ms. Caitriona O’Kennedy Wilton Park House Wilton Place Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 1 603 4000 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 603 4040 Email: okennedyca@ida.ie www.idaireland.com IDB Deutschland Mr. Gisbert Kuegler Kerrygoldstr. 1 47506 Neukirchen-Vluyn Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 28 41 88 80 212 Email: info@kerrygold.de www.kerrygold.de IHK Aachen Herr Dipl. Volksw. Frank Malis Theaterstr. 6-10 52062 Aachen Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 241 44600 Fax: + 49 (0) 241 4460149 Email: auwi@aachen.ihk.de www.aachen.ihk.de

IHK für Ostfriesland und Papenburg Herr Oliver Burghardt Ringstraße 4 26721 Emden Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 49 218 9010 Fax: + 49 (0) 4921 890133 Email: info@emden.ihk.de www.ihk-emden.de IHK Hannover Herr Dr. Horst Sohrage Schiffgraben 49 30175 Hannover Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 511 31070 Fax: + 49 (0) 511 3107333 Email: info@hannover.ihk.de www.hannover.ihk.de IHK Heilbronn-Franken Frau Elke Schweig Ferdinand-Braun-Str. 20 74074 Heilbronn Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 713 196 770 Fax: + 49 (0) 7131 9677199 Email: info@heilbronn.ihk.de www.heilbronn.ihk.de IHK Karlsruhe Herr Dr. Hans-Jörg Drewello Lammstraße 13 76133 Karlsruhe Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 721 1740 Fax: + 49 (0) 721 174336 Email: info@karlsruhe.ihk.de www.karlsruhe.ihk.de IHK Koblenz Frau Karina Szwede Schlossstraße 2 56068 Koblenz Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 261 106 260 Fax: + 49 (0) 261 106292 Email: szwede@koblenz.ihk.de www.ihk.koblenz.de

IHK Frankfurt am Main Herr Dr. Jürgen Ratzinger Börsenplatz 4 60313 Frankfurt am Main Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 69 219 71211 Fax: + 49 (0) 69 21971541 Email: international@frankfurt-main. ihk.de www.frankfurt-main.ihk.de

IHK Köln Herr Dipl. Kfm. Alexander Hoeckle Unter Sachsenhausen 10-26 50667 Köln Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 221 164 0550 Fax: + 49 (0) 221 1640559 Email: service@koeln.ihk.de www.ihk-koeln.de

IHK für Essen, Mülheim Frau Dipl.-Kfm. Veronika Lühl Am Waldthausenpark 2 45127 Essen Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 201 18920 Fax: + 49 (0) 201 1892172 Email: ihkessen@essen.ihk.de www.essen.ihk.de

IHK München und Oberbayern Herr Manfred Goessl Max-Joseph-Straße 2 80333 München Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 89 51160 Fax: + 49 (0) 89 5116290 Email: ihkmail@muenchen.ihk.de www.muenchen.ihk.de

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

IHK Niederbayern Herr Walter Keilbart Nibelungenstraße 15 94032 Passau Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 85 15070 Fax: + 49 (0) 85 1507280 Email: Keilbart@passau.ihk.de www.ihk-niederbayern.de

IHK Pfalz Herr Volker Scherer Ludwigsplatz 2-4 67059 Ludwigshafen Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 621 59040 Fax: + 49 (0) 621 59041904 Email: info@pfalz24.de www.pfalz.ihk24.de

IHK Stade Herr Hubert Bühne Am Schäferstieg 2 21680 Stade Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 414 15240 Fax: + 49 (0) 4141 524111 Email: info@stade.ihk.de www.stade.ihk24.de

IHK Nord Westfalen Frau Evelyn Wolpert Sentmaringer Weg 61 48151 Münster Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 25 17070 Fax: + 49 (0) 251 707257 Email: international@ihknordwestfalen.de www.ihk-nordwestfalen.de

IHK Regensburg Herr Dr. Jürgen Helmes Dr.-Martin Luther-Str. 12 93047 Regensburg Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 941 56940 Fax: + 49 (0) 941 56940 Email: info@regensburg.ihk.de www.ihk-regensburg.de

IHK Südwestfalen zu Hagen Frau Petra Vormann Bahnhofstraße 18 58095 Hagen Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 233 13990 Fax: + 49 (0) 2331 13586 Email: sihk@hagen.ihk.de www.sihk.de

IHK Region Stuttgart Frau Sylvie Tabore-Straub Jägerstraße 30 70174 Stuttgart Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 711 20050 Fax: + 49 (0) 711 2005410 Email: info@stuttgart.ihk.de www.stuttgart.ihk24.de

IHK Trier Frau Christina Grewe Herzogenbuscher Str. 12 54292 Trier Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 651 97770 Fax: + 49 (0) 651 9777150 Email: infocenter@trier.ihk.de www.ihk-trier.de

IHK Reutlingen Frau Petra Brenner Hindenburgstraße 54 72762 Reutlingen Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 7121 201 152 Fax: + 49 (0) 7121 2014152 Email: kic@reutlingen.ihk.de www.reutlingen.ihk.de

IHK Ulm Herr Karl Schick Olgastraße 95-101 89073 Ulm Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 73 11730 Fax: + 49 (0) 791 179179 Email: info@ulm.ihk.de www.ulm.ihk24.de

IHK Rhein-Neckar Herr Peter Zelt L 1,2 68161 Mannheim Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 621 17090 Fax: + 49 (0) 621 1709229 Email: zeltp@mannheim.ihk.de www.rhein-neckar.ihk24.de

IHK Wuppertal-SolingenRemscheid Herr Michael Wenge Heinrich-Kamp-Platz 2 42103 Wuppertal Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 20 22490 Fax: + 49 (0) 202 2490999 Email: ihk@wuppertal.ihk.de www.wuppertal.ihk24.de

IHK Nürnberg Herr Dipl. Volksw. Armin Siegert Hauptmarkt 25-27 90403 Nürnberg Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 911 13350 Fax: + 49 (0) 911 1335488 Email: international@nuernberg. ihk.de www.ihk-nuernberg.de IHK Offenbach am Main Herr Markus Weinbrenner Frankfurter Straße 90 63067 Offenbach am Main Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 69 82070 Fax: + 49 (0) 69 8207149 Email: service@offenbach.ihk.de www.offenbach.ihk.de IHK Oldenburg Frau Anna-Daniela Arians Moslestraße 6 26122 Oldenburg Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 441 222 0302 Fax: + 49 (0) 441 2220111 Email: anna.arians@oldenburg.ihk.de www.ihk-oldenburg.de IHK Ostwestfalen zu Bielefeld Herr Harald Grefe Elsa-Brändström-Str. 1-3 33602 Bielefeld Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 521 554 231 Fax: + 49 (0) 521 554109 Email: info@bielefeld.ihk.de www.ostwestfalen.ihk.de IHK Ostwürttemberg Herr Ass. Günther Bauer Ludwig-Erhard-Str. 1 89520 Heidenheim Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 732 13240 Fax: + 49 (0) 7321 324169 Email: zentrale@ostwuerttemberg. ihk.de www.ostwuerttemberg.ihk.de

IHK Schwaben Herr Axel Sir Stettenstraße 1 u. 3 86150 Augsburg Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 821 316 2251 Fax: + 49 (0) 821 3162323 Email: axel.sir@augsburg.ihk.de www.schwaben.ihk.de

IHK Würzburg-Schweinfurt Frau Marion Oker Mainaustraße 33-35 97082 Würzburg Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 931 41940 Fax: + 49 (0) 931 4194100 Email: info@wuerzburg.ihk.de www.wuerzburg.ihk.de

IHK Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg Herr Jörg Hermle Romäusring 4 78050 Villingen-Schwenningen Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 772 19220 Fax: + 49 (0) 7721 922166 Email: info@villingen-schwenningen. ihk.de www.schwarzwald-baar-heuberg.ihk.de

Infineon Technologies Ltd. Mr. Tony Smyth Fumbally Square, Second Floor Fumbally Lane, New Street, Dublin 8 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 799 9500 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 799 9501 Email: tony.smyth@infineon.ie www.infineon.com

INM – Leibniz Institut für Neue Materialien Dr. med. Rainer Hanselmann Campus D22 66125 Saarbrücken Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 68 19 30 05 20 Fax: + 49 (0) 681 9300 223 Email: rainer.hanselmann@inm-gmbh.de www.inm-gmbh.de Ireland France Chamber of Commerce Ms. Cliona McGowan 44 Upper Mount Street Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 644 9760 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 644 9743 Email: info@irelandfrance.com www.irelandfrance.com Irish Chamber Orchestra Mr. Gerard Keenan University of Limerick Limerick Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 6 120 2620 Email: Gerard.Keenan@ul.ie www.irishchamberorchestra.com Irish Exporters Association Mr. Simon McKeever 28 Merrion Square North Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 661 2182 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 661 2182 Email: iea@irishexporters.ie www.irishexporters.ie

J Johnston Logistics Mr. Kevin Dolan Blackchurch Business Park Rathcoole Co. Dublin Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 401 3367 Email: KevinD@jol.ie www.johnstonlogistics.ie Josef Drathen GmbH & Co. KG Herr Denis Jablonski Fliehburgstraße 23 56856 Zell Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 65 42 70 00 Fax: + 49 (0) 6542 70058 Email: jablonski@josef-drahten.de www.josef-drathen.de Jungheinrich Lift Trucks Ltd. Mr. Conrad McGonagle Unit J5 Maynooth Business Campus Maynooth Co. Kildare Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 651 7100 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 651 7101 Email: Conrad.McGonagle@ jungheinrich.ie www.jungheinrich.ie

Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

K Kaeser Compressors Ltd. Mr. David G. Byrne Unit 43/44 Western Parkway Business Park Ballymount Road Dublin 12 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 426 6111 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 456 7328 Email: david.byrne@kaeser.com www.kaeser.ie Kärcher Ltd. (Ireland) Mr. Paul Carroll Unit 4 EP Mooney Business Park Walkinstown Avenue Dublin 12 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 409 7777 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 409 7775 Email: paul.carroll@ie.kaercher.com www.karcher.ie Karwig Wines Ltd. Mr. Josef Karwig Kilnagleary Carrigaline Co. Cork Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 21 437 2864 Email: info@karwigwines.ie www.karwigwines.ie Kells & District Chamber of Commerce Mr. Michael Ennis Castle Street Kells Co. Meath Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 46 924 0055 Fax: + 353 (0) 46 924 0081 Email: kellschamber@eircom.net www.kellschamber.ie Kirchhoff Ireland Ltd. Mr. John Smyth Lisnennan, Letterkenny Co. Donegal Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 74 91 22422 Fax: + 353 (0) 74 912 4932 Email: J.Smyth@Kirchhoff.ie www.kirchhoff-automotive.de Kölnmesse GmbH Mr. Dirk van der Coelen Messeplatz 1 50679 Köln Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 22 18210 Fax: + 49 (0) 221 8212574 Email: info@koelnmesse.de www.koelnmesse.de

König & Kollegen Herr Florian Koenig Dienerreihe 2 20457 Hamburg Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 40 303 9490 Fax: + 49 (0) 40 3039490 Email: info@net-lawyer.de www.net-lawyer.de

LK Shields Solicitors Mr. Philip Daly 40 Upper Mount Street Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 637 1582 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 637 1582 Email: pdaly@lkshields.ie www.lkshields.ie

KOSTAL Ireland GmbH Mr. Michael Genster Mountmahon Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 68 31444 Fax: + 353 (0) 68 31674 Email: m.genster@kostal.com www.kostal.com

LM Leinauer Müller Ludwig & Partner Herr Markus Ludwig Paul-Gerhardt-Allee 50 81245 München Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 89 89 60440 Fax: + 49 (0) 89 8960440 Email: ludwig@lml-partner.de www.lmat.de

KPMG Mr. Brian Daly 1 Harbourmaster Place IFSC Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 410 1000 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 410 1122 Email: brian.daly@kpmg.ie www.kpmg.ie

Lufthansa German Airlines Ms. Helen Fyfe Room 302, Collinstown House Dublin Airport Co. Dublin Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 844 5000 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 844 5944 Email: helen.fyfe@dlh.de www.lufthansa.com

Kuehne & Nagel (Ireland) Ltd. Mr. Ian Kingsnorth Unit 5, Horizon Logistics Park Harristown Dublin Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 823 9777 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 823 9711 Email: info.dublin@kuehne-nagel.com www.kn-portal.com

M M+W High Tech Projects Ireland Ltd. Mr. David Delaney Unit J3 Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth Co. Kildare Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 629 3856 Email: david.delaney@mw-zander.com www.mwgroup.net

L Landbell AG für Rückhol-Systeme Herr Dieter Arning Rheinstraße 4L 55116 Mainz Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 61 31 23 56 52 800 Email: info@landbell.de www.landbell.de

M3 Raumsysteme GmbH Herr Rainer Kranz Inselstraße 1 72202 Nagold Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 74 52 88 80 940 Fax: + 49 (0) 7452 8880949 Email: info@m3raumsysteme.com www.m3raumsysteme.com

LHM Casey McGrath Mr. John Hamilton 6 Northbrook Road Ranelagh Dublin 6 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 495 9200 Email: john.hamilton@ lhmcaseymcgrath.ie www.lhmcaseymcgrath.ie

MacLachlan & Donaldson Mr. Denis McCarthy 2b Clonskeagh Square Clonskeagh Road Dublin 14 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 676 3465 Fax: + 353 (0) 661 2083 Email: mail@maclachlan.ie www.maclachlan.ie

Liam Connellan Mr. Liam Connellan Kylmhuire 3 Knocksinna Park, Bray Road Dublin 18 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 289 6201 Email: connelan@iol.ie

Management & Construction Ltd. Mr. Martin Daly 8 Monaghan Court, Monghan Street Newry Co. Down, BT35 6HT Northern Ireland Tel: + 44 (0) 28 308 33533 Fax: + 44 (0) 28 308 35955 Email: mdaly@mac-interiors.com www.mac-interiors.com Mason Alexander Mr. Andrew Lynch 34 Fitzwilliam Square South Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 685 4414 Email: a.lynch@masonalexander.ie www.masonalexander.ie Mason Hayes & Curran Ms. Catherine Allen South Bank House Barrow Street Dublin 4 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 614 5000 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 614 5001 Email: callen@mhc.ie www.mhc.ie Matheson Solicitors Ms. Nina Cummins 70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 232 2683 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 232 3333 Email: nina.cummins@matheson.com www.matheson.com McInerney Saunders Mr. Gerard McInerney 38 Main Street Swords County Dublin Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 840 4029 Email: gmcinerney@ mcinerneysaunders.ie www.mcinerneysaunders.ie Melchers Rechtsanwälte Herr Michael Depel Katharinenstraße 8 10711 Berlin Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 30 31 01 39 90 Fax: + 49 (0) 30 310139910 Email: berlin@melchers-law.com www.melchers-law.com Merck Serono (Ireland) Ltd. Ms. Roisin Molloy 4045 Kingswood Road Citywest Business Campus Dublin 24 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 468 7580 Email: roisin.molloy@merckgroup.com www.merckserono.ie

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

Messe Essen Herr Andreas John Norbertstraße 2 45131 Essen Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 20 17 24 44 31 Fax: + 49 (0) 201 7244248 Email: info@messe-essen.de www.messe-essen.de Metzler Ireland Ltd. Ms. Keith Milne 1 Guild Street IFSC Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 612 5800 Email: kmilne@metzler.com www.metzlerireland.com MHL-Law (Markus Hans Ludwig) Herr Markus Ludwig Fürstenrieder Straße 5 80687 München Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 89 55 27 97 770 Fax: + 49 (0) 89 552797780 Email: info@mhl-law.de www.mhl-law.de Miele Ireland Ltd. Mr. Patrick McGrath 2024 Bianconi Avenue Citywest Business Campus Dublin 24 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 461 0710 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 461 0797 Email: info@miele.ie www.miele.ie Minelab International Ms. Ruth Fuller 207 Harbour Point Business Park Little Island Co. Cork Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 21 423 2353 Email: ruth.fuller@minelab.ie www.minelab.com Mitie Group Plc. Mr. Padriag Byrne 145 Lakeview Drive Airside Business Park Swords Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 895 1988 Email: padraig.byrne@mitie.com www.mitie.com Moore Cleaning Services Ms. Amanda O’Connor E 9 Calmount Park Ballymount Dublin 12 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 456 4366 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 456 4367 Email: amanda@mooreent.ie www.mooreservices.ie

Murphys Ice Cream Mr. Sean Murphy Strand Street Dingle Co. Kerry Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 66 915 2644 Email: sean@murphysicecream.ie www.murphysicecream.ie

O O’Farrell Recruitment Herr Brian O’Farrell Wollankstr. 31 13359 Berlin Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 30 28 08 487 Fax: + 49 (0) 30 28384251 Email: info@ofarrellonline.de www.ofarrellonline.de

OHC Oliver Heeb Consulting GmbH Herr Oliver Heeb Dieburgerstr. 152 - 154 64287 Darmstadt Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 61 51 77 09 413 Fax: + 49 (0) 6151 77232 Email: consulting@oliverheeb.de www.ohc-properties.com

Nano Zentrum Berlin NZB GmbH Herr Jürgen Schneider Hultschiner Damm 353-355 12623 Berlin Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 30 99 28 18 77 Fax: + 49 (0) 30 99 28 12 60 Email: info@nanozentrumberlin.de www.nanozentrumberlin.de Nanoscribe GmbH Herr Alexander Legant Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 72 16 08 28 812 Fax: + 49 (0) 721 60 82 88 48 Email: legant@nanoscribe.de www.nanoscribe.de National Treasury Mr. John Corrigan Treasury Building Grand Canal Street Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 123 8400 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 664 0890 Email: info@ntma.ie www.ntma.ie Niedax CMS Ltd. Herr Stefan Weitzel Asbacher Str. 141 53545 Linz am Rhein Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 26 44 56 060 Fax: + 49 (0) 2644 56960 Email: info@niedax.de www.niedax.de

Peninsula Business Services Ltd. Mr. Tony Kerins Unit 3 Block S, East Point Business Park Dublin 3 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 850 6060 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 855 4865 Email: tony.kerins@peninsula-ie.com www.peninsula-ie.com

Onlineprinters GmbH Herr Walter Meyer Rudolf-Diesel-Str. 10 91413 Neustadt a. d. Aisch Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 91 61 62 09 800 Fax: + 49 (0) 9161 662920 Email: w.meyer@onlineprinters.com www.diedruckerei.de

Philip Lee Solicitors Mr. Jonathan Kelly 7/8 Wilton Terrace Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 237 3700 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 678 7794 Email: info@philiplee.ie www.philiplee.ie

O’Rourke Reid Lawﬁrm Mr. John Reid Pepper Canister House Mount Street Crescent Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 240 1200 Email: jreid@orourkereid.com www.orourkereid.com

PILZ Ireland Industrial Automation Mr. John McAuliffe Business & Technology Park Model Farm Road Cork Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 21 480 4989 Email: sales@pilz.ie www.pilz.com

P. Carney Ltd. Mr. Jim McCabe Crossakiel Kells Co.Meath Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 46 924 3634 Fax: + 353 (0) 46 9243916 Email: info@pcarneyltd.ie www.pcarneyltd.ie

Nordex Energy Ireland Ltd. Mr. Jose Villar Clonmel House Business Center, Clonmel House, Forster Way Swords Co. Dublin Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 897 0261 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 897 0299 Email: jvillar@nordex-online.com www.nordex-online.com

Partner Health Mr. Davin Spollen 6 Adelaide Court Adelaide Rd Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 298 7787 Email: davin@partnerhealth.ie www.partnerhealth.ie

Pembroke Town House Ms. Fiona Teehan 90 Pembroke Road Ballsbridge Dublin 4 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 660 0277 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 660 0291 Email: info@pembroketownhouse.ie www.pembroketownhouse.ie

Oliver Zeter GbR Herr Oliver Zeter Lauterstr. 9 67434 Neustadt-Diedesfeld Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 63 21 39 56 16 Fax: + 49 (0) 6321 395656 Email: oliver.zeter@zeter-wein.de www.oliver-zeter.de

Niederrheinische IHK DuisburgWesel-Kleve zu Duisburg Herr Dr. Thomas Hanicke Mercatorstr. 22-24 47051 Duisburg Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 20 32 82 10 Email: hanicke@niederrhein.ihk.de www.ihk-niederrhein.de

PayPal Ms. Louise Phelan Ballycoolin Business Park Blanchardstown Dublin 15 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 436 9555 Email: cacurran@paypal.com www.paypal.com

Pioneer Medical Devices AG Herr Robert Schrödel Unter den Linden 10 10117 Berlin Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 30 20 00 33 55 13 Email: schroedel@pioneer-med.de www.pioneer-med.de Porsche International Financing Plc. Mr. John Gilsenan 1 Exchange Place IFSC Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 670 1533 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 670 1550 Email: john@pifplc.ie www.porsche.com

Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Premier Electrics Ltd. Mr. Rory Scullion 16c Tamlaghtduff Road, Bellaghy, Magherafelt Co. Derry, BT45 8JQ Ireland Tel: + 44 (0) 28 7938 6849 Fax: + 44 (0) 28 79386996 Email: rory.scullion@premierelectrics.com www.premierelectrics.com

Rheinbraun Brennstoff GmbH Herr Horst Deussen Ludwigstraße 50226 Frechen Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 221 480 25354 Fax: + 49 (0) 221 4801429 Email: horst.deussen@rwe.com www.heizproﬁ.com

ProLeiT AG Herr Wolfgang Ebster Einsteinstrasse 8 91074 Herzogenaurach Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 91 32 77 73 65 Email: info@proleit.com www.proleit.com

Rico Design Herr Andreas Förster-Wrede Industriestraße 19-23 33034 Brakel Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 52 72 60 21 39 Fax: + 49 (0) 52 72602939 Email: info@rico-design.de www.rico-design.de

Prontaprint Ms. Gayle Foulds Unit 2, Trinity Plaza, Tara Street Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 474 0525 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 474 0527 Email: leeson@prontaprint.ie www.prontaprint.com

Rowa Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Frau Brigitte Wagner-Halswick Newton, Bantry Co. Cork Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 275 0077 Fax: + 353 (0) 27 50417 Email: bwagn@rowakg.de www.rowa.ie

Pure Telecom Mr. Paul Connell Unit 3018, Lake Drive City West Business Campus Dublin 24 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 289 5555 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 289 6666 Email: paul.connell@puretelecom.ie www.puretelecom.ie

Royal Dublin Society Ms. Emma Ellis Anglesea Road Ballsbridge Dublin 4 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 240 7280 Email: emmae@rds.ie www.rds.ie

R R + V International Business Services Ltd. Frau Dr. Marion Harenbrock Grand Mill Quay (7. Floor) Barrow Street Dublin 4 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 669 7085 Email: marion.harenbrock@ruv.ie www.ruv.de Rebate Financial Solutions Ltd. Mr. Sean Dunne Acorn Business Park Rathangan Co. Kildare Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 45 450315 Fax: + 353 (0) 45 252588 Email: seandunne@rebate.ie www.rebate.ie Reed Specialist Recruitment Ireland Ltd. Mrs. Michelle O’ Rourke 21-22 Grafton Street Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 670 4466 Fax: + 353 (0) 672 7312 Email: michelle.orourke@reedglobal.com www.reedglobal.com

Siemens Ltd. Mr. Paul Lynam Fitzwilliam Court Leeson Close Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 216 2000 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 216 2399 Email: webmaster1.ie@siemens.com www.siemens.ie Signature Capital Ms. Ciaran McNamara 76 Merrion Square Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 669 0700 Email: info@signaturecapital.com www.signaturecapital.com Sika Ireland Ltd. Mr. Declan Carroll Sika House, Ballymun Industrial Estate Ballymun Dublin 11 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 862 0709 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 862 0707 Email: info@sika.ie www.irl.sika.com SIXT Rent a Car Ireland Franchisee Mr. Bernard Loughran Rochestown Avenue Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 235 2030 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 285 7016 Email: bernard.loughran@sixt.ie www.sixt.com

Ruppertsberger Weinkeller Hoheburg eG Herr Gerhard Brauer Hauptstraße 94 67152 Ruppertsberg Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 63 26 96 29 70 Fax: + 49 (0) 6326 962970 Email: brauer@ruppertsberger.de www.ruppertsberger.de

Sligo Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ms. Rebecca Stevens 16 Quay Street Sligo Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 71 916 1274 Fax: + 353 (0) 71 9160912 Email: info@sligochamber.ie www.sligochamber.com

S S7 Airlines Frau Irina Pivovarova Pﬁngstweidstraße 3 60316 Frankfurt am Main Germany Tel: + (0) 49 57 77 99 99 Fax: + 49 (0) 69 13389889 Email: i.pivovarova@s7.ru www.s7.ru

Smart Office Supplies Mr. Colin Treacy Unit 59, Block 503, Greenogue Business Park Rathcoole Co. Dublin Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 401 9062 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 401 9061 Email: colin.treacy@ smartofficesupplies.ie www.smartofficesupplies.ie

SAP Service and Support Centre Ltd. Mr. Liam Ryan 1012-1014 Kingswood Avenue Citywest Business Campus Dublin 24 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 471 7000 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 467 4100 Email: liam.ryan@sap.com www.sap.ie

Softech Ltd. Ms. Anna-Maria Brennan Unit 2, Frankfort Centre, Dundrum Road Dundrum Co. Dublin Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 215 6212 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 215 6213 Email: a.brennan@softech.ie www.softech.ie Solgari Ltd. Mr. Edward Grant 20 Windsor Place Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 246 1130 Email: endward.grant@solgari.com www.solgari.com South Dublin Chamber Mr. Peter Byrne Tallaght Business Centre, Whitestown Business Center Tallaght Dublin 24 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 462 2107 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 459 9512 Email: business@sdchamber.ie www.sdchamber.ie St. Kilian’s German School Ms. Alice Lynch Roebuck Road Clonskeagh Dublin 14 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 288 3323 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 288 2138 Email: admin@kilians.com www.kilians.com State Street International (Ireland) Ltd. Ms. Susan Dargan 78A Sir John Rogerson’s Quay Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 776 8000 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 776 8491 Email: sdargan@statestreet.com www.statestreet.com Suir Engineering Ltd. Mr. Tony Power Unit 9 a, Cleaboy Business Park Old Kilmeadan Rd Waterford Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 5 135 9500 Email: tpower@suireng.ie www.imtech.com Superior Express Mr. Brian Cleary Unit 140, Hawthorn Road Western Ind. Estate Dublin 12 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 408 1888 Email: brian@superiorexpress.ie www.trans.ie

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

systec Controls Mess– und Regeltechnik GmbH Herr Oliver Betz Lindbergstraße 4 82178 Puchheim Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 89 80906 0 Fax: + 49 (0) 89 80906 200 Email: ohbetz@systec-controls.de www.systec-controls.de Temmler Ireland Ltd. Mr. Peter Quane Bansha Killorglin Co. Kerry Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 66 979 2600 Email: Quane.P@temmler.eu www.temmler.de

T The Convention Centre Dublin Ms. Niamh Burns Spencer Dock North Wall Quay Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 818 4532 Email: niamh.burns@theccd.ie www.theccd.ie The Photo Project Mr. Mel MacLaine Woodley Park Dundrum Dublin 14 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 87 947 1880 Email: Hallo@thephotoproject.ie www.thephotoproject.ie The Shelbourne Dublin, A Renaissance Hotel Ms. Sheila O’Sullivan 27 St. Stephen’s Green Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 665 0520 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 662 9719 Email: sheila.osullivan@ renaissancehotels.com www.theshelbourne.ie The Westin Mr. Fred Smits Westmoreland Street Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 645 1100 Email: fred.smits@westin.com www.thewestindublin.com Theodorus Weingut Herr Thomas Lergenmueller Theodorhof 76835 Hainfeld Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 63 23 50 34 Fax: + 49 (0) 6323 980430 Email: info@theodorus-wein.de www.theodorus-wein.de

Tifco Hotel Group Mr. Christoph Haustein 31 Northwood Court, Northwood Park Santry Dublin 9 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 862 9001 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 862 9001 Email: chaustein@tifcohotels.ie www.tifcohotels.ie

VHV Insurance Association and Cooperation Management Herr Roland Heese Abraham-Lincoln-Str. 30 65189 Wiesbaden Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 61 17 23 77 12 Fax: + 49 (0) 611 7237717 Email: rheese@vhv.de www.vhv.de Vincent & Beatty Solicitors Mr. Walter Beatty 67/68 Fitzwilliam Square Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 634 0000 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 634 0001 Email: reception@vblaw.ie www.vblaw.ie

Tourism Ireland Ms. Aoife Kernan Gutleutstraße 32 60329 Frankfurt am Main Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 69 92 31 85 24 Fax: + 49 (0) 69 92318588 Email: akernan@tourismireland.com www.tourismireland.com

Vogel LKW und Baumaschinen Handel Frau Kerstin Vogel Holbeinstrasse 39 08527 Plauen Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 37 41 29 800 Fax: + 49 (0) 3741 29808 Email: kerstin.vogel@vogel-lkw.de www.germancrusher.com

U Ulster Bank Corporate Markets Mr. David Patton Ulster Bank Group Center Georges Quay Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 611 8611 Email: David.Patton@ulsterbankcm.com www.ulsterbankcapitalmarkets.com

Volkswagenbank GmbH Ms. Rachel McGurdy 3rd Floor, Block C Central Park, Leopardstown Dublin 18 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 293 3700 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 293 3766 Email: rachel.mcgurdy@vwfs.com www.volkswagenbank.de

V Vertek Ltd. Mr. John Coughlan Unit 2 Farmleight Avenue Castleknock Dublin 15 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 83 173 5534 Email: Jcoughlan@vertek.ie

W Weingut Felix und Kilian Hunn Frau Martina Hunn Rathausstr.2 79288 Gottenheim Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 76 65 62 07 Fax: + 49 (0) 7665 6223 Email: mail@weingut-hunn.de www.weingut-hunn.de

VHB Vereinigte Holzbetriebe Wilhelm Pfalzer & Hans Vogt GmbH & Co. KG Herr Joachim Müller Schießstattstraße 16 87700 Memmingen Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 83 31 94 640 Fax: + 49 (0) 8331 946449 Email: info@vhb-memmingen.de www.vhb-memmingen.de

Weingut Georg Mueller Stiftung Herr Peter Winter Eberbacherstr. 7-9 65347 Hattenheim im Rheingau Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 67 23 20 20 Fax: + 49 (0) 6723 2035 Email: Peter.Winter@georg-muellerstiftung.de www.georg-mueller-stiftung.de

Vhi Healthcare Mr. Trevor Montgomery Vhi House, Lower Abbey Street 20 Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 799 7069 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 619 7475 Email: trevor.montgomery@vhi.ie www.vhi.ie

Weingut H.L. Menger Herr Horst Menger Hauptstr. 12 67575 Eich am Rhein Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 62 46 298 Fax: + 49 (0) 6246 1669 Email: weingut-h.l.menger@t-online.de www.weingut-menger.de

Weingut Runkel Herr Matthias Runkel Petersgäßchen 2 67595 Bechtheim Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 62 42 21 10 Fax: + 49 (0) 6242 5554 Email: info@weingut-runkel.de www.weingut-runkel.de WGZ Bank Ireland Plc. Mr. Werner Schwanberg International House 3 Harbourmaster Place Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 673 8100 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 673 8191 Email: info@wgzbank.ie www.wgzbank.ie William Fry Solicitors Mr. David Fitzgibbon Fitzwilton House, Wilton Place Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 1 639 5154 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 639 5333 Email: info@williamfry.ie www.williamfry.ie Würth Ireland Ltd. Mr. Declan Rooney Ballysimon Road Limerick Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 6 143 0200 Fax: + 353 (0) 61 412428 Email: declan.rooney@wuerth.ie www.wuerth.ie

Y Youngfields OCP Ltd. Mr. Finbarr Flahive Glanleam Dublin Road Castletroy Limerick Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 6 133 6029 Email: fflahive@youngfieldsocp.com www.youngfieldsocp.com

Z Züblin Ireland Ltd. Mr. Johannes Widmann 46 Fitzwilliam Square Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: + 49 (0) 71 17 88 39 744 Fax: + 49 (0) 711 7883794 Email: info@zueblin.de www.zueblin.de

Politics & Economics - German-Irish Business Review 2014

2008 bis 2020: Der Weg zur Erholung Irlands Irland ist ein Land mit einer bemerkenswerten Vorgeschichte des Wiederaufschwungs und der Erneuerung. Für die jüngste Wirtschaftskrise und die Trendwende gilt dies nicht minder. Doch Irlands starke Bemühungen, die Krise zu überwinden, haben die ernsten Herausforderungen deutlich gemacht, die sich aus den hohen Schulden im öffentlichen wie im privaten Sektor seiner Wirtschaft ergeben. Die erste Herausforderung ist nun der Gegenstand einer Zielvorgabe der Regierung, die Staatsverschuldung bis 2020 deutlich zu verringern. Vor Ausbruch der jüngsten Krise hatte Irland zwei Jahrzehnte damit verbracht, sich von einem der ärmsten Länder Europas zu einem der reichsten zu wandeln. Die letzten Jahre dieses Wandels führten zu einer Überhitzung, durch die Irland stark exponiert war, als die Krise 2008 kam.

mehren sich die Anzeichen, dass die Wachstumsfähigkeit der Wirtschaft zurückkehrt, wenn auch nicht mit den Raten wie zu Zeiten des Booms. Irlands Weltmeister-Stellung im Hinblick auf ausländische Direktinvestitionen ist einer der Gründe. Laut dem USamerikanischen Bureau of Economic Analysis überschritten die Investitionen amerikanischer Firmen in Irland (189 Milliarden US-Dollar) seit 1990 ihre Investitionen in Deutschland und die gesamten amerikanischen Investitionen in den sogenannten BRIC-Ländern Brasilien, Russland, Indien und China. Diesen Vorteil in Binnenwachstum und mehr Beschäftigung umzuwandeln, trifft auf eine Hürde, nämlich den hohen öffentlichen und privaten Schuldenstand. Einerseits hat Irland gezeigt, dass es Herausragendes leisten kann: Irlands Industrial Development Agency – weltweit führend in der Anwerbung ausländischer Direktinvestoren – hat den Weg geebnet für Irlands entscheidende Rolle als Tor zu Europa für multinationale Unternehmen, insbesondere aus den USA. Auch Exporteure in einheimischer Hand haben sich dank Enterprise Ireland, der staatlichen Agentur mit der Aufgabe, einheimische Unternehmen zu unterstützen, entwickelt. Nach einem Rückgang der Exporte im Jahr 2009 sind die Exporte einheimischer Betriebe 2011 um 12 Prozent und 2012 um weitere 6,3 Prozent gestiegen.

Trotz der Krise und der Veränderungen, die sie für die relative wirtschaftliche Position des Landes brachte, hat sich Irland viele der Errungenschaften und die meisten Vorteile erhalten, die ihm der Beitritt zur Europäischen Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft (heute die Europäische Union) am 1. Januar 1973 brachte. Der Umfang dieser Errungenschaften – die in einem erheblichen Maß noch intakt sind – ist beeindruckend. Ausgehend von gerade etwas über der Hälfte des EU-Durchschnitts im Jahr 1997 ist Irlands Pro-Kopf-Wirtschaftsleistung nun vergleichbar mit dem Durchschnitt der Eurozone, wenn wir das BNE pro Kopf betrachten, und ein Fünftel höher als der Durchschnitt der Eurozone, wenn wir das BIP pro Kopf zugrunde legen. Zudem zeigt die irische heute gute Wachstumsraten und ein starkes Beschäftigungswachstum - positive Zeichen für die Zukunft.

Andererseits kann dies jedoch nicht die ernsten Auswirkungen der globalen Krise auf Irland beschönigen. Noch kann es die Notwendigkeit der Unterstützung Europas für den Wiederaufschwung Irlands beseitigen. Die Argumente für diese Unterstützung werden nicht nur durch Irlands Anpassungsbemühungen in jüngerer Zeit gestützt, sondern auch durch die hervorragende Nutzung seiner EU-Mitgliedschaft in der Vergangenheit. Es gibt nur wenige aussagefähigere Indikatoren, wie Irland seine EUMitgliedschaft für seine Umgestaltung genutzt hat, als sein Bevölkerungswachstum.

Die durchschnittliche Wirtschafts-wachstumsrate ist über die letzten vier Jahrzehnte selbst unter Berücksichtigung der jüngsten tiefen Rezession nach wie vor die höchste in der EU ist. Zwischen 1972 und 2012 sind BIP und BNE real um 458 beziehungsweise 332 Prozent gewachsen. Dieses Wachstum konzentriert sich auf die jüngeren Jahrzehnte und wurde von einer starken Exportleistung getragen, die auf Irlands Bekenntnis zur Wirtschafts- und Währungsunion im Jahr 1992 folgte. Zwischen jenem Jahr und 2012 stieg das Exportvolumen um 295 Prozent. Leider basierten die späteren Jahre der Wachstumsphase nicht auf einem Exportwachstum, sondern wurden durch eine nicht nachhaltige Anhäufung von Schulden erreicht, die Irlands Wachstumsfähigkeit einschränkte. Nichtsdestoweniger

Als die Bevölkerung Irlands 1972 für den Beitritt zur EWG stimmte, hatte sie seit einem Jahrhundert stabil bei etwa 3 Millionen Menschen gelegen, eine Hinterlassenschaft der Hungersnot, die die Entwicklung über ein Jahrhundert lang hemmte. Zwischen 1971 und 2011 wuchs Irlands Bevölkerung – gemessen anhand aufeinanderfolgender Volkszählungen – um atemberaubende 54 Prozent an. Über den Großteil dieses Zeitraums stieg der Lebensstandard 43

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Politics & Economics

in Irland. Auswanderung bewirkt eine Verlangsamung dieser Wachstumsrate, doch gibt es andere Faktoren, die in die Gegenrichtung wirken: Irland hat eine der höchsten Geburtenraten Europas und unterliegt nach wie vor einer starken Einwanderung. Aus diesen Gründen wuchs Irlands Bevölkerung zwischen 2006 und 2011 – dem Zeitraum, in den auch die drei schlimmsten Jahre der Krise fallen, in denen der Lebensstandard ﬁel – um eine weitere Drittelmillion Menschen.

Wirtschaft, angestrebt. Zudem legt die jüngste Strategie der Regierung einen Richtwert für die Anpassung der Staatsverschuldung fest, der mit einem Rückgang von einem Höchstwert von 124 Prozent im Jahr 2013 auf 93 Prozent im Jahr 2020 rechnet, etwas niedriger als in den erwähnten Prognosen vorgesehen. Ein wachstumunterstützendes Klima vorausgesetzt, wirkt dieser Richtwert realistisch. Irlands Anpassung über einen Zeitraum von fünf Jahren beginnt sich auszuzahlen, nicht nur im Hinblick auf einen sich verbessernden Zukunftsausblick, sondern auch im Hinblick auf die ﬁnanzielle Stabilität. Von einem Höchststand von 11,5 Prozent des BIP im Jahr 2009 wird das eigentliche Finanzdeﬁzit bis 2015 auf unter 3 Prozent fallen. Im Hinblick auf Irlands „Primärsaldo“ – der Saldo der Einnahmen und Ausgaben ohne Ausgaben für Schuldenzinsen – wird Irland bereits 2014 einen ausgeglichenen Haushalt aufweisen und 2015 und 2016 bedeutende Überschüsse. Dies wird zu der in der Wirtschaftsstrategie der Regierung angestrebten Verringerung der Staatsverschuldung beitragen.

Doch welche Zukunft erwartet Irlands heranwachsende junge Bevölkerung? Ein Land mit Vollbeschäftigung und Wohlstand oder eines mit Arbeitslosigkeit und Verschuldung? Die Iren sind bekannt für ihren Optimismus und ihren Glauben, dass das Bestmögliche geschehen wird. Es kann geschehen. Doch die politischen Entscheidungsträger und Irlands Partner in Europa werden entscheidend mitbestimmen, ob es geschieht. Eine normale Wirtschaft bis 2020: ein realistisches Ziel Laut realistischen und soliden Prognosen – die neuesten vollständigen Wirtschaftsprognosen der Regierung sind sowohl von der EU-Kommission als auch vom irischen unabhängigen Finanzbeirat (Independent Fiscal Advisory Council - IFAC) als solide bestätigt worden – darf Irland nicht nur eine deutliche und stabile Erholung zwischen jetzt und 2016 erwarten, sondern auch die Rückkehr zur Vollbeschäftigung im kommenden Jahrzehnt ist zumindest denkbar, wenn die richtige Politik verfolgt wird. In der Tat legen seit der Veröffentlichung dieser Prognosen die Beschäftigungszahlen nahe, dass sich das Wachstum der Arbeitsplatzzahlen ebenso beschleunigt wie die Rate des Wirtschaftswachstums. Mit der richtigen Unterstützung erscheint Irlands Rückkehr zu einer gewissen Normalität bis zum Ende dieses Jahrzehnts möglich.

Die Höhe der irischen Staatsverschuldung ist jedoch nach wie vor ein Wachstumshemmnis, und es werden weiterhin entschlossene Maßnahmen notwendig sein, um jene bedeutenden Fortschritte zu erzielen, die möglich sind. Eine dritte, damit im Zusammenhang stehende Sorge ist die Frage, wie Irlands Banken 2014 im Stresstest der EZB wie auch in den Bewertungen durch die Märkte abschneiden werden, nun, da Irland den Rettungsschirm verlassen hat. Die Fähigkeit der Banken, Kredite an die Wirtschaft auszureichen, ist eine entscheidende Voraussetzung für Wachstum. Die Wirtschaftsstrategie der Regierung hat eine Reihe von Zielvorgaben festgelegt, um die Verfügbarkeit von Krediten für kleine und mittelständische Unternehmen zu verbessern und beﬁndet sich in Gesprächen mit der Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW).

Maßnahmen in den jüngeren Haushalten haben Unternehmensinvestitionen und die Schaffung von Arbeitsplätzen derart gefördert, dass die Beschäftigung in den 12 Monaten bis September 2013 um 58.000 gestiegen ist. Von einem Höchstpunkt von 14,7 Prozent im Jahr 2012 war die Arbeitslosigkeit bis zum Zeitpunkt des Verfassens dieses Artikels bereits auf 12,8 Prozent gefallen und alles weist darauf hin, dass die Schaffung von Arbeitsplätzen in den kommenden Jahren an Tempo gewinnt. Auch gibt es einen willkommenen Rückgang der Zahl der Langzeitarbeitslosen. Die mittelfristige Wirtschaftsstrategie der Regierung (Medium Term Economic Strategy) legt nahe, dass unter den richtigen Bedingungen – und wenn die zukünftigen politischen Entscheidungen die richtigen sind – die Arbeitslosigkeit bis 2020 auf unter 6 Prozent fallen könnte. Zwar sind die Staatsausgaben nach wie vor hoch, doch wird nun für 2016 eine Verringerung der Ausgaben, sowohl absolut als auch als Anteil an der

Die Herausforderungen, die sich aus der Staatsverschuldung, der Privatverschuldung und dem Bankensektor ergeben, sind beängstigend. Dennoch haben die Menschen, die Unternehmerschaft und die Regierung Irlands eine bedeutende Strecke auf dem Weg zur Erholung zurückgelegt. In diesem Zusammenhang muss hervorgehoben werden, dass Irlands Krise nicht von seinem Steuersystem verursacht wurde, sondern von einer recht schwachen Bankenregulierung, und dass Irland das erste Land war, das als Reaktion auf die Krise eine korrektive Finanzregulierung aufgebaut hat und in dieser Hinsicht auch weiter gegangen ist, als von der EU vorgegeben. Irland ist nun ein Land mit guter ﬁnanzieller Regierungsführung und gutem Risikomanagement.

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German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Politics & Economics

Economic Outlook for Germany

Recovery with risks by Prof. Dr. Michael Grömling

Contrary to past years, the global economy is again increasingly driven by the advanced economies. The sovereign debt and bank crises have obviously bottomed out in Europe; North America is growing steadily. With this, the recovery in Germany is stabilising. The real Gross Domestic Product will increase by about 1.75% in 2014 and by just under 2% in 2015. This forecast is based on no additional burdens of adjustment arising from the problems of the ﬁnancial market and sovereign debt in Europe, or from the political situation in a number of emerging economies. These uncertainties entail the risk of high volatility in Germany. The greatest risk of a setback lies in the potential economic instabilities in the emerging economies essential for Germany’s economy, affecting economic staying power. Foreign trade to expand Despite the slower growth of emerging economies, the global economy is expanding and drives the German export economy. German companies’ real exports will increase by 6% in 2014; in 2015 a slightly bigger increase of 6.25% is to be expected. Despite the somewhat higher import growth during both years, the net export will increase slightly and also have a positive effect on the growth in Germany.

Prof. Dr. Michael Grömling is head of the research group on business cycle analysis at the Cologne Institute for Economic Research and professor for economics at the International University of Applied Sciences, Bad Honnef/Bonn.

investment as experienced in previous recovery phases is not to be expected. The real equipment investments will increase by 5% in 2014. This already reﬂects the political and economic uncertainties for a number of trading partners. The economic policies in Germany (e.g. labour and energy trends) affect the propensity to invest; the wait-and-see attitude is noticeable especially in energyintensive industries. If there is no further increase in these uncertainties, a growth of approximately 6.5% may be expected for real equipment investments in 2015.

However, the German companies’ exporting will suffer from cost increases: the dynamics of energy costs result in competitive disadvantages in international comparison. Unit labour costs have increased significantly in the past two years and the economic difficulties of some emerging countries and the global monetary policy caused significant appreciation of the Euro.

Building investments grew again in 2013 after two bad years and the recovery will continue. The labour market and income trends as well as low interest rates continue to encourage home building. This is however countered by the discussions on rent control and land and building costs. Commercial building is beneﬁtting from the generally brightened propensity to invest and public works is providing increased impetus again.

Recovery of investments Germany suffered weak investments from the Third Quarter 2011 to the First Quarter 2013. Equipment investments have been modest, but have increased signiﬁcantly in the First Quarter 2014. In spite of the greater risks of uncertainties in the emerging markets essential for Germany, the perspectives of investment have brightened for German companies. Financial conditions for investments in Germany are still rather favourable; the interest relevant for corporate ﬁnancing will - in a long-term comparison - remain at a low for the entire forecasting period. In Germany, lending is not a big problem.

Employment continues at record level Job creation in Germany will continue, although mediumterm risks arise from the minimum wage and other regulatory actions. About half a million additional jobs will be created in 2014 and 2015. In 2015, the annual average of working people will be at almost 42.5 million. This is 3.5 million more than in the previous decade and the

These factors suggest that the recovery of equipment investments will continue, although an acceleration of 46

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Politics & Economics - German-Irish Business Review 2014

positive outcome should warn against new labour market regulations. Job creation during 2014 and 2015 is mainly through hidden reserve and immigration. Unemployment only reduces by 130,000 during the entire forecasting period - to about 2.8 million persons in the annual average of 2015 - as a result of current placement problems, amongst others. The unemployment rate will be at 6.5% in 2015.

Moderate prices and continuous good labour market trends ensure that consumption in Germany continues to pick up. In 2014, real consumer spending by private households will increase by about 1.25%. Consumption growth is expected to be at the same rate in 2015. Private consumption maintains a stable contribution of around 0.75% to the growth of Germany’s economy. Investments drive the growth on a slightly larger scale. Thus, the economy in Germany heavily relies on domestic sources.

Low inﬂation increases consumption Private consumption continues to determine the growth in Germany. Above all, the labour market will promote consumption. Wage increases are slightly lower than those of previous years, tax and social policies of the Federal Government will have no considerable inﬂuence on net earnings in 2014 or in 2015. Disposable income of private households will be subsidised by rising property income. Even so, the limiting effects of low interest rates are apparent.

Figure 2 Labour market trend in Germany Working population and registered unemployed persons (per 1,000) 6,000

43,000 Working population (left axis)

Figure 1 Contribution to growth in Germany Contributions (in percentage points) to the real GDP

Unemployed (right axis)

42,000

5,000

41,000

4,000

40,000

3,000

39,000

2,000

38,000

1,000

37,000 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2

Values for 2014 and 2015: IW Forecast Source: German Federal Statistical Ofﬁce; IAB; Cologne Institute for Economic Research

Net exports

-2

Investments

Prof. Dr. Michael Grömling Cologne Institute for Economic Research Post Box 10 19 42 50459 Cologne

-4 Consumption -6 2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Values for 2014 and 2015: IW Forecast Source: German Federal Statistical Ofﬁce; Cologne Institute for Economic Research

Visitors address: Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 21 50668 Cologne

Private consumption also benefits from low inflation. With about 1.5% in 2013, inflation was already around 0.5% lower than in the previous two years. The expected inflation rate for Germany is still at 1.5% for 2014. In 2015, it is expected to be slightly higher at 1.75%. Hence, neither the spectre of inflation nor deflation haunts this country.

Germany Phone: +49 221 4981-776 groemling@iwkoeln.de www.iwkoeln.de

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Politics & Economics - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Buchvorstellung

„Irland und Deutschland: Partner im europäischen Aufschwung“ Irland hat eine erstaunliche Erholung erlebt. Diese ist von großer Bedeutung nicht nur für die Iren, deren Opferbereitschaft diesen Aufschwung möglich gemacht hat, sondern auch für die Menschen in Deutschland und in Europa insgesamt. Dies ist der Hintergrund zu dem neu erschienenen, zweisprachigen Buch „Irland und Deutschland: Partner im Europäischen Aufschwung“.

Kapitel 3: Reaktion auf die Krise und verbleibende Herausforderungen

Herausgegeben von Ralf Lissek (Geschäftsführer der Deutsch Irischen Industrie- und Handelskammer) und Marc Coleman (Ökonom, Journalist, ehemaliger EZB-Ökonom) diskutieren mehrere Autoren aus Politik und Wirtschaft den Aufschwung Irlands sowie die damit einhergehenden Herausforderungen. Zu diesen zählen u. a. Dr. Peter Breuer (IWF), Brian Hayes (irisches Ministerium für öffentliche Ausgaben und Reform), John Corrigan (National Treasury Management Agency), Christoph Müller (CEO, Aer Lingus), Dr. Eric Schweitzer (Präsident, DIHK), Dr. Joachim Pfeiffer (wirtschafts- und energiepolitischer Sprecher der CDU/ CSU-Bundestagsfraktion) und Frank Mee (Präsident der AHK Irland).

Kapitel 5: Banken und Finanzen: Zurück zur Stabilität + Das International Financial Services Centre während der Bankenkrise: Perspektive einer IFSC-Bank

Kapitel 4: Ausgaben und Reform: neuer Schwung + Die Reformdividende

Kapitel 6: Die Dynamik des irischen Arbeitsmarktes Kapitel 7: Deutscher Mittelstand: sieben Säulen des Erfolges + Ist ein irischer Mittelstand möglich? Kapitel 8: Irland und Deutschland: Partner im europäischen Aufschwung

Die Themenpalette bietet einen tiefen Einblick in die irische Wirtschaft:

Kapitel 9: Was haben europäische Staaten getan, um zur Stabilität zurückzukehren?

Kapitel 1: 2008 bis 2020: Der Weg zur Erholung + Irlands Wiederaufschwung Kapitel 2: Irlands Geschäftsmodell + Fallstudie zu ausländischen Direktinvestitionen in Irland: Allianz Worldwide Care Limited

Das Buch ist ab sofort im Handel sowie online bei Amazon und auf www.oaktreepress.com erhältlich (Taschenbuch €14.99 / eBook €9.99).

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

Germany’s “Mittelstand”: The Seven Pillars of Success By Eric Schweitzer Chapter taken from the Book “Ireland and Germany: Partners in European Recovery”, Chapter 7

Key Messages • The success of the German economy in the last few years is in large part due to the hard work of the country’s business enterprises. Internal restructuring, coupled with increased international orientation and investment in research and development, has laid the foundations. The process also has been fostered by the Government through reforms to the labour market and the corporate tax regime.

The process placed heavy burdens on the employers and employees alike. The government also responded – for example, in 2003, when it launched the Agenda 2010 to underpin its new course. As a result, the labour market was made more ﬂexible, business taxes were cut, and since then, moderate wage settlements have strengthened the competitiveness of German ﬁrms on the world markets. A Strong “Mittelstand” One of the key roles in Germany’s economy success story is played by the “Mittelstand”, the small and medium-sized enterprise sector. The growth in employment between 2005 and 2010 – numbering no fewer than 1.8 million new jobs – was almost entirely due to the mid-market enterprises. The German term Mittelstand has come to be generally used in the Anglo-Saxon business press, where it no longer needs a translation. It has become a synonym for a successful economic model. As president of the DIHK, one question I am frequently asked by foreign delegations is: “What is the secret of the German Mittelstand?”.

• Germany is a strong location with an unusual mix of enterprises. It is home to successful, large, publiclyquoted companies, countless highly-committed small businesses – and a broad Mittelstand. These companies, in many cases family-owned, are not always in the limelight; they are, however, highly innovative and – as hidden champions – successful on the world markets. From the “Sick Man” of Europe to a Role Model for Others? In May 2005, an Economist cover article was devoted to “The real sick man of Europe“. The country it was referring to was Germany, where the picture it presented at the time was characterised by high levels of unemployment and low growth rates. So some of what Ireland and other European Union states with a sovereign debt crisis are currently going through are problems of a kind that Germany also had to deal with in the ﬁrst half of the past decade.

There is, in fact, no secret at all. After all, many countries have a small and medium-sized enterprise sector. But alongside the strong regional roots and the individualistic nature of many family entrepreneurs, the German Mittelstand is characterised by another aspect, and that is that many family enterprises have grown over several generations; indeed, they could now almost be described as “family-owned groups”. At the same time, though, they have preserved their SME mindset, including the direct responsibility and commitment of the family.

Seven years later, the picture in Germany has changed markedly. The headline now reads: “Germany’s economic model – what it offers to the world”. Low unemployment, a strong industrial base and a broad SME sector – these are the things that people associate with the German economy at the present time.

Another factor for the success of the German SME sector is its international presence. On average, export-oriented Mittelstand businesses with annual sales of between €10m and €50m are active in 16 foreign markets. Even small ﬁrms with annual sales of less than €500,000 do business with six markets on average. This makes them resilient – a drop in business in one place can be made up for by success in another. While 98 per cent of the approximately 350,000 German exporters are SME enterprises, alongside European markets, they are increasingly turning their sights also on more distant, up-and-coming markets such as China, India or Indonesia.

To be sure, both pictures are an exaggeration. It is nevertheless true: Germany has gone through a time of tough changes, but these have deﬁnitely moved us forward. Firms have developed new markets, especially in Eastern Europe and many emerging countries throughout the world. They have undertaken radical Chapter 7: Germany’s “Mittlestand”: The Seven Pillars of Success 109 restructuring measures in their business operations. They have spent on R&D, and succeeded in placing products as a result.

Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

And a further success factor: the German Mittelstand is a driver of innovation. As many as 30,000 German enterprises – a large proportion of them SMEs – have their own research departments. In this way, thanks to bold ideas and persistence, many mid-market enterprises have captured market niches for themselves where, with their specialist products and services, they are able to garner success. And finally, to complete the picture, they offer tailor-made after-sales service, including also on foreign markets. So despite not being of giant size, these companies are up among the leaders everywhere in the world. Indeed, some of them are operations with as few as 200, 110 Ireland and Germany: Partners in European Recovery 100 or an even smaller number of employees. In Germany, they have come to be known as “Hidden Champions”. Germany has around 1,300 enterprises that belong in this category – more than any other country in the world. The next biggest – but a long way behind – is the USA, with around 350. But why is it that Germany has so many of these “Hidden Champions”? One explanation could be special structural factors: small and medium-sized enterprises tend to be bigger in Germany than elsewhere. On average, they employ seven people – twice as many as in France, Spain or Italy. The reason is that Germany has a strong industrial sector. And industrial firms tend to be bigger than, say, service or commercial firms. Almost a quarter of Germany’s GDP is generated by the industrial Mittelstand. In Spain and the UK, the figure is around 16 per cent; in France only 13 per cent. The Seven Pillars of Success But far more important than numbers are the special sense of identity and the special culture of the German Mittelstand. The “Mittelstand business model” is built on seven pillars:

Dr. Eric Schweitzer is the President of the Deutsche Industrie- und Handelskammertag (DIHK).

• First: Ownership and management are in the same hands. More than 90 per cent of all German enterprises are majority-owned and run by family members. Consequently, the principle of liability, which is so important for a market economy, applies fully and directly. The actors harvest the fruits of their decisions. But they also have to carry the can if something goes wrong.

returns are temporarily low. The long-view approach is also supported by the specifics of the German banking system, namely the three-pillar model of private-sector banks, publicly-owned Sparkassen, and the co-operatively-owned financial institutions. This model offers enterprises a large bandwidth for securing their long-term financing. The Mittelstand is therefore never far away from a financing partner that will also support sustainable business strategies. This model is complemented also by State-owned development banks: at federal level by the KfW banking group, and at the level of the Länder, the individual federal states, by state development banks and also by “guarantor banks” (Bürgschaftsbanken), which can step in to fill the gap when SMEs lack security for borrowing.

• Second: Long-termism. A family enterprise would be ill-advised to base its decisions primarily on short-term key ﬁgures and quarterly accounts. Rather, one key consideration that is always present when business decisions are being taken is: what will its effects be for my children or my successor? This focus also can help SMEs to persist on a chosen course even when the

Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

• Third: Nearness to customers. Many successful SME businesses owe their success to specialist products in market niches. This calls for the ability to Chapter 7: Germany’s “Mittlestand”: The Seven Pillars of Success 111 supply after-sales service. And to complete the picture, these firms offer flexibility and short decisionmaking channels. They also attach importance to having an international presence on the ground. DIHK surveys reveal that more and more firms are increasingly investing in regions far away from Germany.

infrastructure.”79 For example, the local “IHKs” – the chambers of industry and commerce – represent the interests of the SME sector towards the local political parties. Their umbrella organisation, the Deutsche Industrie-79 Lord Heseltine of Thenford, No Stone Unturned in Pursuit of Growth, transcript of oral evidence to the House of Commons Business, Innovation and Skills Committee, October 2012. 112 Ireland and Germany: Partners in European Recovery und Handelskammertag (DIHK), performs the same role in the political arena in Berlin and Brussels. The presence of the local IHK organisations on the ground makes it possible even for smaller SME owners to meet face-to-face with politicians on any topic. The IHKs also offer a range of services, such as support in connection with starting-up a business or advice on energy efficiency and financing. They perform tasks on behalf of the State, such as issuing certificates of origin for exporters, but with a minimum of red tape. But first and foremost, they play a leading role in the context of the dual training system. Through the network of German chambers of commerce abroad – the “AHKs” – in more than 120 locations in 85 countries, the IHK organisation also provides bridges to international markets. For initial soundings of the market environment in Asia, for example, a Mittelstand business has no need to travel there itself. Instead, it can call on a local AHK to provide support. In this way, the AHKs save the SME sector transaction costs on a very significant scale and are therefore an important pillar in Germany’s export success.

• Fourth: Close ties to the workforce. “The firm must feel like a family,” is a view expressed by the heads of many Mittelstand businesses. They set great store by their team of qualified, long-standing personnel. The low level of staff fluctuation fosters a strong team spirit, which in turn promotes productivity. This attitude is further reinforced by the increasing shortage of skilled personnel – caused by demographic developments – which are also making themselves felt in Germany. The strong sense of loyalty of, and towards, the workforce is further promoted by Germany’s dual training system. Young people are integrated into an enterprise at an early stage and undergo training that is specifically geared to the needs of the company and the labour market. The success of this model is reflected not least in the relatively low level of youth unemployment in Germany. • Fifth: Close ties to the home region. Involvement in the region beyond what is strictly required either for business considerations or by law helps to foster the image of the company in the local community. Mittelstand enterprises assume civic responsibility for their regions. The term “corporate social responsibility”, which has now also been newly adopted in Germany, merely describes a reality that in fact has been lived here for decades. Firms support culture and education in the region, promote projects for disadvantaged young people, and have an involvement in playschools, schools and sports facilities, to name just a few.

However, I do not want to forget that the success of the German Mittelstand also owes something to sheer good fortune. Germany lies right at the heart of Europe. Every market in the EU can be reached from here in 48 hours by rail, in 24 hours by road and in three hours by air. What Can Be Learned from This? Can the German Mittelstand be copied? I fear the answer is “No!”. The German Mittelstand culture is also partly the product of German history. For a long period in the area that forms Germany today, there were hundreds of small and even mini-states, each with narrowly-deﬁned local markets. These small economic areas were late in being given a broader framework – ﬁrst in the form of a nation state, and later in the shape of Europe. For centuries, German enterprises and their predecessors have learned to specialise and engage in cross-border trading activities, but at the same time to stay in close touch with their home region. The regional aspect was, and still is, a factor of very substantial importance in Germany, including also in business.

• Sixth: A broad-based Mittelstand policy, not a selective one. Support and promotion for the Mittelstand in Germany is not aimed at the development of speciﬁc sectors or enterprises. A balanced sectoral structure makes the economy resilient in the face of crises. Despite all the causes for criticism that may exist in detail, there is a basic understanding in Germany that what the Mittelstand needs to be competitive is equality of opportunity – or at the very least, no one putting spokes in their wheels. • Seventh: Support on the ground and worldwide. “Germany is often singled out as having the most effective and integrated business support

At the same time, though, there are other factors that could just as easily be put in place elsewhere. Many countries are

global logistics

For people. For markets. For tomorrow.

www.dbschenker.ie Dublin +353 1 816 5400

Shannon +353 61 709800

Cork +353 21 4520900

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Chamber

interested in the dual training system – not least in view of the high levels of youth unemployment in the wake of the Eurozone debt crisis. In this area, the IHKs and AHKs have a strong role to play with their own initiatives. Parts of the tried-and-tested support system offered by the State-owned KfW development bank, the development banks of the federal states, or the guarantor banks and Mittelständische Beteiligungsgesellschaften that provide seed or investment capital for SMEs could be of interest to other countries. As well as credit schemes, the system also includes support in the form of consultancy. One example of this are the KfW’s “Round Tables” for firms in Chapter 7: Germany’s “Mittlestand”: The Seven Pillars of Success 113 financial difficulties: with the IHK acting as moderator, the entrepreneur, banks and creditors sit down together to look for ways past the bottleneck. In the wake of a Round Table,

nearly 70 per cent of businesses are back on a ﬁnancially even keel, and also back on course for the market. The biggest challenge I see facing the German Mittelstand in the coming years is the increasing shortage of skilled workers. The demographic development is hitting Germany hard. By the year 2025, the German labour market will be six million people short. Our dual vocational training system provides a good base, but will be insufﬁcient by itself. We have to tap into every available potential. That includes further training and the employment of older people, greater compatibility between family and work, and a welcoming culture for skilled workers from other countries. After all, one thing is absolutely certain: without smart people, no business model can work, least of all the German Mittelstand business model.

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Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Deutsches Internat eröffnet 2015 in Kerry Unterricht nach Bildungsplänen der Bundesländer Aus dem Unterrichtsfenster sehen die Schüler die Skelligs, der Strand ist nicht weit und vom nahegelegenen Coomanaspig Pass aus blickt man von der St. Finian‘s Bay bis über Valentia Island. Inmitten dieser Gegend, in der sich über die letzten Jahrzehnte auch einige Deutsche angesiedelt haben, liegt das Jungeninternat „Deutsche Schule am Meer“. Haben Eltern bisher vergeblich eine deutschsprachige Schule in Irland gesucht, so werden sie nun fündig. Zudem werden ihnen hier für ihre Kinder einige Besonderheiten geboten. Für jeden Schüler wird ein individueller Lehrplan erstellt, der bei einer Rückkehr nach Deutschland einen sicheren Weg aufs Gymnasium bereitet. Die Schüler lernen in einer kleinen Gruppe, in der ihre Stärken gefördert und vorhandene Schwächen aufgefangen werden. Für besonders befähigte Schüler gibt es einen Hochbegabtenzweig.

Die Leitbilder des Internats sind: • Charakterbildung und Empathie • Vernunft und Pragmatismus • Spaß und Leistung

Nach einem frisch gekochten Mittagessen steht auch Fußball auf dem Plan, gespielt inmitten der Natur South Kerrys, das neben Meer und Bergen auch ein sehr breites Freizeitangebot besitzt und sich damit als Standort für ein Internat für jüngere Kinder geradezu anbietet.

Informationen und Beratungsangebote sowie Details über Qualiﬁkationen und Pädagogik ﬁnden sich unter: Deutsche Schule am Meer www.deutscheschule.org info@deutscheschule.org

Die Plätze in dem natursteinverkleideten beeindruckenden Gebäude mit den geräumigen Zimmern von gehobener Klasse werden auch bei Schülern aus Deutschland Anklang ﬁnden, denn die Heimfahrten oder -ﬂüge sind im Schulgeld enthalten, obwohl die Preise im Vergleich zu anderen Internaten günstig sind.

Deutsche Schule am Meer Jungeninternat der Klassen 1 bis 6 • höchstens 8 Kinder je Klasse • individuelle Lehrpläne • gezielte Vorbereitung auf Gymnasium oder secondary school • Fußballschule • frische Mahlzeiten • Heimreisen sind im Preis enthalten und werden von der Schule organisiert • ﬂexible Organisation nach Elternwunsch

International and particularly Irish pupils are especially welcomed as well. Having spent two terms at the school qualiﬁes for speaking German and English ﬂuently. If wanted By request students can be recommended to important German boarding schools for the following years.

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Chamber - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Programme of Events 2014 2014

EVENT

PARTICIPANTS

CONTACT

4-7/09

Trip to Germany

Councillors, Patrons & Guests only

05/09

Council Meeting

Councillors Only

19/09

Octoberfest at Ballsbridge Hotel

Members and non-members

25/09

German-Irish Business Seminar on Data Protection with guest speaker Colin Rooney hosted by Arthur Cox

Members & non-members

09/10

German-Irish Business Evening hosted by Johnston Logistics at the National Concert Hall

Members & non-members

10/10

Golf Clinic and Practise Round â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Howth Golf Club

Members & non-Members

HD/SD

16/10

German-Irish Business seminar on Corporate Goverance with guest speaker Ruairi Mulrean hosted by LK Shields

Members & non-members

23/10

European Chamber Event

Members and non-members

06/11

Council Meeting and Patrons Lunch

Councillors/Patrons Only

07/11

Golf Outing, The Island Golf Club

Members Reduced Fee

13/11

German-Irish Business hosted by KPMG

Members Reduced Fee

Christmas Lunch at the Conrad Hotel

Members Event

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec 12/12

Last updated: 23/06/2014 Your contact

Phone

Helen Dunne

+353-(0)1-6424 311

helen.dunne@german-irish.ie

Sean Dunne

+353-(0) 87 222 0055

seandunne@rebate.ie

German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce

As a member of the German-Irish Chamber your company/organisation will beneďŹ t from the three pillars our activities are based on, which create valuable synergies for our customers. New for 2014 - German-Irish Buisness These events include a key guest speaker on a set topic in the German-Irish Business context per event and allow members to engage and network with fellow German-Irish members. 5 German-Irish Business events will happen the 2nd Thursday of each of the 5 selected months, see the events calendar. Extra German-Irish Business events will be added throughout the year.

2014

Your Contact

DEinternational

The German Chamber Network

FEBRUARY Trade Mission “Environmental technology” from Bavaria to Ireland - Information meetings in Bavaria

FREE

03-04/03

Trade Mission „Environmental Technology“ from Bavaria to Ireland, Dublin

FREE

19-21/03

Trade Mission „Environmental Technology“ from Bavaria to Ireland, Dublin

FREE

28/03

Language Workshop for Participants in the EU Project “Strengthening the Capacity of Managers”, Dublin

FREE

03/04

Exporting from Rheinland Pfalz to Ireland – Information meetings at IHK Koblenz

FREE

08/04

Trade Mission “German Wine” from Germany to Ireland – Information meetings in Rheinland-Pfalz

FREE

06-09/05

Trade Mission “Smart Grid” from Germany to Ireland, Dublin

FREE

19-22/05

Trade Mission “German Wine” from Germany to Ireland, Dublin

FREE

22/05

Information event “Small Wind Technologies in Ireland”, Hamburg

FREE

ADMISSION FEE GLOBAL CONNECT

11-12/02

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 2014

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

SEPTEMBER 11/09

Exporting from Nordrhein-Westfalen to Ireland – Information meetings at IHK Cologne

OCTOBER 21-24/10

Trade Mission “Research & Development” from Germany to Ireland, Dublin

NOVEMBER 04-05/11

Exporting from Baden-Württemberg to Ireland – Information meetings at Global Connect, Stuttgart

07/11

Exporting from Bavaria to Ireland – Information meetings at IHK Munich

FREE

20/11

Exhibition and Business Meetings “German Energy Efﬁciency Technologies for Buildings”, Dublin

FREE

Your contact

Tel.

Aideen Keenan

+353-(0)1-6424 330

aideen.keenan@german-irish.ie

Elisabeth Gehlert

+353-(0)1-6424 321

elisabeth.gehlert@german-irish.ie

Nicole Jung

+353-(0)1-6424 350

nicole.jung@german-irish.ie

DEinternational - German-Irish Business Review 2014

DEinternational is the consultancy wing of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Its service spectrum is expertly tailored to assist Irish and German companies to develop a ﬁrm foothold in their target markets.

DEINTERNATIONAL IRELAND

Ralf Lissek CEO Phone +353-(0)1-6424310 ralf.lissek@german-irish.ie

DEinternational ist die Servicemarke der Auslandshandelskammer Irland (AHK Irland). Das Dienstleistungsspektrum ist ganz darauf zugeschnitten, deutschen und irischen Unternehmen den Weg in ihre Zielmärkte zu ebnen. The services portfolio / Das Dienstleistungsportfolio • Market Entry / Markteintritt • Market Information / Marktinformation • Trade Mission / Unternehmerreise • Business Presence / Geschäftspräsenz • Representation / Repräsentanz • Advertising, Public Relations / Werbung, Öffentlichkeitsarbeit • Event Management • Company Formation / Firmengründung • Legal Information / Rechtsauskunft • Debt Collection, Mediation / Forderungsmanagement, Mediation • Taxation Services, Accounts / Fiskalvertretung, Buchhaltung • Relocation • Recruitment • Service Package „Construction Industry“ / Servicepaket „Baubranche“ • Service Package “Packaging Recycling”, “WEEE compliance” / Servicepaket „Verpackungsrecycling, WEEE-Compliance”

Nicole Jung Assistant to the CEO & Project Manager Phone +353-(0)1-6424350 nicole.jung@DEinternational.ie

Helen Dunne Manager Customer Relations & Events Phone +353-(0)1-6424311 helen.dunne@DEinternational.ie

Aideen Keenan Head of Marketing Phone +353-(0)1-6424330 aideen.keenan@DEinternational.ie

Elisabeth Gehlert Project Manager Marketing Phone: +353-(0)1-6424321 elisabeth.gehlert@DEinternational.ie

Andreas Fagin Head of Accounts/Controlling Phone +353-(0)1-6424360 andreas.fagin@DEinternational.ie

Patrick Bamming Head of Tax / Legal Phone +353-(0)1-6424381 patrick.bamming@DEinternational.ie

Stefanie Raeth Project Manager Tax / Legal Phone +353-(0)1-6424371 stefanie.raeth@DEinternational.ie

Ludwig Heinz (Barrister-at-Law) Legal Department Phone +353-(0)1-6424300 legal@DEinternational.ie

Detailed information on DEinternational Ireland’s services is available online at www.DEinternational.ie

Detaillierte Informationen zu den DEinternational Dienstleistungen in Irland stehen auf www.DEinternational.ie zur Verfügung.

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Business & Investment

DEINTERNATIONAL COMPANY FORMATION SERVICE FOR BENNETT

Bennett (Construction) Limited (“Bennett”), an Irish family owned construction business, first established in 1917, has built its reputation on its client focus. It has extensive experiences over a wide range of construction activities including commercial, industrial, healthcare and pharmaceutical, residential, restoration/ refurbishment and hospitality projects for both multi-national and local clients. Bennett projects such as the Westmeath Civic Office was winner of the Opus Architecture and Construction Awards 2009 and the CHQ Building in Dublin was winner of the Best Conservation Project 2008. Having previously set up branches in the UK and Abu Dhabi, Bennett first contacted DEinternational Ireland in 2010 to seek general advices in regard to the setting up of a construction business in Germany. Following an initial meeting, DEinternational Ireland advised Bennett on a number of matters including: • Advice on various corporate structures and in particular the formation of a German company with limited liability (GmbH), taking into account information supplied by DEinternational Ireland • Appointment of a German solicitor to assist in the formation of the German subsidiary • The German corporation tax rate of 15% and the additional trade tax charged by local communities • Compliance with German tax and local regulations • The registration for tax in Germany and the application for an exemption from the German construction withholding tax. Although the German construction withholding tax is 15%, which is much lower than the Irish 35% Relevant Contract Tax, the exemption still means a considerable easing of the financial burden on Irish companies working in the construction sector in Germany • VAT registration

• Notiﬁcation to German customs of the employees who were sent from Ireland to Germany • Registration with SOKA-Bau, a holiday fund for workers in the construction industry established to make sure that workers posted to Germany receive the same holiday pay as German employees • Completion of forms A1 issued by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, to ensure when posting employees to Germany and other EU member states from Ireland that contributions to the social security system don’t have to be paid in Germany. The company must be able to show the certiﬁcate when requested by inspectors from German authorities. In addition, DEinternational Ireland has supported many Bennett subcontractors to ensure compliance with the German regulations whilst working in Germany. For more information on tax and legal services please contact: Patrick Bamming, Head of Tax / Legal Phone +353-(0)16424381 patrick.bamming@ DEinternational.ie

Stefanie Raeth, Project Manager Tax / Legal Phone +353-(0)16424371 stefanie.raeth@ DEinternational.ie

Ludwig Heinz (Barrister-at-Law), Legal Department Phone +353-(0)16424300 legal@ DEinternational.ie

DEINTERNATIONAL STEUERDIENSTLEISTUNGEN FÜR DIE SERVICES UTW-DIENSTLEISTUNGS GMBH

Case Studies - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Bereits seit 2007 und somit bereits 4 Jahre nach der Gründung in Deutschland, ist die UTW (Umwelt– Technik-Windkraft) Dienstleistungs GmbH in Irland tätig. Mit einem breiten Angebot an Servicetätigkeiten rund um Windenergieanlagen ist das Unternehmen zukunftsorientiert aufgestellt. In Irland erlangt das Thema Windenergie in Zeiten der Ressourcenknappheit und des Klimawandels eine immer größere Bedeutung. Noch ist die irische Energieversorgung von fossilen Brennstoffen geprägt, jedoch hat sich Irland das Ziel gesetzt, bis 2020 16% seiner Energie aus erneuerbaren Quellen zu gewinnen. Die Windenergie drängt sich dabei im küsten- und windreichen Irland nahezu auf. Bei dem Markteintritt in Irland wendete sich das Unternehmen UTW Dienstleistungs GmbH an DEinternational Irland. Diese unterstützt bis heute die UTW GmbH bei allen steuerrechtlichen Fragen. Zuerst bedeutete dies Anmeldung bei der irischen Steuerbehörde und die regelmäßige Abgabe der irischen Mehrwertsteuermeldungen. Weiterhin übernimmt DEinternational Irland für das Technikunternehmen seit vielen Jahren die Beantragung der Rückerstattung bzw. der Befreiung von der Bauabzugssteuer, welche in Irland bis zu 35% betragen kann. Darüber hinaus besteht die Dienstleistung der DEinternational Irland in der Beantragung der Lohnsteuerbefreiung für deutsche Mitarbeiter, die in Irland pro Jahr zwischen 60 und 183 Tagen tätig sind.

Um die angebotenen Dienstleistungen in Irland zu optimieren, gründete die UTW Dienstleistungs GmbH in 2010 die irische Firma Windpower Service Ltd.. Auch bei diesem Schritt stellte die DEinternational alle notwendigen Dienstleistungen zur Verfügung, welche beinhalten, dass ein „company secretary“ gestellt wurde und die Adresse der DEinternational als ofﬁzielle Firmenadresse der Windpower Service Ltd. genutzt werden kann. Der „company secretary“ ist in Irland dafür verantwortlich, dass das Unternehmen die Verpﬂichtungen gegenüber dem Handelsregister einhält. Für weitere Informationen zu den Dienstleistungen der Steuer- und Rechtsabteilung kontaktieren Sie bitte: Patrick Bamming, Leiter Steuern/Recht Telefon: +353-(0)16424381 patrick.bamming@ DEinternational.ie

Stefanie Raeth, Projekt Manager Steuern/Recht Telefon: +353-(0)16424371 stefanie.raeth@ DEinternational.ie

Ludwig Heinz (Barrister-at-Law), Rechtsabteilung Telefon: +353-(0)16424300 legal@ DEinternational.ie

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Case Studies

DEINTERNATIONAL’S RECRUITMENT SERVICE: A CASE STUDY

DEinternational offers a complete recruitment service from advertising your positions in Germany and Ireland, screening candidates, testing their oral language skills and sending them on for your review. Tricel is based in the South-West of Ireland. The company is a global based engineering company. The operating divisions include Water Storage, Environmental, Road Safety and Composite & Building Products. Headquartered in Ireland, they manufacture in 7 locations in Northern Europe, so are well positioned to service a wide customer base in over 50 countries worldwide. The company contacted us as they needed to fill a German speaking position. The position required a candidate who spoke fluent German and English; was confident and able to translate in one to one meetings, had an excellent telephone manner and able to work in a team and on own initiative, computer literacy especially in Microsoft office, paid attention to detail and had an outgoing and positive attitude. We began by advertising the position on our website and a number of German

sites. We then went through our current database of German speakers looking for positions. The response to the position was very good and it was predominantly native German speakers who applied. 80% of those who applied were based in Germany. We interviewed all of the applicants and tested their oral language skills. The range of candidates was very diverse but all suited the position. We then sent on the candidates for review to our client and summarised our thoughts and recommendations. We organised SKYPE interviews as a ﬁrst interview as the candidates were in Germany and from there on we supported our client through this process and set up 2nd and 3rd interviews. Finally, our client selected a candidate, Marie Woithe for a face to face interview in Dublin. The interview went very well and she returned to Germany. Tricel believed that she was the right person for the job and sent over a job offer. Marie accepted and made the move from Dresden to Killarney. For more information on the DEinternational Recruitment Service please send an email to recruitment@ DEinternational.ie or call our Recruitment team at +353-(0)16424390.

Business & Investment - German-Irish Business Review 2014

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT WHY INVEST IN GERMANY?

Germany is one of the most attractive business locations in the world, as conﬁrmed by Ernst & Young’s European Attractiveness Survey 2014. International decision makers ranked Germany ﬁrst within the EU, and fourth worldwide in the “most attractive business location” category. A substantial 40 percent of the 300 plus international managers surveyed consider Germany to be western Europe’s foreign direct investment (FDI) magnet.

R&D investment level of more than EUR 79 billion, Germany invested almost the combined innovation expenditures of the UK (EUR 33 billion) and France (EUR 46 billion). Industrial research represents Germany’s key source of innovation. Domestic companies invested more than EUR 53 billion in developing new technologies for competitive products in 2012. Five of the EU’s top ten R&D companies are German enterprises, with Volkswagen leading the ranking.

Germany has a welcoming attitude towards FDI. The German market is open for investment in practically all industry sectors and day-to-day business activities are free from restricting regulations. Every year more and more companies discover Germany as a secure and rewarding investment location. More than 55,000 foreign companies are already operating in Germany, providing employment to around three million people – positive proof of Germany’s attractiveness as an international business location. Germany is the largest market in Europe. It constitutes 21 percent of European GDP and is home to 16 percent of the total EU population. The German economy is both highly industrialised and diversiﬁed; with equal focus placed on services and production. Germany invests signiﬁcantly in fastdeveloping technologies. With a 2012

Automobile production.

Research and Development.

With state-of-the-art transport networks by road, rail, sea, and inland waterways – as well as a dense network of both national and international airports – Germany provides easy access to domestic and international markets. Little wonder that Germany is a global logistics hub. More goods pass through Germany than through any other country in Europe. Germany’s infrastructure excellence is conﬁrmed by a number of recent studies including the Swiss IMD’s World Competitiveness Yearbook and various investor surveys conducted by institutions including the World Bank and Ernst & Young. The 2013-2014 Global Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked Germany ﬁrst in Europe and third worldwide for infrastructure.

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Business & Investment

GERMANY TRADE & INVEST

Lufthansa Technik AG.

Recent studies show that Germany is the first port of call for investors in Europe. Germany is the largest and most powerful economy in Europe and the fourth-largest worldwide. The country’s competitive strength is built on a successful and diverse industrial economy which has given rise to many global market leaders in a wide range of branches and sectors. Business and academics work in close cooperation in Germany. The business location benefits from state support for research and development. German innovations and German-made high-tech products enjoy an excellent reputation around the world. International companies profit from Germany’s convenient location in the centre of Europe and the country’s first-class infrastructure. In addition to an excellent investment climate, Germany offers international investors an excellent economic environment. Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) offers a wide range of information for international companies that want to establish a successful presence in the German market. Project-specific

teams offer advice and support from market entry through to business settlement. The free services from GTAI include project-based support in legal and tax issues, advice on funding and ﬁnancing and the organisation of site visits. The agency identiﬁes and makes initial contact with local partners and networks. As Germany’s most important source of foreign trade information, GTAI also offers an extensive range of market and legal reports on more than 120 foreign markets. GTAI is represented in the major markets of the world by its international network of more than 60 employees and cooperates closely with the local Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs).

Production of Gerolsteiner mineral water.

INFO BOX: Germany Trade & Invest is the economic development agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organisation promotes Germany as a business and technology location and supports companies based in Germany with global market information. The organisation advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market and thus creates new jobs. A particular focus is the economic development of the new federal states and Berlin. Germany Trade & Invest Friedrichstr. 60 10117 Berlin

www.gtai.com

Business & Investment - German-Irish Business Review 2014

REHACARE TRADE FAIR, DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY

800 exhibitors from 33 countries present aids for independent living from 24 to 27 September 2014. People with disabilities, those requiring care and also the elderly and their needs will again be at the centre of attention at the international REHACARE trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 24 to 27 September 2014. Messe Düsseldorf is expecting more than 800 exhibitors from 33 countries, providing a comprehensive overview in six exhibition halls and covering everything that can make daily life easier for these people.

The list of exhibiting nations ranges from Belgium to Cyprus, and the trade fair will also include numerous joint pavilions. Countries such as Canada, China, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, South Korea, Taiwan and the UK will be represented not only with individual stands, but also with major country exhibitions. REHACARE 2014 will be held in Halls 3 to 7 and 7a at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre. The product range will be aimed at professionals as well as affected persons and their families and will cover products and services for virtually all spheres of life and target groups. It will comprise aids for mobility and independent living, aids for outpatient care, communications equipment, barrier-free living and ideas for leisure, travelling and sports. Thanks to the presence of all internationally relevant manufacturers in the mobility segment, the product range at REHACARE will leave almost nothing to be desired. Covering everything associated with wheelchairs, mobility scooters and walking aids, this industry will be represented almost completely by over 200 exhibitors. Leading car manufacturers such as AUDI, Daimler and Volkswagen will present their latest models, adapted to the needs of disabled people, in hall 6. They will be supplemented by specialist

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Business & Investment

manufacturers and service providers, realising customised conversions and installations. People with visual, speech and hearing impairments will ﬁnd their own exhibition spaces in Hall 5, focusing exclusively on the information they require. Tips and products on barrier-free construction and housing can be found in Hall 3. Hall 4 will focus on disability aids and how to help disabled children to be mobile, to communicate, to lead independent lives and to participate in the world around them.

elderly care, doctors’ surgeries, labs and cost-bearing institutions, as well as from trade and industry, trade associations and professional media. Moreover, the trade show is the mouthpiece and most important information platform for people with disabilities and for those in need of nursing care and with chronic diseases and therefore an important source of inspiration for fostering inclusion.

Information and advice are of major importance at REHACARE. One third of all exhibitors are trade associations, organisations and self-help groups which actively carry out such work. They play a leading role in the organisation of theme parks and special exhibitions on education and employment, on tourism and culture and on sports for the disabled. REHACARE reaches broad target group of visitors with high levels of decisionmaking powers and professional expertise – experts and buyers medical supply retail stores, rehab centres, healthcare,

REHACARE 2014 will be open from Wednesday to Friday, 10:00 to 18:00 hrs, and on Saturday, 10:00 to 17:00 hrs. Trade fair tickets are EUR 7.00 if purchased through the online shop and EUR 12.00 at the exhibition centre itself. The latest news about this trade fair can be found on its web portal, REHACARE.com.

12 – 15 Nov 2014 Düsseldorf • Germany www.medica-tradefair.com

IT’S MEDICA Every November MEDICA is an outstanding event for experts from around the world. Some 4,600 exhibitors present a wide range of products at the World Forum for Medicine.

fotolia.com © apops

If you are looking for the latest professional know-how, new developments in medical technology or innovative applications, Düsseldorf is where you will ﬁnd answers to your questions. Take advantage of MEDICA and its special offers for your ﬁeld of expertise too. Be part of the No. 1!

German - Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce 46, Fitzwilliam Square _ Dublin 2 Tel +353 (1) 6424350 _ Fax +353 (1) 6424399 dusseldorf@german-irish.ie _ www.german-irish.ie

MEDICA AND COMPAMED 2014, DÜSSELDORF 2014

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Business & Investment

The course of exhibitor registrations for MEDICA 2014 (November 12 – 15) shows once again that more than 4,500 exhibitors from around 65 nations will be expected to participate. The booked ﬂoor space, with 116,000 square meters, will correlate to the high level seen in previous years, whereby twothirds will be allotted to international participation. For the trade show for medical technology industry being held at the same time, COMPAMED (November 12 - 14), an increase of over 10 percent in bookings has even been noticed up to more than 700 exhibitors,

now on an exhibition surface larger than 13,000 square meters. “Seeing that in previous years the new forms integrated into the trade show had been initiated successfully and the internationalization of the points in the program with many English-speaking presentations had been promoted, e.g. through the MEDICA TECH FORUM and the relaunch of the MEDICA HEALTH IT FORUM, this year’s conceptual focus is on the continuation of live cell therapy for the conference program in 2013,” explained Joachim Schäfer, managing director of Messe Düsseldorf. An addition has been made with the German Society for Internal Medicine (DGIM) joining as a partner for the further development of the MEDICA EDUCATION CONFERENCE program. It has a network of 23,000 members in the ﬁelds of science, medicine and health services on a European-wide basis. Under the motto, “Science Meets Medicine”, the content orientation of this year’s conference provides a thematic integration between the conference program and what the trade show offers. This is because medical advancement is often closely associated with technical developments. Cardiac catheters, synthetic joint replacements, and modern imaging would not even be thinkable without a cross link between technology and medicine. This is being

Business & Investment - German-Irish Business Review 2014

emphasized by the MEDICA EDUCATION CONFERENCE 2014 in the exchange between international scientists, doctors, specialized medical staff, purchasers from hospitals as well as developers and manufacturers. The four days of the conference are dedicated to each area of focus respectively. Planned topics for this include infection and inﬂammation, telemedicine and robotics, gastrointestinal oncology, as well as interventional medicine. With reference to the conference program, being oriented toward those interested, belonging to important target groups, MEDICA is also ensuring that what is being offered is also linked with the topics of the trade show. An example of this includes the 37th German Hospital Day, a leading event for the directors and management of German hospitals that, in addition to current political topics, sheds light on the topic of “tangible issues”, e.g. aspects of human resources and hospital IT. There are two more conferences that also represent this. Each of them had their highly respected debuts last year and shall be continued this year: The conference for disaster and military medicine, DiMiMED, as well as the MEDICA MEDICINE + SPORTS CONFERENCE, all on the issues of prevention and sports medicine

treatment concepts. It has to do with conferences held in the English language that are geared for an international audience. This year, the MEDICA PHYSIO CONFERENCE, organized by Thieme, is new in this year’s program with treatment-oriented talks for the professional scene of physiotherapists, emphasizing the treatment of pain and sports physiotherapy.

Forums and trade show With topical information in connection with MEDICA presentations of the exhibitors and the MEDICA conference program, significant trends also convey numerous forums that are integrated in the trade show. These include MEDICA HEALTH IT FORUM and MEDICA TECH FORUM (developments in the field of high-tech medicine) in addition to, among other things, the MEDICA PHYSIO FORUM (on professional questions of physiotherapists) as well as the MEDICA ECON FORUM, which was successfully initiated by the Messe Düsseldorf and the “Techniker Krankenkasse” (TK, a German health insurance company), on issues regarding benefit assessment and funding innovation, primarily from the standpoint of patients and those who bear the costs. In turn, the medical technology suppliers will use MEDICA in order to present the entire spectrum of new products, services and procedures to raise efficiency and quality in outpatient and in-patient care on almost 116,000 square meters of booked space. Clearly structured according to hall, focuses of the MEDICA trade show include: Electromedicine/medical technology (more than 2,500 exhibitors),

Business & Investment - German-Irish Business Review 2014

In the meantime, the technical requirements for this are fulfilled by tiny sensors, flexible and stretchable substrates made of silicon, polyurethane, polyimide, or textiles that can accommodate electronic assemblies over a wide area, as well as miniature connection technologies, energy efficient communication electronics and high-performance energy storage that can be wirelessly charged, among other things. This unique combination allows MEDICA and COMPAMED to represent the entire process chain and the full range of medical products, devices, and instruments. Together, they fill the whole Düsseldorf trade show complex (19 halls). laboratory technology/diagnostics, physiotherapy/orthopedic technology, commodities and consumables, information and communication technology, medical furniture and specialist furnishings, and building technology for hospitals and doctors’ offices. Suppliers as important pacesetters for innovations. Those that would like to stay up-todate on what is currently trending in the professional scene and above all, to what extent the suppliers in cooperation with the medical technical industry drive on medical advancement. This is also a reason why a visit to COMPAMED 2014 is worthwhile. Within the scope of the international leading platform

for suppliers, around 700 exhibitors are presenting their technological and service solutions for use within the medical technological industry – from new materials, components, primary products, packaging and services all the way to complex custom manufacturing. Here, microsystem technology solutions for mobile diagnosis, monitoring and therapy systems are particularly trendy. For example, with reference to “wearables”, specialist suppliers deal with how the required technology can be best integrated into clothing. Thereby, there are numerous challenges to tackle: In this connection, wearable textiles must furthermore be stretchable without losing contact and should also be sufﬁciently robust for care. In 2013, the two fairs welcomed a total of 132,000 trade visitors, almost 17,000 of whom were particularly interested in the topics covered by COMPAMED. As in previous years, it is possible to visit both events with a single ticket.

Opening times: 10:00 am - 6:30 pm, Saturday 10 am - 5:00 pm (MEDICA only). For more information please see www.medica-tradefair.com and www.compamed-tradefair.com

GESCHÄFTSREISE „DEUTSCHER WEIN“

RIESLING, DORNFELDER ODER VIELLEICHT DOCH SPÄTBURGUNDER?

Business & Investment - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Im Auftrag des Bundesministeriums für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft (BMEL) führte die Auslandshandelskammer (AHK) Irland im Rahmen der Außenwirtschaftsförderung des Ministeriums wie auch bereits im Vorjahr eine Geschäftsreise für Unternehmen im Bereich Wein mit Sitz in Deutschland durch. Die Reise richtete sich an Unternehmensvertreter, die sich bereits über die bestehenden Marktchancen informiert haben und die gezielt, qualiﬁziert und individuell mit potenziellen Geschäftspartnern zusammentreffen wollten. Dabei sind acht deutsche Weingüter bzw. Kellereien nach Irland gereist, um ihre Produkte vorzustellen. Reiseziel war die konkrete Geschäftsanbahnung. Grund für die schnelle Neuauﬂage des Veranstaltungsformates waren die hohe Nachfrage der deutschen Winzer sowie der große Verkaufserfolg aus dem letzten Jahr. Denn orientiert man sich an den Ergebnissen des Vorjahres stehen die Zeichen auf Erfolg. Von den im Jahr 2013 angereisten Winzern exportieren bereits 75 Prozent der Unternehmen ihren Wein nach Irland. Zum Auftakt der Geschäftsreise wurde am 20. Mai eine exklusive Weinprobe im Westbury Hotel in Dublin veranstaltet. Mit insgesamt 100 Besuchern nahmen 20 Prozent mehr irische Importeure, Einzelhändler, Sommeliers, , Restaurants und Supermärkte, Journalisten und weitere Fachleute an der Veranstaltung teil als im Vorjahr.

Dieser hohe Zuspruch der Besucher ist sicherlich auch ein Resultat der guten Kooperation mit folgenden Institutionen: • • • • •

Deutsches Weininstitut Verband Deutscher Weinexporteure Irish Guild of Sommeliers Irish Hotel Federation Irish Wine Association

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Business & Investment

In den Tagen nach der Veranstaltung führten die deutschen Unternehmen zahlreiche Gespräche mit Importeuren und Weinhändlern, die von DEinternational vorbereitet und begleitet wurden. Dabei stand den Unternehmen jederzeit ihr gesamtes mitgebrachtes, wenn nötig auch gekühltes, Weinsortiment zur Verfügung. Durch die organisierten Meetings wurden erfolgreiche Ansätze für gemeinsame Geschäfte hergestellt und man kann davon ausgehen, dass schon ganz bald einige der deutschen Teilnehmer ihre Weine auch nach Irland liefern werden. Bei Fragen zum irischen Markt kontaktieren Sie bitte die AHK Irland: In diesem Jahr konnten die Besucher Weine von der Mosel, dem Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Baden und der Pfalz verkosten und sich von den Produzenten ausgiebig beraten lassen.

Außerdem hatten die irischen Teilnehmer die Möglichkeit, direkt zu Beginn der Veranstaltung an einem 60-minütigen Kurzseminar zum Thema „Deutscher Wein“ teilzunehmen.

INFO BOX

Aideen Keenan Head of Marketing Telefon: +353 (0)1 64 24-330 Email: Aideen.keenan@german-irish.ie

und beliebter. Im Jahr 2013 wurden über 1,176,000*) Flaschen (0,75l) deutsche Weine nach Irland importiert.

DER IRISCHE WEINMARKT Wein zu trinken und sich in der Welt des Weines auszukennen, gilt in Irland, wie auch in vielen anderen Ländern der Welt, als vornehmes Hobby. Alkoholische Getränke sind in Irland durch die hohen Zölle und Steuern relativ teuer. Dennoch erfreut sich insbesondere Wein einer wachsenden Beliebtheit, vor allem durch den Tourismus und die Veränderung der Ess- und Trinkgewohnheiten der Iren. Dabei werden durchaus auch Weine aus den höheren Preissegmenten immer bekannter

Da Irland immer mehr von Importen anhängig ist, ergeben sich hier gute Marktchancen für deutsche Weinunternehmen. Irland wird von Branchenkennern als wichtiger Markt beschrieben, dessen Höhepunkt allerdings noch nicht erreicht sei. *) Quelle: Irish Wine Association - Country of Origin statistics

Business & Investment - German-Irish Business Review 2014

IRELAND’S ELECTRICITY NETWORK UPGRADES “SPARK” INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CO-OPERATION

Author: Aideen Keenan, Head of Marketing, DEinternational Ireland

Bob Hanna of DcENR speaks to an engaged audience at DEinternational’s smart grid conference in May 2014.

Ireland’s electricity network is globally recognised modern and robust. One of the main reasons for this is necessity as a result of being a small, relatively isolated grid it has to be tough to survive. The development of Ireland’s smart grid is well underway: it is being upgraded to enable optimum penetration and integration of renewable energy sources, as well as to ensure optimum control and active management of the grid. Some of the main drivers of smart grid development in Ireland come from the goals that Ireland has set by way of its commitment to EU targets, its public policy and the strategies set out by its own Distribution and Transmission

German company Cleopa GmbH meet with Irish company Energy Solutions during the smart grid trade mission in 2012.

System Operators. For example over 2.3 million smart meters will be installed in Irish homes and businesses by 2027, 40% of electrical energy to be delivered from renewable resources – mostly wind - by 2020 (more than any other country in the EU) and 10% of all domestic transport to be fuelled by electricity by 2020. Against this background DEinternational Ireland has put a particular focus on the smart grid industry in Ireland as an area for German smart grid companies to invest, seek partners and do business. In March 2012 DEinternational held a conference in Dublin bringing together German and Irish expertise, which was coupled with a trade mission of seven German companies. Examples of the German-Irish partnerships generated include E-Senza GmbH who partnered with HSG Zander Ireland to roll out sensors for a wiﬁ network in Irish schools; the technology of Mottai GmbH was included in a smart meter pilot project in Ireland. In October of the following year, DEinternational brought a group of Irish organisations - including highlevel representatives of the Irish transmission system operator, Eirgrid, and the distribution system operator, ESB Networks – to Germany for a fourday tour of a range of real-life testing and demonstrations in Germany for emerging smart grid concepts and technologies (see full report on page 76).

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Business & Investment

TESTIMONIALS: “Very good insight into R&D opportunities in smart grid. Very good conference.” Willie Lawton, Tyndall National Institute, May 2014 “Made me aware of a range of new and current technologies. Excellent range of speakers.” Brian Campbell, Letterkenny IT, May 2014

German company GreenPack GmbH demonstrates its innovative KickTrike to ESB Networks.

IN May 2014 this was followed up by the conference “Smart Grid: Opportunities for German-Irish Co-Operation” at which, among other experts, the chief technical ofﬁcer of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources spoke about the importance of international cooperation in the area of smart grid. In addition, the Irish TSO, Eirgrid, made the German companies aware of their willingness to trial new technologies on the Irish & Northern Irish Power System in the area of smart grid including systems for demand side management; system operation – e.g. advanced voltage control; dynamic line rating; system services – e.g. reserve provision and transmission technology types. Future areas of investment for ESB Networks include systems to protect low voltage assets, North Atlantic Green Zone project, tools and methods to support

DSO functions, 4G and ﬁbre-optic communication networks and data opportunities presented by increased network visibility and the smart meter roll-out. ESB Networks also stressed the importance of strategic research, demonstration and development, including with international partners, in helping to deliver the most efﬁcient future network for Ireland. Visiting German smart grid companies were especially interested by the unique North Atlantic Green Zone project across Ireland and Northern Ireland which will open up opportunities for innovative and pioneering smart grid technology. Seven German companies were also in Ireland on a related trade mission and many concrete business opportunities were explored, including demonstration projects, partnership opportunities and R&D collaboration. One of the participants, the German

“I got a great insight into the current state of smart grids and meters. Fantastic opportunity to increase business.” Stephen Huggard, Ericsson, March 2012 “Got an introduction to more smart grid participants in the Irish market.” Michael Quigley, Accenture, March 2012

company Frecqon GmbH, is now involved in an Enterprise Ireland funded project in South County Dublin to test battery storage on the grid. DEinternational is currently seeking participants for its next smart grid project in the second half of 2015. If you are a German company interested in the Irish market, or an Irish company interested in a German-Irish partnership, please contact: Aideen Keenan, DEinternational Ireland, Tel 00353–(0)1-6424330; email aideen.keenan@german-irish.ie

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German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Business & Investment

THE ULTIMATE POWER STRUGGLE: GERMANY’S TRANSFORMATION TO THE SMART GRID AND THE LESSONS FOR IRELAND

Author: Aideen Keenan, Head of Marketing, DEinternational Ireland

Smart Grid Study Tour: Irish Delegation in Germany, 21st to 24th October 2013 Over four days from 21st to 24th October, twelve Irish organisations took part in a study tour to Germany in the area of Smart Grid. During this intensive fourday programme, the Irish group - which included high-level representatives of the Irish transmission system operator, Eirgrid, and the distribution system operator, ESB Networks – visited a range of real-life testing and demonstrations in Germany for emerging smart grid concepts and technologies. The trip took them over 800km across the country from the Allgäu Region in southern Germany to Aachen in the West, projects included grid simulation and modelling in RWTH University in Aachen, battery research laboratories in the University of Kempten, live demonstrations of energy management systems in Diehl AKO, electrical mobility in Smartlab, sustainable buildings including smart metering and smart devices in Karlsruhe IT and the Technical University of Darmstadt, adjustable transformers with tap-changers and stationary batteries at the IRENE project, as well as system architecture of a number of different smart grid pilot projects across the country. The group also visited manufacturing plants and head ofﬁces of some of the German companies involved in smart grid activities, for example Diehl AKO AG, Ericsson Germany and Power Plus Communications. In addition they took part in a round-table presentation and discussion session in Stuttgart town hall, at which topics such as policyrelated aspects of smart grids, secure communications systems and the implications of smart grid on distribution networks were debated by a GermanIrish audience. The group visited projects showcasing the wide range of systems necessary for the ‘Smart Grid Age’, for example demand response technology, automation and control systems, home energy management systems, various electronics, smart appliances, electric cars, electric and thermal storage

devices. “It’s great to see how a country like Germany is taking the first steps towards revamping their grid for the new energy age,” according to Tony Carroll, CEO of Smart Grid Ireland, Ireland’s allisland advocacy network at the forefront of global smart grid development. He continued “It is obvious from what I’ve seen on this tour that German technology and solutions in the area of smart grid are very advanced and flexible. And the benefit of these site visits above traditional presentation sessions is in the practical nature of being able to view technologies in use, as well as a greater level of interaction with the German experts, which is much more inspiring and informative. I certainly won’t forget the great experiences and lessons from this tour any time soon.” The study tour took place against the background of the necessary transformation of energy grids to meet the growing demands of a more sophisticated energy age. The trend with energy prices is that they’re going in only one direction, and in order to combat this, our electricity grids now need to integrate renewables, more advanced information and communication technology and increase in energy efficiency. This heralds a whole new age which many are referring to as the ‘Smart Grid’. From 2008 to 2013 the German Federal Government has been running a €140m funding programme (€60m Government funding and €80m from involved companies) called ‘e-Energy – ICT-based energy system of the future’ with the aim of testing the fundamental elements of a new smart electricity supply system – under real conditions - in a variety of different situations in six model regions in Germany. The group visited two of these projects: Model City Mannheim (moma) and Smart Watts in Aachen to get a practical overview of the results. In Mannheim, for example, one of the main consortium members, Power Plus Communications, presented the moma project in which an intelligent controller called an ‘energy butler’ was installed in approximately 1,000 households across Mannheim. The participants were given variable tariffs and the way in

Business & Investment - German-Irish Business Review 2014

which these tariffs inﬂuenced consumer behaviour and energy consumption was monitored under the project. An interesting ﬁrst outcome of the project was that although the Energy Butler was found to be an excellent tool, at the time of prototyping the cost of the device and its implementation far outweighed any possible savings. “If the system were designed from scratch today, it wouldn’t need a stand-alone device, for instance,” according to Thomas Wolski, Head of Marketing at Power Plus Communications . “Far more technological options are available, and the capability of the Energy Butler would probably be built into some other device, or exist on some other platform. The principle of adjusting loads according to local supply and market prices still stands as a viable goal, though the ownership of the task is still a matter for debate.”

Another e-Energy project which was visited by the delegation, Smart Watts in Aachen, also focussed on the ‘internet’ of energy, the information layer between the customer and the market. Dynamic pricing was available to the customer by way of an app. As with many of the e-Energy projects, Smart Watts’ aspiration was to provide the means to ascertain safe, reliable and smart pricing. According to Hauke Hinrichs technical director at smartlab Innovationsgesellschaft mbH who were a consortium partner, “The Smart Watts project certainly showed that dynamic pricing deﬁnitely had an impact on the behaviour of the customer and they could save money. Currently dynamic pricing is not permitted in Germany – only under these pilot project conditions - but the discussion is on-going and we are making sure to be at the centre of it.” “The value of these pilot projects was not just in providing potential solutions: even if results weren’t always conclusive, the projects provided valuable real-life testing and highlighting of potential hurdles in the long journey towards the transformation of the energy grid.” This according to Ludwig Karg, from B.A.U.M. Consult, the man who heads up the consortium co-ordinating all six e-Energy pilot projects “We are

currently compiling a major report about the combined results of the pilot projects which will be ready by the end of the year. At this stage I can say that although projects were different in scope, the results were very similar. For example, it is clear that consumer behaviour is majorly influenced by the use of variable energy tariffs. Secondly, the concept of implementing decentral energy management devices to turn homes and enterprises into smart homes and smart factories has been proven to be feasible; automatic systems like demand-response devices will be required to ensure that consumer behaviour is consistent and sustainable. Commercial customers can potentially save up to 20% of their energy costs, and private customers between 5 and 10%, by utilising the strategies and technology employed in the projects. But it’s not only about private consumers. Many turn into prosumers that use and generate electricity as well. And in e-Energy we have proven that managing generation is even more important than influencing consumption.” According to Keith Sunderland from Dublin Institute of Technology, “This is cross-country co-operation at its best - particularly in such a complex topic area as smart grid. For me, one of the main benefits of a tour like this is the opportunity for know-how sharing, debate and discussion, arising out of combining the German results with those of Ireland’s own pilot projects, for example in the area of smart meters and electric cars.” Although there is such a variety of potential smart grid solutions and technologies being tested, both in Ireland and Germany, some technologies crop up again and again. “For a start,” according to Wolfgang Luth, Head of Sales at Diehl AKO Stiftung, “it is clear that demand response technology will be an integral part of the smart grid solution.” By this, he means controllers on systems with high energy demand, thermal and electric storage, even electric car batteries, basically any technology which allows the utilities – in most cases in real time - to control the use of energy on the customer side, in response to extreme

swings in energy production or demand. So for example when demand is so high as to cause an emergency, some forms of demand response technology would enable a utility company to remotely turn off, for example, air conditioners and water heaters in homes, so as to avoid a blackout. On the other side of the coin, it might be necessary for a utility to shed its load during peaks in renewable energy production, during high winds or extreme sunshine, and in these cases, there would need to be somewhere for that excess electricity to ﬂow, for example electric cars connected to the grid could have batteries charged. This type of demand response is common at the industrial level, but it is now becoming increasingly important to put steps in place to introduce them at domestic and commercial level as well. One type of demand-response technology is part of a great GermanIrish success story: Glen Dimplex, an Irish company participating on the trip which has a manufacturing outlet in Germany, together with another German company Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co KG, were part of a group that successfully lobbied the German government to reverse the German law outlawing storage heaters from 2019. According to Martin Betz, the German who is technical head of the Group: “The reason for this was the fact that we have come up with a new type of storage and water heater called Quantum, better insulated than its traditional counterparts, which could be used as a thermal battery. The sophisticated power utility communications contained within would enable the device to be used by utility companies as a demand response technology. Due to the great work of this German-Irish lobby group electrical heaters no longer being phased out and there are great opportunities for this new technology in the smart grid age.” Glen Dimplex and Diehl AKO are part of an alliance of companies who have developed the Smart Eco System which enables interactive connection of, for example, household appliances or heating systems in intelligent networks on the internet helping to optimise the load distribution between power supply systems. The system is complemented by

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Business & Investment

outcomes of the IRENE smart grid project in Wildpodsried in the Allgäu region which the Irish delegation also visited: “Electric cars were given to 30 local residents over a period of nine months and despite their assumption that they would travel much longer distances, 80% of distances were less than 20km, despite being in a rural area. It’s really a case that people need to change their mentality. A very possible future scenario for car usage could be that electric cars are driven day-to-day, and car sharing schemes would be utilised for occasional long-distance driving. The savings – both ﬁnancial as well as environmental - would be enormous!”

Andreas Armsdorfer with the Irish group after a visit to the Institute for Electrical Energy Systems, where they carry out electric car testing.

the integration of storage technologies in order to buffer energy not currently required and to provide it only if required or if the power supplied by the national grid is too expensive. However there are still lots of question marks around demand-response and how exactly it will be implemented. “For example, not everybody uses ‘real time’ to mean ‘instantaneous’ and the deﬁnition can vary depending on who you talk to,” according to Mark Norton from Eirgrid. “But this is a very important deﬁnition to get right – the delay of even a few seconds can spell disaster for a utility company.” Electric cars are also a vital part of the smart grid jigsaw due to their ability to contribute to demand-side management. The smart grid era is introducing the concept of an all-encompassing view of energy in the home which includes electric cars. “Electric cars are on their way into the mainstream,” according to Andreas Armsdorfer from the Institute for Electrical Energy Systems, postgraduate laboratory facilities in the Univeristy of Kempten, where they carry out a variety of electric car testing, for example the effects of wind, temperature, acceleration and gradient. “There are many misconceptions about electric cars. Firstly that they are too

expensive, but actually there has been a 35% reduction in the prices of some electric cars over a period of only the last ﬁve years. There are also now a much wider variety of cars, and many German car manufacturers are now offering electric car models. In addition, running costs are much lower, for example in Germany the cost of running electric cars is approximately one-quarter the cost of internal combustion engines.” Mark Daly from ESB ecars adds, “In Ireland, this is even lower as running electric cars works out at just 10- 20% the cost of petrol or diesel cars. A very recent SEAI study also showed that in Ireland ten-year total cost of ownership of electric vehicles will be the same as internal combustion engines by 2019 – without the grant that’s currently offered in Ireland.” Another major misconception, according to Armsdorfer is that electric cars are only for city driving. He disputes this: “There have been very good developments in car battery technology, which allow an electric car to travel much longer distances than people realise, and we have also proven in tests that fast charging does not affect battery health.” In addition, people’s assumption about the distances they travel on a daily basis can be very interesting. Eduard Gutschmidt from Allgäuer Überlandwerk GmbH explains about some interesting

Electric cars might well be the future, and the advantages clear to see, but people are still showing a reluctance to switch. A scheme in Germany which has made great strides in changing this is the Car2go run by Daimler, an ondemand car sharing and rental scheme with one-way point-to-point rentals which are charged by the minute. The cars can be rented – and accessed using just a mobile phone and can be picked up or dropped off anywhere on the streets of the cities in which the scheme operates. Car2Go was presented to the Irish delegation at the roundtable in Stuttgart by Andreas Leo, Head of Communication at Daimler: “The scheme operates in 23 cities all over the world, and in Stuttgart 100% of the cars are electric vehicles. This city is a showcase for electric mobility with 450 cars, 500 charging points and over 25,000 customers. Even though we know that changing people’s behaviour takes years, the most recent city to introduce the scheme - Milan – had an overwhelmingly positive reaction within a few weeks.” Daly from ESB eCars is positive about the future of electric cars in Ireland: “I could deﬁnitely foresee such a scheme working in Ireland. It’s a great way to introduce people to the advantages of electric cars and it would help in the long-term to lead to the next step of buying an electric car, for which Ireland currently offers a very good grant scheme.” Another technology which featured many times on the study tour was energy

Business & Investment - German-Irish Business Review 2014

storage devices. The IRENE project featured electrical storage a low-voltage level. John Byrne, Smart Grid Manager at ESB Networks was very impressed at the work being done at this level in Germany: “It was fascinating to see the tests that are being carried out, including energy storage, tap-changing at low voltage and the integration of such a huge volume of renewables. This is all possible in Ireland, but is just not being done yet.” There is an ongoing debate about how to make the best use of battery storage in the long-term. Gutschmidt from Allgäuer Überlandwerk admitted that the current tests being done in Wildpodsried using Siemens’s battery technology – albeit very valuable in terms of testing and results - are not economical, as they are testing with most modern, stateof-the-art equipment, which is very expensive. Ludwig Karg from B.A.U.M. Consult and Mark Norton from Eirgrid both agree that storage will be part of the ‘smart grid solution’ but not the full solution, as it does not have a signiﬁcant enough scale. A recent German report from VDE stated that storage would only be needed after 40% penetration with renewables as technical measures and demand response will alleviate the problem until then. This is a similar situation to in Ireland, with estimates at around the 50% mark. The transformation to the Smart Grid brings with it many challenges, many of which were raised again and again over the course of the project visits and expert discussions. Karg makes a good point: “What’s happening with the transformation of the energy grid is that people’s basic needs, that is to

say energy, heat and light, are being affected. All of us who are used to taking these comforts for granted, are suddenly facing the situation where they do not seem so stable, for example take the situation of demand-response technologies taking away our own control of our energy use.” According to Carroll from SmartGridIreland, “Germany has been doing a very good job tackling the many issues, for example the issues of customer confidence, data protection and the challenging collaboration between ICT and energy companies.” The transformation of the energy grid doesn’t just mean a new direction for utilities and energy companies, but it requires a change in behaviour at customer level as well, and it will be a big challenge to get the people on board. The confidence of consumer is paramount to the successful transformation to smart grid. This thought has to be at the forefront of every decision made, not just by utility companies but by every other industry involved in smart grid. According to Prof. Dr. Hartmut Schmeck from FZI, Karlsruhe University’s Research Centre for Information Technology, one of the consortium partners in the meregio e-Energy pilot project, “The benefits will have to be made clear to the customer, they will need to see how much they save in economic terms, and they will need to be rewarded for saving energy, override buttons will have to feature in automated systems, electric cars will have to be left with reserve ‘fuel’ for emergency situations, data security cannot be compromised.” The FZI have a lot of experience in monitoring people’s behaviour. Their ‘House of Living Labs’

was visited on the study tour, which tests out homogeneous intelligent devices for smart homes including intelligent applications, electric heaters, CHP, solar inverters, smart meters, energy management panels and much more. The FZI facilitated some of their research by way of a house on campus that was occupied by people whose energy behaviour was monitored. The issue of data protection is also at the forefront of the debate around smart grid. The danger here lies in the power of the information that would be at the disposal of the utility companies and what could be done if this data got into in wrong hands. During the information events that the IRENE project partners in Wildpodsried held for locals to answer questions, inform them and get them on board, one of the biggest fears of the potential participants regarding electric cars related to the security of their personal data and the protection of their identity. For example, information about when they leave their houses , how often they travel, where they go would be at the disposal of the project partners. Gutschmidt was clear about how they worked hard to get people on board: “It was top priority for us to ensure that these people’s fears were allayed. We took a lot of time with them, explained the beneﬁts to them, showed them how the data wold be processed and how they would only be referred to only by a number. It took a long time to get our 30 participants on board, but the way we saw things, the comfort of customer cannot be compromised.” In the moma project in Mannheim, data security for residents was also a huge issue and on that basis, all data for metering was stored in the individual metering location, for example in the home or in the context of multiple dwellings such as apartments, all resident data is kept in a gateway. Thomas Wolski from Power Plus explained: “Access to this data was only granted when needed, that is to say the utility would only ‘fetch’ data from these distributed data on the basis of individual contracts. This was a good compromise.” Another unprecedented challenge for the energy market is the necessary

Irish group view low voltage at the IRENE project in Wilpodsried.

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Business & Investment

deal with this, “In this case, intelligent network capacity management could be an alternative for conventional network expansion. As the network operator will choose a combination of different alternatives to provide sufﬁcient network capacities, regulation should provide neutral incentives that leave the decision about the right option mix to the network operator.”

Dr. Antonello Monti of RWTH University in Aachen shows the group the university’s very impressive grid simulation and modelling system

collaboration of ICT companies and energy companies who traditionally differ in terms of background, priorities, business timeframes and mentality. It’s not a surprise to learn that co-operation between the two sides is challenging. However someone who is ensuring that it happens successfully is Fiona Williams Research Director at Ericsson Germany, an Irish woman (coincidentally) who is co-ordination partner in the FP7-funded project FINESCE, and who is responsible for bringing together a consortium of leading energy and ICT operators, manufacturers and service providers as well as research organisations and SMEs from all over Europe, including RWTH Aachen University and B.A.U.M. Consult GmbH in Germany and TSSG and ESB in Ireland. The project involves running a series of smart grid ﬁeld trials at sites in seven European countries, including Germany and Ireland. “Telecommunication is a driving issue in the development of an efﬁcient

smart grid, and our priority at Ericsson Germany is to make sure it is integrated efﬁciently and effectively. In my over twenty years of EU project work, I have a lot of experience in successfully coordinating and getting the best out of consortiums such as this, and this is no exception.” In addition to the Ericsson plant, some of the testing facilities used in this course of the FINESCE project, including a very impressive grid simulation and modelling system headed up by Dr. Antonello Monti in RWTH University in Aachen, were also visited by the Irish delegation on the study tour. Distribution system operators face enormous challenges to integrate the increasing amount of renewables visà-vis the transformation of the energy system. Dr. Christine Müller, Senior Consultant at WIK-Consult, who spoke at the round-table discussion in Stuttgart Town Hall highlighted possible ways to

The study tour also highlighted some important differences between Ireland and German energy markets. For example, in contrast to Ireland’s single TSO and single DSO, the German market has a much more complex structure with four TSOs and over 900 DSOs. According to Hauke Hinrichs from Smart Lab, “In some ways, the vast number of DSOs in Germany make the transformation of the energy market a much more difﬁcult process, because there are so many market players. In other ways however, the smaller DSOs can often be much more innovative and ﬂexible and end up driving change, so it depends how you look at it.” Whatever the complexities of the market, some great opportunities for German-Irish co-operation were already in evidence by the end of the tour. Car2Go will be re-introduced to important Irish stakeholders by ESB e-cars; the Irish company MAC Ltd and Power Plus Communications discussed a possible collaboration involving sensors for substation monitoring; ESB Networks offered the opportunity to German companies with innovative technology, for example Diehl AKO and Power plus Communications, to test their equipment on the Irish grid. Overall the success of the study tour has served only to strengthen the co-operation between Germany and Ireland in the area of smart grid.

A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR GERMAN-IRISH COOPERATION IN R&D COMING THIS OCTOBER!

Business & Investment - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Together, the pharmaceutical industry, the industry for biotechnology and the industry for medical technology form one of the strongest branches in Ireland and many international market leaders have chosen Ireland as their base. Ireland is well known for its very good cooperation between industry, academic institutions and governmental organisations when it comes to R&D. Together, these different stakeholders have succeeded in creating a well-working network that helps to strengthen Ireland’s economic position as well as its excellent reputation as a knowledge- and research-based destination for investments from abroad. Also, the Irish government provides incentives for the expansion of the mentioned sectors such as tax reductions of 25% on R&D expenditures as well as an additional tax reduction of 12.5% on earnings from commercial transactions related to R&D innovation activities. This vast potential is also an ideal opportunity for German R&D providers to create long-lasting export relationships to Ireland. We are therefore delighted to announce that the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce is organizing a Trade Mission for German companies from the sector of laboratory equipment and analysis technology. The Trade Mission is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and will take place from the 21st to the 24th October 2014. The Trade Mission will kick off with a one-day conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown on the 21st of October, where Irish and German

experts will elaborate on the latest developments and opportunities in the ﬁeld of R&D and the German companies participating in the Trade Mission will showcase their products, supported by the IRDG Industry Research and Development Group. A great opportunity to network, meet new cooperation partners and get to know multipliers and decision makers! If you would like to attend the conference, contact Elisabeth Gehlert, the responsible project manager, to register. Until the editorial deadline of our German-Irish Business Review 2014, eight companies have already registered to attend the Trade Mission and conference. These companies are all seeking to collaborate with Irish institutes, businesses and organisations – so if you are interested in their products and in exploring options for potential cooperation with them, contact Elisabeth to sign up for an individual B2B meeting between the 22nd and the 24th of October with them in your premises! 1. Köttermann GmbH & Co KG’s newest innovation is the high-tech laboratory system EXPLORIS®. With its comprehensive range of laboratory furniture, hazardous substance cabinets, service supply systems and laboratory fume cupboards, EXPLORIS® ensures that all your needs can be met. All individual parts are “Made in Germany”. This system has been developed to the highest standards by the best engineers, is made of solid, durable steel and is built modularly and can be ﬂexibly extended.

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Business & Investment

2. MembraPure is a specialist for chromatography (i.e. amino acid analytics, ion chromatography), ultra-pure water, laboratory water, online TOC analysis, membrane filtration as well as cross flow filtration. The company is currently looking for a distributor in Ireland. 3. Funke Dr. N. Gerber Labortechnik GmbH focuses on providing highend devices for the analysis of dairy products and beer. It develops, manufactures and markets the following equipment and accessories for the „Gerber method of determining fat content“, i.e. centrifuges, water baths, reading lamps, butyrometers, as well as „CryoStar“ freezing point determination units, „LactoStar“ and „LactoFlash“ milk analysis devices and pH meters.

4. J&M Analytik AG supplies spectrometers that combine modularity, ﬂexibility, ease of use and high quality in one. Their broad capabilities are demonstrated by the wide variety of applications including: • Material Sciences (forensics, semiconductor technology) • Quality Control (automotive, foodstuff) • Research (nanotechnology, rapid kinetics) They also supply applications and analysis equipment such as measuring cells, light guides, software, light sources.

5. The Medizin- und Labortechnik Engineering GmbH Dresden develops, designs and manufactures laboratory equipment and technical analysis machines, such as OEM modules, water and environmental analysis systems and autosamplers. Their ﬂow injection analysis system photometrically measures the parameters of samples with standardised procedures. Their autosampler can be used in diverse analytical techniques (AAS, TOC, FIA etc.) as well as in sampling and sample preparation. 6. LLS ROWIAK LaserLabSolutions offers a wide range of laboratory, development and consulting services referring to the application of lasers, and in particular ultrashort pulse lasers, on tissues, cells and materials. Their portfolio of imaging and cutting systems ranges from CellMonitor for automated cell monitoring to the well-known systems CellSurgeon and TissueSurgeon for laser-based cell manipulation as well as tissue and material processing. 7. Waldner is the specialist for laboratory furniture, laboratory fume cupboards and for service and maintenance within the laboratory. The slender, patented side posts of their fume cupboards offer an increased nominal width of the

internal workspace and due to their special shape ensure that there is little turbulence in the intake air. 8. TTZ Bremerhaven is an innovative provider of research services and operates in the ﬁeld of applicationoriented research and development. Under the umbrella of TTZ Bremerhaven, an international team of experts is working in the areas of food, environment and health. In the health sector they pursue above all the use of new technologies, e.g. in minimally invasive surgery or telemedicine. Environmental topics of TTZ cover water, energy and land use management and their food department develops and optimizes food and cosmetic products as well as the manufacturing processes involved. If you are interested in joining us for the conference on the 21st of October in Dublin, if you want to arrange an in-house meeting with any of the companies above or if you have any further questions on this project, please contact: Elisabeth Gehlert Project Manager/Projektleiterin Tel: 00353-(0)1 6424 321 Mobile: 00353-(0)87-2528 886 E-Mail: elisabeth.gehlert@ DEinternational.ie

We’re different…

Tourism – How many of these questions can you answer?

„Tourism is a powerful instrument of regional policy, assisting in raising incomes and providing employment in the country’s more remote and poorer regions. In addition to purely economic considerations, however, tourism has the important ‘added value’ effect of energising and raising the morale of communities in these regions, many of which have been adversely affected by emigration and depopulation. Tourism also acts naturally as an instrument of regional balance in Ireland.“ (EU Commission) Do you agree? Is tourism in Ireland really moving in this direction?

2 From ‘Tourism Imbalance’ to ‘tourism in balance’ is the obvious goal all want to achieve. But why is it so difficult to get there?

Your answer? We believe to have some concepts and ideas... Who remembers for example the (development of the) Study „A Crusade for Survival“ what they then called the „Final Report of Study of the West of Ireland“? You know this is dating back 20 years? (You can google the coverage our magazine produced…). How much has changed since? These issues have also been important for the work we try to do for the regions… – and there are more of them. Not only in the West!

3 Guess why we are putting these two rural villages, Mulranny and Glencolumbkille (Gleann Cholm Cille), on our tourism

map? More ideas from your side? The question remains why more than 30 per cent of our individual travellers, and smaller or larger groups, travel to Donegal or Northern Ireland for example. Or to Achill Island and other rural regions. The average German tourist to Ireland on the other hand visits Dublin far more often than our clientele. What are overlaying correlations? Are you curious why our customers are so loyal and why we can maintain long-term intensive relationships with many of our customers?

4 So what makes our (small set of) companies so different to others? 5 What is the European Centre for Culture and Communication (EBZ) Ireland about? 6 Would you know how many Germans we can bring in touch with „your product“?

This could be your brilliant new product for our Irish Shop (online) or your nice & cosy guesthouse (Hotel, B&B...) in the countryside. It could be also you as an expert for something, a person our groups could meet and talk to...

If it comes to a small (or bigger) group travelling – have you ever told us what you still have in mind? But allow us some time to respond, please. We do not have any standard or pre-fabricated tours to sell. All we offer is „self made“ and planned and organized individually, no agency involved.

If it comes to travelling: Always flying? Return ticket, „detour“ or roundtrip? Never using a car ferry? We can book all of them – in either direction.

irland journal: A magazine offering a critical perspective by Irish and, mainly, German writers on the island. Published since 1990 – thus in its 25th year. Never seen an issue? We’ve put the complete issue 1.14 online. A look costs a few minutes only. Reading takes longer. Would you like to order a free print issue? You are most welcome to contact us by email or telephone. Only one example of our rather unconventional portraits of German companies in Ireland was the story „der Weg des langen Hans“ of Liebherr (pp 146-150, Irland Journal 1.14). Get in touch with us and the next exciting story in Irland Journal could be devoted to your company! Interested?

Has your offer ever been featured in either the magazine or in our monthly newsletter going out to well over 60.000 real friends of Ireland?

„Germany wants more Irish culture. Why can’t we deliver?“, Derek Scully once asked in the Irish Times (http://www. gaeltacht.de/index_N2000278011.html#A1049). Your comment?

12 Don’t expect that we know all the answers. But we have been working on them. For more than 30 years… 13 Gaeltacht Irland Reisen/EBZ Irland::

„One of the biggest German travel agencies and tour operators specialising in Ireland (Gaeltacht). Also concerned with smaller and bigger educational groups (history, politics, culture) and putting the programmes together (EBZ Irland).“

Some answers and other useful information can be found here: www.irland-journal.de www.irlandlaedtdichein.de (the most recent one re. 2014) www.ebzirland.de www.gaeltacht.de (under revision/re-construction, but working, with approx. 100.000 html pages; 200.000 clicks a month) www.irish-shop.de www.celtic-music-net.com www.folk-lied-weltmusic.de www.folker.de and more...

Contact via e-Mail: ebz@gaeltacht.de By post: Gaeltacht/journal/Shop...: „all things Irish/Celtic“; Schwarzer Weg 25, 47447 Moers, Germany Or call „the person in the background/behind the scenes“, Christian Ludwig, at +49 2841-930 131

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Tourism Special

Wie komme ich nach Irland? In die USA und in die Golfstaaten bestehen tägliche Flugverbindungen. Acht Flughäfen verbinden Irland mit Städten in Großbritannien und ganz Europa, zusätzlich bestehen mehrere Fährverbindungen für PKW-Überfahrten und Frachttransporte nach Frankreich, Großbritannien und Übersee. Zurzeit gibt es wöchentlich 20.000 Sitze von allen wichtigen Flughäfen Deutschlands nach Irland. DUBLIN AIRPORT • 60 Airlines fliegen zu über 170 Zielen, einschließlich täglichen Direktflügen von Nordamerika, vom europäischen Festland, Großbritannien und von Nahost. • Der Dublin Airport bedient 29 Flughäfen in Großbritannien, und das stetig wachsende europäische Flugnetz umfasst mittlerweile 100 Zielflughäfen, einschließlich Direktflüge von München, Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Hannover, Düsseldorf und Frankfurt. • Ein zweites Airport-Terminal T2 wurde 2010 eröffnet und hat die Kapazitäten des Flughafens auf 15 Mio. erhöht. • Der Dublin Port Tunnel senkt die Fahrzeit vom Airport ins Stadtzentrum auf 20 Minuten.

CORK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Mehr als 25 Airlines fliegen über 60 Ziele an, einschließlich täglichen Direktflügen vom europäischen Festland und Großbritannien. Der Flughafen ist keine zehn Minuten von Corks Stadtzentrum entfernt. KNOCK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Mehr als 25 Ziele einschließlich täglichen Direktflügen vom europäischen Festland und Großbritannien.

SHANNON AIRPORT Über 25 Reiseziele, darunter Nordamerika, das europäische Festland und Großbritannien, sind durch tägliche Direktﬂüge erreichbar.

REGIONAL AIRPORTS Flüge gibt es auch von den regionalen Flughäfen in Donegal, Derry, Kerry, Waterford und Sligo.

BELFAST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Der Belfast International Airport ist der zweitgrößte Flughafen Irlands mit Verbindung zu über 57 Zielen einschließlich Nordamerika, dem europäischen Festland, Großbritannien und Nahost. Der Flughafen liegt 18 Kilometer von Belfasts Stadtzentrum entfernt und ist verkehrstechnisch hervorragend angebunden.

Tourism Special - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Let’s meet in Ireland! Warum Irland?

Als Hightech-Wirtschaftsstandort, nur zwei Stunden von Deutschland entfernt, ist Irland der perfekte Ort für Konferenzen, Tagungen und Veranstaltungen. Geschäftsreisende, die Irland besuchen, ﬁnden hier nicht nur Veranstaltungsorte, Konferenzeinrichtungen und Unterkünfte von Weltklasse. Vielmehr erleben sie hier die unverwechselbare Wesensart, die warmherzige Gastfreundschaft und die zupackende “Can do” - Mentalität der Iren. In diesem Land herrscht, wie Lonely Planet es ausdrückt, das Gefühl, dass “alles möglich” ist.

Irland ist ein beliebtes Ziel für Konferenzen, Tagungen und Incentive-Reisen, und das aus 10 guten Gründen: 1. Tagungsorte von Weltklasse Irland bietet eine außergewöhnliche Auswahl an Tagungsörtlichkeiten, von historischen Burgen bis hin zu den modernsten Konferenzzentren. 2. Unterkünfte Unter Irlands 900 Hotels ﬁnden sich internationale Marken und kleine Boutique Hotels. Es gibt auf der Insel mehr als 60.000 Zimmer in jeder Preisklasse und verschiedenste Unterbringungsmöglichkeiten - von Burgen bis hin zum Universitätscampus. Irland bietet seinen Gästen einige wirklich unvergessliche Quartiere: Burgen und Landgüter im Privatbesitz können komplett mit Personal gemietet werden, auch für große Dinner - in einigen Häusern sogar mit den Hausherren – meist Lord und Lady.

Und Irland eröffnet großartige Möglichkeiten: Städte wie Dublin, Cork, Galway, Belfast und Limerick bieten moderne Konferenzeinrichtungen gepaart mit einer großen Bandbreite an stilvollen und komfortablen Unterkünften. Tagungen ﬁnden in mittelalterlichen Schlössern, spezialisierten Konferenzzentren oder trendigen modernen Gebäuden statt. Mehr als 1.000 Unternehmen haben ihre Auslandsbasis in Irland und unterstreichen damit seine Bedeutung als attraktives Land für Konferenzen, Meetings, Incentive-Reisen und Veranstaltungen. Vom kleinsten Meeting bis hin zum G8-Gipfel - Besucher aus der ganzen Welt konnten sich bereits von der Professionalität und Freundlichkeit der Iren überzeugen. Dank der landschaftlichen Vielfalt dieses kleinen Landes können Geschäftsreisende eine Vielzahl von Aktivitäten unternehmen, auch wenn nur wenig Zeit zur Verfügung steht.

3. Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis Irland ist Mitglied der Europäischen Union, Zahlungsmittel ist der Euro. Dies macht das Land attraktiv für Geschäftsreisende aus EU-Ländern. In Irland können sich Geschäftsreisende die Mehrwertsteuer auf Unterbringungskosten rückerstatten lassen und erhalten einen ermäßigten Steuersatz von 9% auf touristische Dienstleistungen.

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Tourism Special

7. Sprache Irlands Hauptsprache ist Englisch. 8. Schlüsselindustrien mit Sitz in Irland 1.000 multinationale Unternehmen mit Sitz in Irland können Sie und Ihre Veranstaltung durch Sponsor- und Ausstellungsmöglichkeiten unterstützen. Mehr als eintausend internationale Unternehmen haben Irland zu ihrem Europastandort gemacht. Besonders Dublin entwickelt sich immer mehr zum attraktiven Standort für IT-Unternehmen wie Google und Facebook, die dort ihren EMEA-Hauptsitz eingerichtet haben. Dieses „Gütesiegel“ der internationalen Unternehmen trägt dazu bei, dass Irland als Ort für Konferenzen, Tagungen, Incentives und Firmenveranstaltungen immer populärer wird. 9. Die freundliche Leute Nicht nur das Land, auch die Gastgeber sind einzigartig. Die Iren lieben es, sich zu engagieren. Sie sind neugierig auf das Leben und die Menschen. Sie haben die angeborene Fähigkeit, zu erkennen und zu verstehen, wenn andere neue Lebenskräfte suchen. 10. Professionelles Branchen-Know-how Irland ist bekannt für seine Serviceorientierung im Tagungsgeschäft. Staatliche Einrichtungen und Handelspartner arbeiten eng zusammen und bieten einen einzigartigen Service für Konferenzorganisatoren.

4. Kapazitäten Irland bietet Kapazitäten für Veranstaltungen jeder Größenordnung - angefangen vom kleinen intimen Meeting in einmaliger, individueller Umgebung bis hin zu Konferenzen in spezialisierten Konferenzzentren. 5. Traditionell hohe Teilnehmerzahlen Irland ist weltbekannt für seine Gastfreundschaft und seinen speziellen Humor. Das macht eine Konferenz in Irland ganz besonders reizvoll für Ihre Teammitglieder und Fachkollegen aus der ganzen Welt - hohe Teilnehmerzahlen garantiert. 6. Sicherheit Irland ist ein sicheres und einladendes Reiseziel. In freundlicher und entspannter Atmosphäre fühlen sich Geschäftsreisende in ihrem Umfeld sicher und gut aufgehoben.

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Tourism Special - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Sie bleiben nach Ihrer Veranstaltung in Irland? Zehn Dinge, die Sie unbedingt tun sollten! 1. Machen Sie eine City Bustour In Dublin, Cork, Belfast und Limerick können Sie per Bus unterhaltsame Sightseeingtouren unternehmen, bei denen Sie die Fahrt jederzeit unterbrechen können. An Bord gibt es erfahrene Guides, die Ihnen jede Menge Einblicke geben (mehrsprachige Übersetzung verfügbar).

3. Besuchen Sie eine Stadt am Meer West Cork ist bekannt für seine wilden Strände, zerklüfteten Halbinseln und für seine Inseln wie Cape Clear und Sherkin, auf denen nur irisch gesprochen wird. In nur einer halben Stunde Fahrt von Dublins Stadtzentrum ﬁnden Sie sich wieder in einem kleinen sanft schaukelnden Boot auf dem Weg nach Dalkey Island oder Irelands Eye. Galway ist eine interessante Stadt - und eine wichtige Etappe auf dem Weg zu dem, was dahinter liegt: Irland von seiner ungebändigten Seite. Nur wenige Stunden Weg sind es von Maam Cross zur Hafenstadt Clifden oder zum Korallenstrand bei Carraroe.

2. Finden Sie ein Festival Ob nun die weltbekannte St. Patrick’s Day Parade, die jährliche “Redhead Convention”, das Matchmaking Festival in Lisdoonvarna, die Pferdeshow in Dublin oder Irlands traditionelles Musikfestival “Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann” - für jeden Geschmack ist etwas dabei!

4. Erleben Sie die schönste Autotour Ihres Lebens Irlands „Wild Atlantic Way“ erstreckt sich von Donegal im Norden bis nach Cork im Süden und ist eine der längsten Küstenrouten der Welt. Erleben Sie auf 2.500 Kilometern Irlands atemberaubende Küstenlandschaft!

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Tourism Special

5. Trinken Sie einen guten Tropfen Ein Besuch in Dublin ist nicht vollständig, wenn Sie nicht Guinness probieren!! Am besten besuchen Sie das moderne Guinness Storehouse neben der bekannten Brauerei, Irlands Top-Besucherattraktion - und statten anschließend der Old Jameson Distillery, der Midleton Distillery in Cork oder der Bushmills Distillery im Norden einen Besuch ab.

8. Einmal Burgherr sein Haben Sie ein Faible für Burgen und Kathedralen? Irland hat sie in Hülle und Fülle! Christchurch, St Patrick’s, Blarney, Bunratty und der Rock of Cashel: alle Epochen sind vertreten.

9. Spielen Sie mit Bei Gaelic Football, Hurling oder Camogie (Hurling für Frauen) erfahren Sie die irische Seele. „Es ist eine einmalig tolle Erfahrung, es geht um Zugehörigkeit und um tief verwurzelte Rivalität. Aber es ist stets respektvoll.“ Dean Goodison (Sportautor und -reporter)

6. Irischer Tanz – probieren Sie’s aus! Erleben Sie irischen Tanz und landestypische Musik in einem der vielen Irish Pubs oder an anderen Veranstaltungsorten im ganzen Land.

10. Schauen Sie im Pub vorbei Es gibt nur wenig über Irish Pubs zu sagen, das nicht in Irish Pubs gesagt wurde. Diese vertrauenserweckenden kleinen Stuben sind bekannt für ihre cremigen Pints, anheimelnde Atmosphäre und fröhliche Geselligkeit.

7. Einsamer Strandspaziergang Brauchen Sie eine Auszeit? An Irlands über 4500 km langen Küste gibt es jede Menge Strände - und viele von ihnen sind perfekt geeignet, um E-Mails, Telefonaten und Meetings zu entﬂiehen, die Meeresbrise zu genießen und dem Rauschen der Wellen zuzuhören.

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Tourism Special - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Surprising facts about Ireland Ireland - Did you know?

Irland – Wussten Sie schon, dass..?

Ireland is currently the only country in the EU without postcodes.

Irland ist das derzeit einzige Land der EU ohne Postleitzahlen.

It takes 119.5 seconds to pour the perfect pint of Guinness.

Es dauert 119,5 Sekunden, um ein perfektes Pint Guinness einzuschenken.

Sir James Martin, a man from County Down in Northern Ireland, invented the worlds ﬁrst ejector seat.

Sir James Martin, ein Mann aus dem County Down in Nordirland, erfand den ersten Schleudersitz der Welt.

The longest place name in Ireland is Muckanaghederdauhaulia.

Irlands längster Ortsname lautet Muckanaghederdauhaulia.

What do Angela Merkel, Vitali Klitschko and U2’s Bono have in common? They all visited The CCD in March for the landmark European People’s Party (EPP) 2014 Elections Congress!

Was haben Angela Merkel, Vitali Klitschko und Bono von U2 gemeinsam? Sie alle besuchten im März 2014 das Convention Centre Dublin anlässlich des bahnbrechenden Wahlkongresses der Europäischen Volkspartei!

According to Irish birthday traditions, people hold the birthday child upside down and bump the head slighlt yon the ﬂoor. The bumps correspond to the age of the child. It is believed this tradition brings good luck.

Nach einer irischen Geburtstagstradition werden Geburtstagskinder kopfüber mit dem Kopf leicht auf den Boden aufgestoßen. Die Zahl der Stöße korrespondiert mit dem Alter des Kindes. Dieses Ritual soll Glück bringen.

Irishman James Hoban designed The White House in Washington. He won a competition in 1792, which gave him the honour of designing the building.

Der Ire James Hoban gestaltete das Weiße Haus in Washington. Zuteil wurde ihm diese Ehre durch den Gewinn eines Wettbewerbes im Jahre 1792.

The Rock band U2 have won 22 Grammies.

Die Rockband U2 hat bereits 22 Grammies gewonnen.

The average Irish person drinks 1,184 cups of tea per year, making it the largest tea-drinking nation in the world per capita.

Der Ire trinkt durchschnittlich 1.184 Tassen Tee pro Jahr. Damit ist Irland die größte Pro-Kopf-Teetrinkernation der Welt.

About half the population of Australia can claim Irish ancestry.

Ungefähr die Hälfte der australischen Bevölkerung kann irische Vorfahren vorweisen.

St. Patrick was not actually Irish – he was Roman.

Der heilige Patrick war kein gebürtiger Ire sondern Römer.

The world’s frst recorded open yacht race was held in Dublin Bay in 1663.

Das weltweit erste nachgewiesene Yachtrennen fand in der Bucht von Dublin im Jahr 1663 statt.

Ireland has won the Eurovision Song Contest 7 times – more than any other nation!

Irland hat den Eurovision Song Contest sieben Mal gewonnen – öfter als jede andere Nation!

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Tourism Special

Überraschende Fakten über Irland Ireland - Did you know?

Irland – Wussten Sie schon, dass..?

The Republic of Ireland is the only country in the world which has a musical instrument – the harp – as their national symbol. The oldest known harp in existence is housed in Trinity College, Dublin. It dates back from at least 1300.

Die Republik Irland ist das einzige Land der Welt, dass ein Musikinstrument – die Harfe – als Nationalsymbol besitzt. Die älteste noch existierende Harfe beﬁndet sich im Trinity College in Dublin. Sie stammt mindestens von 1300.

The average life expectancy at birth in Ireland is currently 80.44 years of age.

Die durchschnittliche Lebenserwartung in Irland beträgt 80,44 Jahre.

HMS Titanic, the unsinkable ship, which sunk during its maiden voyage, was made in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Die HMS Titanic, das unsinkbare Schiff, das während seiner Jungfernfahrt sank, wurde in Belfast in Nordirland gebaut.

Phoenix Park Dublin is the third largest walled city park in Europe.

Der Phoenix Park in Dublin ist der drittgrößte ummauerte Stadtpark in Europa.

In 2002 Ireland was the ﬁrst country in the world to have an environmental tax for plastic shopping bags and in 2004 it was the ﬁrst to introduce a public smoking ban.

Im Jahre 2002 hatte Irland als erstes Land eine Umweltsteuer für Einkaufstüten aus Plastik. 2004 war es das erste Land, dass ein öffentliches Rauchverbot einführte.

The guillotine was used by the Irish 500 years long before the French adopted it. The proof can be found in an old print of a gentleman named Murcod Ballagh using a guillotine near Merton, County Galway on April 1, 1307.

Die Guillotine hatten die Iren schon 500 Jahre in Gebrauch, bevor die Franzosen sie einführten. Der Beweis ﬁndet sich in einem alten Druck eines Herren namens Murcod Ballagh, der am 1. April 1307 eine Guillotine nahe Merton im County Galway verwendet.

The oldest known manuscript of the New Testament of the Holy Bible is housed in the Chester Beatty Library, next to Dublin Castle, in Dublin City Centre.

Das älteste bekannteste Manuskript des Neuen Testaments beﬁndet sich in der Chester Beatty Bibliothek neben dem Dubliner Schloss im Zentrum der Stadt.

The Royal Yacht Club in Cork was founded in 1720 and is the oldest Yacht Club in the world.

Der Royal Yacht Club in Cork wurde 1720 gegründet und ist der älteste Yacht Club der Welt.

Ireland’s oldest pub, Sean’s Bar opened in 900 AD

Irlands ältester Pub Sean’s Bar öffnete im Jahre 900.

More Irish people live outside Ireland than in Ireland. It is estimated that 80 million people of Irish descent live outside Ireland in countries such as the US, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Mexico, South Africa and continental Europe. This is 14 times more than the population on the island of Ireland. 3 million of these emigrants still hold Irish nationality.

Es leben mehr Iren außerhalb Irlands als in Irland selbst. Es wird geschätzt, dass 800 Mio. Menschen irischer Abstammung außerhalb Irlands in Staaten wie den USA, Großbritannien, Kanada, Australien, Argentinien, Neuseeland, Mexiko, Südafrika und Kontinentaleuropa leben. Das ist das 14-fache der Bevölkerung der Insel. Drei Mio. Auswanderer haben noch immer die irische Staatsbürgerschaft.

190 Flugverbindungen nach Dublin. 8.000 Personen Kapazität im National Conference Centre. 60.000 Hotelzimmer. 100.000 Mal Willkommen. Veranstalten Sie Ihr nächstes Meeting oder die kommende Incentive-Reise in Irland, und Sie werden zweierlei entdecken: unsere und Ihre eigene Spitzenleistung. Irlands Veranstaltungslocations und Konferenzzentren, eine hochmoderne technische Ausstattung und vielfältige Unterbringungsmöglichkeiten machen Ihre Konferenz auf ganzer Linie zum Erfolg. Und noch mehr: Irland und seine Menschen erwarten Sie mit ihrer naturgegebenen Kreativität – bereit, Sie zu inspirieren und mitzureißen! Willkommen beim Highend-Konferenzmanagement.

Für mehr Informationen besuchen Sie die Website

www.meetinireland.de Kontaktieren Sie uns! Aoife Kernan | E-Mail: info@meetinireland.de | Telefon: 069 - 92 31 85 24

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Tourism Special

Have you planned a group or delegation visit to Dublin? Are you looking for customised solutions for meetings, conferences or events to present your company, products and services? Helen Dunne and her DE International team offer you the opportunity to tailor events to your individual needs and budget. With an events calendar of more than 50 events annually and over 20 years of experience in the ﬁeld of tourism and event planning you can be assured that we will carry out your event in accordance with your requirements and speciﬁcations in the most professional way. Let me quote for your piece of business and provide the most cost effective offer you will receive for your event.

Miele Cookery Event with presentation of Pat McGrath, Dublin 11.06.2014.

So far this year Helen has organised events such as 3 topical seminars, 4 golf events, a cookery evening, a members evening, 2 book launches, 4 world cup screening matches, various lunches and dinners for some high proﬁle guests to name a few.

ISO 9001:2008 certiﬁcate. You will have full control over the project at all times as we will regularly update you with the newest information about the ongoing progress and your budget requirements will be strictly adhered to. All events are concluded with a measurement of results and a postevent follow-up.

Beneﬁt from our longstanding relations and preferential terms and conditions with some of the top addresses in Dublin including the Shelbourne Hotel, Conrad Hotel, Westin Hotel, Double Tree by Hilton, Tifco Hotels, St. Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club, Pembroke Town House, CCD, Dromoland Castle, Howth Golf Club and many more.

If you need new fresh ideas or already have a particular event in mind, please do not hesitate to contact our Events Manager Helen Dunne and she would be delighted to assist you. If you are not sure which event format would suit your needs best maybe consider one the following such events as Breakfast Brieﬁngs, Business Lunches, Conferences and Symposiums, Delegation Trips abroad, Training Events, Company Celebrations, Team Building Activity Days, Gala Dinners, Themed Nights, Golf Outings, Awards Nights, Product/Publication Launches and many more.

Furthermore and more importantly enjoy peace of mind as DE International takes care of all the details and concerns related to your event. The DE International brand is a highly reputable, credible business consultancy part of the German-Irish Chamber of Commerce. In order to assure that the best service is provided and top quality delivered, we plan, organise and run our procedures accordingly to the

Helen Dunne, DEinternational Ireland, Tel 00353–(0)1-6424 311; email helen.dunne@german-irish.ie

Frank Mee and guests in front of Dromoland Castle, 04.07.2014.

Summer Gala Dinner at Dromoland Castle, 04.07.2014.

Tourism - German-Irish Business Review 2014

LUFTHANSA IN IRELAND

Operating out of Dublin since 1972, Lufthansa today ﬂies three times daily from Dublin to Frankfurt using the most modern Airbus A321 aircraft and additional seasonal services in the summer from Dublin to Munich whilst Lufthansa Group airline Germanwings offers frequent services to Dusseldorf and Cologne. Lufthansa enjoyed its most successful year ever in Dublin during 2013 with passenger ﬁgures of over 369,676 smashing the previous record in 2012 by 6.75 per cent. Almost three quarters of Lufthansa passengers from Dublin are taking advantage of the quick and easy onward connections to the airline’s worldwide network through its Frankfurt and Munich hubs. The continuous growth in passenger numbers reinforces the importance of Ireland as a key market for Lufthansa within its worldwide network and the fact that discerning travellers still prefer the added value they receive from a full service airline. They know when they book with Lufthansa that the price they pay includes the ability to take handluggage on board and check in one piece of baggage, assigned seats, good quality food and drink on board the aircraft and the option to check-in online or at the airport with no hidden extra cost. Lufthansa strives to offer its Irish passengers the shortest possible onward connection times to a worldwide

network spanning over 230 countries in almost 80 countries through the airline’s Frankfurt and Munich in hubs. The most popular onward destinations for Dublin travellers over the last year have included Moscow, Kiev, Tel Aviv, Lagos, Sofia, Beijing, Caracas, Tokyo, Zagreb, Cairo, Graz and Minsk. Lufthansa product and services portfolio is currently undergoing an investment programme of more than €3 billion: the retro-fit of the new First and Business Class, the installation of FlyNet (the wifi-internet service on board), new lounges, a new catering concept on long- and short-haul flights as well as an enhanced service concept for families and children. Another highlight in 2014 is the introduction and roll-out of a brand new Premium Economy Class on long-haul flights. Lufthansa consistently places the key qualities of reliability, safety, punctuality and professional service at the core of its operations and recognising its ecological responsibility continually strives for further reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions through a comprehensive fleet modernisation programme. Overall more than 104 million passengers flew with airlines in the Lufthansa Group last year. For full details of all Lufthansa services visit LH.com

VENUE OPTIONS WITH TIFCO HOTEL GROUP IN IRELAND

German-Irish Business – Review 2014 - Tourism

Tifco Hotel Group is Ireland’s number one choice for Conferences, Meetings and Events offering a comprehensive selection of size, scale and choice in venues. The strategic locations of our hotels offer a choice of excellent proximity to Ireland’s International Airports, Dublin city centre and other regional hubs. The size and scale of the hotels are among the largest available in Ireland and can cater for every conference or event scenario, accommodating from 2 to 1,800 delegates. Tifco Hotel Group offers a combination of international hotel brands, with the Crowne Plaza hotels at DublinNorthwood, Dublin-Blanchardstown and Dundalk, the Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport, Holiday Inn Express Stuttgart Airport and a collection of non-branded hotels including Clontarf Castle Hotel, Cork International Airport Hotel, Johnstown House Hotel & Spa in Enfield, Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, the stylish Athlone Springs in Co. Westmeath and the family friendly Hotel Killarney in Co. Kerry. Clontarf Castle Hotel is one of Dublin’s most luxurious castle hotels and is located just two miles from the city centre and just five miles from Dublin Airport. Clontarf Castle has 114 4-star luxury bedrooms, 7 meeting rooms and a large “Great Hall” Conference and Banqueting suite that can hold a maximum of 500 delegates. Hotel Guests and patrons can experience fine dining at Clontarf Castle’s Fahrenheit Grill or enjoy their favourite drink in our chic Indigo Lounge or the more traditional Knights Bar. At Clontarf Castle Hotel our guests will find comfort and modern luxury at one of the most convenient locations in Dublin.

Crowne Plaza Hotels Ireland bring you the top professionals in 4-star hotel accommodation, conference hotels and meeting venues with 3 extraordinary award winning luxury hotels in excellent locations in Dublin and Dundalk. Just stepping inside our 4-star hotels, each with its own unique identity, will convince you of the quality and attention to detail involved in every aspect of these hotels. Enjoy luxury accommodation with unique features at great rates. Our two Dublin Hotels will captivate you with professional friendly staff and excellent locations in Blanchardstown and Northwood, offering you access to everything that Dublin City has to offer. Perfectly located for exploring Ireland’s north east coast the Crowne Plaza Dundalk is also less than one hour from both Dublin and Belfast. For more information www.tifcohotels.ie

THE CONVENTION CENTRE DUBLIN

Tourism - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Das Convention Centre Dublin ist Irlands erster für diesen Zweck gebauter internationaler Konferenzund Veranstaltungsort am Ufer des Flusses Liffey am North Wall Quay im Herzen des Stadtzentrums von Dublin. Es befindet sich in einem mehrfach preisgekrönten aufsehenerregend modernen Gebäude nahe einer neuen Brücke, die an eine irische Harfe erinnert. Das CCD wurde auf der Grundlage von Teilnehmererfahrungen konzipiert und bietet eine Reihe von multifunktionalen, flexiblen Räumlichkeiten für Meetings, Konferenzen und Ausstellungen in allen Formen und Größen. Es erfüllt höchste Anforderungen und verfügt übermodernste Technologie. Das wunderschöne Glas-Atrium bietet den Besuchern von allen sechs großzügigen Ebenen aus einen Panoramablick auf Dublin Stadt, die Bucht und die Berge. Im Forum können Veranstaltungen mit bis zu 3.000 Teilnehmern oder Bankette mit bis zu 2.000 Gästen durchgeführt werden. Die flexibel gestalteten weiteren Räume bieten bis zu 500 Teilnehmern Platz. Im großen Auditorium, ideal für Konzerte, Theater, Shows u. ä. können bis zu 2.000 Leute sitzen.

Seit der Eröffnung im Jahr 2010 bietet das DCC erstklassigen Service mit einem hohen Maß an Professionalität und Know-how durch sein preisgekröntes, erfahrenes und engagiertes EventTeam, das mit Leidenschaft, Herzlichkeit und Engagement jede Veranstaltung gelingen lässt. Das CCD ist nur wenige Gehminuten von einer Vielzahl von lokalen Einrichtungen entfernt. Vier große Hotels liegen innerhalb eines 500-Meter-Radius und 18.000 Hotelzimmer in höchstens 10 km Entfernung vom Veranstaltungsort. Alle wichtigen touristischen Attraktionen Dublins, die vielen berühmten Gebäude, Museen, Galerien, das Guinness Storehouse, Geschäfte, Bars, Restaurants und das Temple Bar Viertel sind zu Fuß oder mit einer kurzen Fahrt mit der Straßenbahn vom CCD aus leicht zu erreichen. www.theccd.ie

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Tax

STARKE ERHOLUNG DER IRISCHEN BAUWIRTSCHAFT ÖFFNET TÜREN FÜR DEUTSCHE BAUUNTERNEHMEN

Hoffnung macht sich allmählich in der irischen Bauwirtschaft breit. Nach schwierigen Jahren für die irische Wirtschaft, trägt die starke Konsolidierung wieder Früchte und die Indikatoren deuten erstmals auf eine Besserung hin. So konnte die Bauproduktion in den ersten beiden Quartalen 2014 zulegen. Auch die Bauinvestitionen sollen 2014/2015 wieder steigen. Interessante Chancen bieten sich im Wohnungs- und Bestandsbau sowie in Infrastrukturprojekten und im Energiesektor. Marktpotential für deutsche Bauunternehmen Durch die Erholung der irischen Wirtschaft ist Irland wieder ein interessanter Markt für deutsche Bauunternehmen. Vor allem nachstehende Themen sind für deutsche Bauunternehmen, die in Irland tätig sind, relevant: • Bauabzugssteuer: Durch die Bauabzugssteuer soll sichergestellt werden, dass irische Unternehmen ihre Verpﬂichtungen gegenüber der Steuerbehörde erfüllen. Die Bauabzugssteuer muss bei Zahlungen an Subunternehmer vom Auftraggeber einbehalten und dann an die irische Steuerbehörde abgeführt werden. Es gibt drei Bauabzugssteuerraten: • 35 % für Unternehmen die nicht in Irland zur Steuer registriert sind • 20 % für Unternehmen mit gültiger irischer Steuernummer • 0 % für Unternehmen die von der Bauabzugssteuer befreit sind. Je nach Auftragsdauer und Auftragswert ist es Unternehmen zu empfehlen, entweder eine Rückerstattung der Steuer, oder eine Befreiung von dieser Steuer zu beantragen. • Mehrwertsteuer Bei den meisten Bauarbeiten muss die irische Umsatzsteuer abgerechnet werden. Subunternehmer können in der Regel auf die Umkehr der Umsatzsteuerschuld verweisen. Unternehmen, welche sich nicht in Irland zur Umsatzsteuer registrieren lassen müssen und bei Ausgaben irische Umsatzsteuer zahlen, können eine Rückerstattung beantragen. 96

• Köperperschaftssteuer Im Doppelbesteurungsabkommen wird festgelegt, ab wann Unternehmen eine Betriebsstätte begründen. Für diese ist die irische Körperschaftssteuer relevant. Der irische Standardkörperschaftssatz beträgt 12,5 Prozent. Daneben gibt es noch eine Rate von 25 Prozent. • Lohnsteuer Arbeiten, welche in Irland durchgeführt werden, unterliegen in der Regel der Irischen Lohnsteuer. Für Entsandtkräfte aus Ländern, mit denen Irland ein Doppelbesteuerungsabkommen hat, gibt es Befreiungen, wenn die Mitarbeiter weniger als 183 Tage in Irland sind. Sollten Mitarbeiter mehr als 60 und weniger als 183 Tage in Irland arbeiten, kann eine Lohnsteuerbefreiung innerhalb von 21 Tagen nach Arbeitsbeginn beantragt werden. • Einkommenssteuer Die irischen Einkommenssteuerraten betragen 20 und 41 Prozent. Daneben gibt es noch eine weitere Abgabe, welche zwischen zwei und sieben Prozent beträgt. • Sozialversicherung Die Arbeitergeberabgaben für die Sozialversicherung betragen bis zu 10.75 % und die Arbeitnehmerbeiträge bis zu vier Prozent. Entsandtkräften ist es zu empfehlen, ein Formular A1 von der Krankenkasse zu beantragen, damit die Sozialversicherungsbeiträge weiterhin im Entsendeland abgeführt werden können. • Sicherheit Um auf irischen Baustellen zu arbeiten, ist es in der Regel erforderlich, dass jeder Mitarbeiter einen sogenannten „Safe Pass“ (Sicherheitspass) hat. Dieser kann durch eine eintägige Schulung erworben werden. Für bestimmte Tätigkeiten können zudem weitere Schulungen erforderlich sein. Gerne beraten Sie Mitarbeiter von DEinternational Irland, die Beratungsabteilung der Deutsch-Irischen Industrie- und Handelskammer (AHK Irland) kostenlos zu diesem Thema. Außerdem beantragt das Team von DEinternational Irland die aufgeführten Registrierungen, Rückerstattungen sowie Befreiungen und organisiert entsprechende Schulungen.

Tax- German-Irish Business Review 2014

IMPORTANT POINTS FOR CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES WORKING IN GERMANY

In the last years, more and more Irish companies went for construction projects to Germany. The following gives a short overview of the main points companies should comply with when working in Germany: • Construction withholding tax The construction withholding tax of 15 % might be deducted from payments to subcontractors. An exemption from and the refund of the tax can be applied for. • VAT Depending on the work carried out in Germany it might be necessary to charge German VAT. The standard German VAT rate is 19 %. Companies which don’t have to register for VAT in Germany but have to pay VAT on expenses, can apply for a refund. • PAYE contributions to the Social Security System Employees who hold the certificate A1 are not liable to pension and social security contributions in Germany. The certificate A1 is issued to employees who have paid PRSI (Pay related Social Insurance) contributions for a certain time in Ireland. With this certificate employees can work for a certain time in Germany without becoming liable for social insurance contributions. • Corporation tax and trade tax The German corporation tax rate is 15 percent. In addition to that a trade tax (Gewerbesteuer) is usually payable. The rate varies from region to region. As a general rule of thumb the trade tax is higher in cities than in rural areas. The trade tax and corporation tax are payable once the company has a permanent establishment in accordance with the double taxation agreement between Germany and Ireland.

• Customs registration Before employees are sent to Germany to work on construction sites the German customs should be notiﬁed. • Holiday fund/SOKA Bau To ensure the holiday entitlement of construction workers, the employer might be liable to pay into a holiday fund called SOKA Bau. • Registration with the German Chamber of Crafts It might be necessary for Irish companies to register with the Local Chamber of Crafts in Germany when carrying out craft works in Germany. In order to register, it is necessary to proof that the employee is trained in the craft. The team of DEinternational Ireland can give more information on these topics and carry out the necessary registrations to make sure Irish companies are compliant when working in Germany.

Patrick Bamming TMITI with Irish tax Institute Tax and Legal Department Tel: +353 (0)1 6424381 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@german-irish.ie

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German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Finance, Tax, Legal

For some time now Ireland has been in the news as being part of the problem that currently exists in relation to how multinational companies organise their affairs to keep the level of taxation they pay worldwide to a minimum. Some commentary has been ill informed and in some cases deliberately misleading. Political interests have used the controversy to drive their own political aims, and the recent EU elections results which saw the rise of parties with an anti-EU message, no doubt beneﬁtted from this misinformation and general unease about global taxation policy.

TAX – ONLY OPENS THE DOOR…

Ireland however, has much more to offer multi-national companies than a pure tax solution. Ireland has an enviable record when it comes to foreign direct investment and as mentioned above ill-informed commentary suggests that this is driven purely by our tax system. There are a number of other factors and these are the real drivers to investment here. Take for instance our people. Ireland is recognised internationally as having an adaptable, pragmatic and hardworking work-force that contributes significantly to the success of foreign companies in Ireland. Multinational corporations that originally located here because of our low corporate tax and pro-business environment have, time and again, expanded their activities in Ireland because of the skilled Irish workforce. Tax may be the door that opens the relationship but it is the success of the operations here, once established, that persuades companies to continue operating here despite tax regimes in other jurisdictions offering similar and even better tax planning opportunities. If one looks to the significant change that has occurred in the last number of years of recession in Ireland, you will find little evidence of days lost to strikes or work-place stoppages. The work-force took a pragmatic view and worked with employers to ensure that businesses survived, making them ready to grasp new opportunities once better economic conditions returned. Restructurings, such as the one that occurred in Bausch

and Lomb, whilst extremely difficult for the workers, ensured that the majority of jobs survived and led to an investment in the plant by the company. The IMD World Competiveness Yearbook for 2013 ranks Ireland in first place in terms of the flexibility and adaptability of our workforce, a key factor when it comes to investment decisions by multi-nationals. The IMD report, referenced above ranks Ireland’s educational system 9th in the world, a great performance bearing in mind the size of the country and the significant challenges that it has faced recently. Ireland has long been associated with literary excellence, driven by our education system. This system has developed over the past 40 years though, with government policy on FDI becoming aligned to the school system. Our schools and universities are part of the drive to prepare our youth for benefitting from the presence of multi-national companies in Ireland. The high percentage of third level participation and the availability of talent have long been cited as a reason for the continued success in attracting in continued investment, even during recessionary times. The inter-action of business with universities through the Start-Up Incubators and Accelerator programmes has contributed to recent investments in Ireland by high potential start-ups. These start-ups, many of them arriving prior to any revenues being generated are not here for tax reasons, they are here because of the business environment and the availability of talent to drive the innovation needed to bring their products and ideas to market. The old adage that an IT manager has never been sacked for buying IBM product has some relevance when it comes to Ireland’s track record on winning investments from abroad. We have a long track record of companies coming here and being hugely successful. The decision to make a first investment outside its own territory by a company is a huge one, and deciding to go to a country that can point to many successful such investments is a compelling one, de-risking the process hugely.

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Finance, Tax, Legal

attract investment into their countries. The use of off-shore structures, transfer pricing principles and other tried and tested tax techniques to reduce global tax exposures by multi-nationals are not as a result of our tax system alone, they equally apply in other jurisdictions. The recent tax changes in the UK to make them the most attractive tax destination in the G20 demonstrates that tax competition is a legitimate tool for governments. Change in the world of tax is on the way, but the many other compelling reasons why Ireland is a destination of choice for so many companies will not change, making it one of the best small countries in the world in which to do business! Aidan Byrne, International Tax Partner, Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon.

The availability of assistance from the IDA makes this process easier, with the IDA guiding and advising companies on the reasons why an investment in Ireland makes sense. IDA provide pragmatic and incredibly helpful advice to potential investors to ensure that Ireland is a good ﬁt for the company, as an investment going wrong is not something that they would want to see happen. If for some reason the rationale for investing in Ireland does not make sense, IDA will advise the client accordingly. The effect of having staff from the IDA on the ground around the world should not be underestimated in terms of why Ireland is so successful in attracting investment. They, as an organisation, are renowned for their success and we owe them a

debt of gratitude for their continued efforts on Ireland’s behalf. Of course, tax does also play a key role as part of the decision making process. Many fear that the current tax controversy and the BEPS project being undertaken by the OECD will lead to erosion in Ireland’s attractiveness. I disagree. Pascal Saint-Amans who is leading the OECD project, recently stated that he believes Ireland’s tax system to be fully compliant with OECD taxation principles. He has stated that our cornerstone 12.5% tax rate is legitimate, together with the other incentives such as our R&D tax credit system, and views these as part of the tools available to sovereign states to

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With over 32 years’ experience in providing tax advice to corporate clients, initially working in the Irish tax authorities, Aidan specialises in advising businesses that are internationalising their operations, both into and out of Ireland. He is currently chair of the Baker Tilly International Global Tax Solutions Group, which works with multi-national companies on optimising their global tax position. Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon Aidan Byrne, International Tax Partner, Trinity House, Charleston Road Ranelagh, Dublin 6 Phone: +353 (0) 1 496 5388 Fax: +353 (0) 1 496 9226 Email: abyrne@bakertillyrg.ie

DATA PROTECTION- RECENT IRISH TRENDS

Case Studies - German-Irish Business Review 2014

The 25th Annual Report of the Data Protection Commissioner (“DPC”) was published on 12 May 2014. There has been some commentary, frequently unfair, that suggests the DPC does not enjoy significant enforcement powers in Ireland when this is patently not the case. The Report provides an insight into the investigation and enforcement activities of the DPC over the previous year, both domestically and in the case of the increasing number of informationrich multinational companies that have chosen Ireland as a base for providing cross-border services. Complaints The DPC noted that whilst direct marketing emails, phone calls and text messages remain popular grounds for complaint, the overall number of complaints to the DPC is declining. However, the number of complaints relating to data access requests has continued to increase. The DPC noted that many complaints are the result of poor standards of customer service and the DPC expressed concern over the fact that enforcement actions for repeated failures are becoming more frequent. The nature of complaints has evolved from mainly local issues to complaints about Irish companies, international companies and the State sector. The vast majority of complaints concluded in 2013 were resolved amicably without the need for a formal decision or enforcement action. International Dimension There has been an increase in complaints concerning data subjects in other countries, the most high profile of which have related to Facebook and complaints emanating from an organisation styling itself as “Europe v Facebook”. That organisation, through its founder Mr. Maximillian Schrems, have continued to press the DPC through the courts, resulting most recently in a finding by the High Court in June 2014 that the Commissioner had “demonstrated scrupulous steadfastness” to relevant data protection laws with the High Court referring the broader issue of the validity of the “Safe Harbor” (a mechanism permitting data transfers to the United States) to the European Court of Justice for further consideration.

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Rob Corbet, Partner, Head of Technology & Innovation, Arthur Cox.

Criminal Prosecutions The DPC exercised his prosecution powers on several occasions in 2013 bringing many successful criminal prosecutions for unsolicited marketing offences. In recent years, the DPC has followed a “two strikes” policy whereby it will exercise its prosecution powers under the ePrivacy Regulations (S.I 336 of 2011) where a company has previously been the subject of a similar marketing complaint. Data Breach Notifications 1,507 valid data breach notifications were recorded by the DPC in 2013. A number of these notifications concerned data subjects from other countries. These notifications came from; (a) technology corporations who have established a base in Ireland, such as Adobe Software Systems Ireland and Facebook Ireland, and (b) national businesses who are offering international services. The DPC revealed that this development has changed the nature of investigating and resulted in the DPC working more closely with other national data protection authorities. There has been a substantial increase in the number of organisations registered with the DPC, largely through targeted enforcement actions. Audits and Inspections The DPC prefers to assist organisations to achieve best practice rather than

German-Irish Business 2014 - Business & Investment

having to deal with non-compliance issues, and is empowered to carry out privacy audits to ensure compliance with the data protection regime and identify possible breaches. The DPC noted with disappointment that audits of State organisations have illustrated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;a scant regard by senior management within State organisations to their duty to safeguard the personal data entrusted to themâ&#x20AC;?. The DPC also revealed that companies providing services cross-border from Ireland and major holders of personal data in

the public sector will continue to be a priority for audit. 44 audits were carried out in 2013. The result of an audit of LinkedIn-Ireland is expected to be ďŹ nalised in 2014. Conclusion The current DPC, Mr Billy Hawkes, is due to retire later this year. His final Annual Report serves to illustrate the continuing significant impact his office has on domestic, governmental and international businesses in Ireland.

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Rob Corbet is Partner and Head of the Technology & Innovation Group at Arthur Cox. He has presented internationally at conferences on ebusiness, data protection, betting and gaming and IP law. Rob provides the expert commentary for the Data Protection Ireland Journal, is a founding member of the Internet Growth Alliance and is Co-Chair of the ABA International Committee on Privacy, E-Commerce and Data Security. Rob can be contacted at rob.corbet@arthurcox.com

Business & Investment - German-Irish Business Review 2014

FINANCING INNOVATION: THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) TAX CREDIT IN IRELAND

Innovation is key to the survival of any business, never more so than during a recession. Encouragingly, a recent KPMG survey found that 63% of companies feel the recession has made companies in Ireland more innovative. Furthermore, 82% of companies are either currently innovative or planning to innovate. To encourage innovation in all sectors, the Irish Government provides a valuable incentive in the form of the R&D tax credit to all companies undertaking qualifying R&D, regardless of the industry in which they operate (provided they meet certain conditions). The regime enables companies to claim a tax credit worth up to 25% of incremental qualifying expenditure on an R&D project – that’s €25 for every €100 spent. The credit can either be offset against corporation tax or, in cases where the company is loss-making, can be received as a cash payment from Revenue in three instalments (subject to conditions). What is R&D? Innovation is not just about laboratories and white coats – innovation and R&D can occur in many sectors. KPMG has worked with companies performing R&D in a wide range of sectors, including software, electronics, manufacturing, engineering, agribusiness and renewable energy, as well as the more traditional R&D-performing sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotechnology.

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Identifying and quantifying eligible expenditure for the purposes of the credit can often be quite complex. Revenue has set out five key requirements that must be met in order to qualify for the credit; R&D activities must: 1 Be systematic, investigative or experimental in nature, 2 Be carried out within a Revenue approved field of science and technology, 3 Involve basic research, applied research or experimental development, 4 Seek to achieve scientific or technological advancement, and 5 Involve the resolution of scientific or technological uncertainty. Eligible expenditure Eligible expenditure can include expenses (e.g. salaries, overheads, materials consumed, etc.) that are deductible for the purposes of computing corporation tax. Expenditure met by grant assistance received from the State, the EU, or EEA does not qualify. What is the potential benefit? The R&D tax credit is available in addition to the trading deduction available for R&D spend; for a 12.5% taxpayer, this can result in a net subsidy of 37.5% (i.e.12.5% corporation tax deduction + 25% R&D tax credit). There is no restriction on how much or how little you can claim. The credit is claimed on incremental qualifying expenditure over the amount

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Business & Investment

Submitting a claim Companies have 12 months from the end of the relevant accounting period in which to make a claim. Claims are made through the company’s corporation tax return.

so we would encourage companies to investigate their eligibility with a qualiﬁed tax advisor prior to submitting a claim.

The regime operates by way of selfassessment and there is no requirement to submit any other documentation when claiming the credit. There is, however, a requirement to maintain speciﬁc documentation to support the claim.

Ken Hardy, Partner, KPMG.

spent on R&D activities in the base year – this is the company’s accounting period ending in 2003. For periods commencing on or after 01/01/2012, companies can avail of a volume-based regime (i.e. a 25% R&D tax credit for every euro incurred) on the ﬁrst €100,000 of qualifying expenditure, which increases to the ﬁrst €200,000 of qualifying expenditure for periods commencing on or after 01/01/2013 and €300,000 for periods commencing on or after 01/01/2014; the base year rule applies to all expenditure beyond these limits.

Conclusion The R&D tax credit is a highly valuable incentive, and should be investigated thoroughly by any company undertaking potentially qualifying R&D activities. However, it is important that companies understand the legislation and Revenue guidance to ensure their entitlement to claim is established properly. All qualifying activities must also be carefully documented to justify the claim. Revenue audits of R&D tax credit claims are a frequent occurrence, and if a claim audited by Revenue is found to be unsupportable, the company is open to repayment of the credit, interest, penalties and, in extreme cases, publication on the list of tax defaulters. As with any tax incentive, the credit is subject to a number of conditions,

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Ken Hardy leads KPMG’s R&D Incentives Practice and has prepared a large number of R&D tax credit claims for multinational corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises. He has signiﬁcant experience of R&D tax credit audits conducted by Revenue. Ken authored the only specialist text on the topic of R&D tax credits, published by the Irish Tax Institute. He is a founding member of KPMG’s Global R&D Incentives Practice, and is leader for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Ken can be contacted at ken.hardy@kpmg.ie

ONSHORE WIND ACTIVITY IN IRELAND AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR GERMAN INVESTORS

Business & Investment - German-Irish Business Review 2014

Introduction There are a number of German companies who have played a key role in supporting the successful development of the onshore wind industry in Ireland. Companies such as Siemens and Enercon have achieved substantial wind turbine sales with novel turbine supply and maintenance solutions. ABO Wind and others have invested in speciﬁc wind farm projects and there are a number of other German investors pursuing options to invest in onshore wind in Ireland. The German Chamber has also had a number of successful trade missions with German companies seeking to be involved in the Irish energy market. The good news for German investors is that mergers and acquisitions in renewable energy projects in Ireland and particularly in onshore wind have increased steadily in recent times and this is expected to continue in the coming years. This is evidence of recovery in the Irish economy and is consistent with the global trends in the sector. At a recent annual conference of the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA), it was stated that the onshore wind sector in Ireland would generate new investment totalling as much as €4.7 billion by 2020. The new investment will amongst other things come through wind farm developers signing contracts with Eirgrid and the ESB to connect to the national

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grid as part of the ‘Gate 3’ connection programmes all of which will need to be funded by mezzanine equity and bank funding. There are a variety of factors contributing to and facilitating the current activity in onshore wind projects in Ireland which investors should take note of. Capital There is a considerable amount of capital now available in Ireland for investment. This is coming from private investors, pension funds, renewable energy and cleantech funds that are based in Ireland and overseas in countries such as Germany. Renewable energy projects are now very attractive due to cheaper costs and the potential for signiﬁcant returns. Investment criteria and motivations will vary depending on the particular investor. Some will be long term investors while others will seek a short term return. Other investments will be tax driven. These considerations can have considerable impact on the structure and strategy of a development and it is vital to get structures right from the outset. Wind Resource Because of its climate and geography, Ireland offers a top quality wind resource, but there is still a considerable shortage of wind projects under construction to meet the growing investor demand. With such a quality resource available combined with a strong hunger for

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Business & Investment

investment opportunities from investors, it appears to be a lucrative time for developers to consider new projects. Investors also appear to be eager and willing to enter the development process much earlier in an effort to shape projects to meet their particular needs and also to share in the uplift in value of projects as they go through their development life cycle. Government Policy Ireland offers strong Government commitment to the renewable energy sector and a safe investment environment for potential investors. Signiﬁcant state aid subsidies such as REFIT (Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff) are available in an attempt to ensure that Ireland complies with its obligations under EU renewable energy targets. The Irish Government faces penalties of as much as €350 million if it fails to meet its renewable energy targets by 2020. With the EU having recently set even more onerous renewable energy targets for the period 2020-2030, although they are non-binding, the growth of renewable energy and more speciﬁcally onshore

wind projects is likely to continue. The industry is also supported by a stable regulatory environment and established planning procedures. Conclusion Onshore wind activity in Ireland is gathering speed. With strong Government incentives and banks appearing more willing to provide finance to well-structured projects, the coming years appear to be very bright for the renewable energy sector in Ireland and those who choose to invest in it. Having considerable expertise in wind farm development, private equity transactions, mergers and acquisitions, property and project finance, LK Shields can provide comprehensive advice in relation to any queries that German investors may have in this area. For further information, please contact Philip Daly, Partner in the Corporate Department of LK Shields and Head of the firm’s Energy and Natural Resources Unit: pdaly@lkshields.ie

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Philip Daly is a Partner at LK Shields. His practice is primarily in the areas of Corporate and Commercial Law. Given his signiﬁcant experience and focus on the energy sector, he is the lead partner in the ﬁrm’s successful Energy and Natural Resources Unit.

Finance, Tax, Legal - German-Irish Business Review 2014

KNOW THE RULES – TAXATION OF PERMANENT ESTABLISHMENTS / CHANGES IN GERMAN LAW

In June 2013, the German Government enacted new legislation governing how costs and profits relating to a foreign Permanent Establishment are to be allocated to its Headquarters (HQ) or “parent company” and vice versa. A Permanent Establishment (PE) is a legally dependent part of an enterprise (as contrasted with a separate legal entity such as a GmbH or Ltd.) and is defined as a fixed place of business where an enterprise conducts all or some of its operations – eg an office, branch, workshop or construction site with a minimum duration of twelve months. This new legislation brings about substantial changes to German tax law (which apply from all business years commencing after 31st Dec 2012) which you should be aware of. In summary, the changes bring Germany in line with the new authorized OECD approach of dealing with PEs by adopting the well understood and accepted “Arm’s Length Principle”. Under the “Arm’s Length Principle” PEs may seek compensation for goods and services from their HQ inclusive of a profit or mark-up (or if intellectual property is involved via a lump sum or licence fee model) if and to the extent it can be assumed that an unrelated Third Party would enter into a similar contract. This is in marked contrast to the previous legal situation in Germany

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Markus Ludwig, MHL-Law, RA / Fachanwalt f. Steuerrecht / Solicitor.

when compensation could be sought on a strictly “cost only” basis. Dealings (as opposed to contracts, which are not permitted between parts of the same entity) are now allowable as the Headquarters and PE are treated in the same way as if they were separate legal entities. Under the new rules, the proﬁts made by activities of the Headquarters or PE will have to be attributed through a twostep process. Initially, functions, assets and risks will have to be identiﬁed on the basis of the people function in the

German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Finance, Tax, Legal

PE and secondly by ensuring that all transactions between the Headquarters and PE are applied on the above Arm’s Length Principle basis. On the other hand, for profit allocation and tax purposes, the application of the new rules will require increased documentation. The allocation of profits will be analyzed by the people function primarily – that is that the functions will be characterized by the work carried out by the people employed directly and situated in the PE – and also on an “importance” basis. Pro-rata functions will not be eligible and direct activities (sales, procurement, risk-management, Research & Development) will be seen as having greater importance than “supporting” functions. In lay terms, HQ and PE will have to provide detailed risk and function analysis in the form of back up documentation (internal organizational charts, minutes, work programs, bookkeeping documents etc) and will have to maintain other Transfer Pricing Documentation as if they were dealing within a group of companies. The changes will also validate increased Risk and Function separation. Business functions can now be situated in the most suitable/beneficial location with additional financial costs for doing so being passed on to the Headquarters with a mark-up. This said, companies may also find that under the new rules, their tax burden will increase/decrease depending on which operational unit (PE or Headquarters) is shown to have

the greater or lesser people function, thereby determining the profit ratio. Another benefit to note is that with the new rules, PEs can be profitable even if the Enterprise as a whole is in a loss situation and likewise, the PE can be in a loss situation despite the Headquarters being in profit. Double Taxation Treaties. Every German Irish business can rely on the Double Taxation Treaty as super/ international law that can supersede either national law. However, the new German Irish Double Taxation Treaty (2013) is based on the old OECD model convention, which did not fully encompass the Arms’ Length or Transfer Pricing principles in the context of the taxation of PEs (now enacted into German Law). This inevitably will lead to conflicts between national law and international law. In a case where a

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business is relying on the DTT rules, it will have to prove that the other State is actually exercising its right to taxation under the DTT rules and that therefore the DTT rules should be applied (if they lead to a lower necessary adjustment). How can we help? With over 15 years experience in advising and assisting companies in Germany and Ireland, Markus Ludwig and his team at MHL-Law, based in Munich, offer a complete solution for Irish companies considering a permanent establishment in Germany whilst retaining its Headquarters in Ireland. We would be happy to discuss with you your speciﬁc situation and queries and hopefully take away some of the complexity of this new German Legislation. Markus Ludwig, MHL-Law RA / Fachanwalt f. Steuerrecht / Solicitor

IRELAND’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY REVOLUTION

Case Studies - German-Irish Business Review 2014

The topic of Energy Efficiency has been on the agenda of DEinternational Ireland for many years and they have run over twenty trade missions, conferences and training programmes on the topic since 2007, mostly in the framework of the German Government’s Energy Efficiency Export Initiative. Upcoming projects include a marketing showcase event in Ireland in November 2014 to promote Irish companies supplying German products in the area of energy efficiency, and a Smart Grid conference and trade mission in 2015. Recent changes to the Irish building regulations have introduced very high levels of energy efficiency, making Ireland an even more attractive market for German manufacturers of high-end energy efficiency products. Jeff Colley, editor of the Passive House Plus magazine explains why German companies should sit up and take notice of Ireland when considering expanding their export activities. Construction activity is finally starting to grow again in Ireland after years of recession, and unprecedented changes to energy efficiency regulations for new homes means the industry is being pushed to such high levels of energy efficiency, that lobbying efforts are underway to get passive house - with a renewable energy contribution accepted as an alternative method of

compliance, as Passive House Plus editor Jeff Colley reveals. It’s fair to say that energy efficiency wasn’t on the agenda during Ireland’s construction boom. The property sector was very much a seller’s market, and consequently the emphasis was on building as cheaply and quickly as possible. But after the boom – while Ireland was undergoing the worst recession in its history – a barely noticed policy was being drafted that would transform the market: Ireland’s energy efficiency regulations for new homes were undergoing a revolution. For the first time in it’s history, the Green Party was in government in Ireland. From 2007 to 2011 the Greens were the junior party in a coalition with Fianna Fáil. John Gormley, the Green Party leader and environment minister at the time, invited me to chair a policy committee on buildings, which provided a rare opportunity for progress. We developed a roadmap to nearly zero energy buildings, which centred around reducing the energy demand and carbon emissions of new homes by 40% in 2007, rising to 60% by 2011, with a number of additional requirements including mandatory renewable energy generation. The plan was to culminate

This masonry home in Co Galway by Lester Naughton Architects beat the new energy requirements by 3%, and came within a whisker of meeting the passive house space heating requirement.

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German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Case Studies

This closed panel timber frame passive house in Co Carlow by Helena Fitzgerald Architects started construction before the new energy efﬁciency regulations came into effect, and therefore didn’t have to meet them. It would have fallen 6% short of compliance, although additional calculation work on thermal bridging might make the difference.

in a zero carbon target by 2013, but the coalition collapsed in 2011 and this idea was quietly scrapped by the new government. But what does a 60% energy reduction mean? For starters, it’s important to know what energy is counted. The target is set in primary energy – in other words, it’s not just the amount of energy used in the home – it also counts an estimate of the energy used to get it there, including energy used to transport and process the energy for usage. In the case of electricity, there’s a profound difference between primary and delivered energy. Currently each kilowatt of electricity used in the home is estimated to require on average 2.45 kW of energy use at the power station. But although Ireland’s national methodology for calculating the energy efﬁciency of buildings deals with primary energy, it doesn’t attempt to take into account all energy use within the building. Speciﬁcally it only counts energy use for space heating, domestic hot water, ventilation, cooling, and associated pumps and fans, along with

lighting. The electricity used to power energy-hungry plug-in appliances is conspicuous in its absence. In Ireland’s climate, this means that in the relatively poorly insulated buildings that were permitted in the boom, space heating still represents the lion’s share of this energy demand. And the 60% energy reduction required under Irish building regulations – as expressed in an update to Technical Guidance Document L of the Irish Building Regulations that came into force for all new homes built since December 2011 – is compared against the minimum compliant building standards during the boom. But what was the energy efficiency specification of those houses? The standards during the boom that form the benchmark for comparison under the new regulations leave a lot to be desired. Insulation levels were moderate at best, with maximum permitted U-values of 0.27 W/m2K for walls, 0.25 for ground floors, between 0.16 and 0.22 for different roof types, and 2.2 for doors, windows and roof lights. As for airtightness – which wasn’t required

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to be tested – it’s instead assumed that the homes achieved an air permeability of 10 m3/hr/m2 at 50 Pa. It’s difﬁcult to compare this directly to air changes per hour, the methodology used for passive houses, but as luck would have it there tends to be little more than a 10% difference between the values of typical Irish dwellings, so that a building that achieves a permeability of 10 m3/ hr/m2 at 50 Pa will tend to be close to 10 air changes per hour at 50 Pa. Therefore, we can say that typical Irish homes built during the boom were on average about 15 times less airtight than the passive house requirement of 0.6 ACH at 50 Pa. It’s also assumed that these houses are ventilated very crudely via hole-in-the-wall vents in rooms and intermittent fans in bathrooms, with a 78% efﬁcientgas or oil boiler acting as the main heat source. So when we talk about a 60% energy reduction for new Irish homes, it’s compared against a house that meets these previous minimum requirements, which left a lot to be desired – standards which sadly applied when Ireland built hundreds of thousands of new homes.

Case Studies - German-Irish Business Review 2014

But as the construction industry is starting to recognize, shaving 60% off this target is easier said than done. In addition to the 60% reductions, all new homes must provide a “reasonable proportion” of their energy demand from renewable energy sources. This is defined as a minimum contribution of either 10 kWh/m2/yr of energy from thermal renewable energy systems such as heat pumps, biomass boilers and stoves, and/or solar thermal arrays, or 4 kWh/ m2/yr from electrical renewable energy systems such as solar photovoltaic, wind, or hydro. Other than this, the Department for the Environment – the body responsible for setting the building regulations – has ratcheted up the minimum “backstop” requirements for each element of a building, as follows: • Wall U-values: 0.21 • Pitched roof - Insulation at ceiling: 0.16 • Pitched roof - Insulation on slope: 0.16 • Flat roof: 0.20 • Walls 0.21 • Ground floors 0.21 • Ground floors with underfloor heating: 0.15 • External doors, windows and roof lights: 1.6 Note that the target for external doors, windows and roof lights assumes that their combined area is 25% of floor area. If their combined area is higher, then the U-value requirement tightens exponentially. For instance, if the combined glazed area is equivalent to 58.9% of floor area, a U-value of 0.8 is required. The maximum air leakage rate was improved marginally to 7 m3/hr/m2 at 50 Pa - still roughly ten times worse than the passive house standard. We argued that this should be improved significantly, but the argument ultimately fell on deaf ears. These standards aren’t particularly difficult to achieve, meaning that at a glance, the regulations don’t appear to be difficult to meet. But this is a false sense of security, created because although the officials were willing to

To illustrate quite how stringent Ireland’s energy efficiency standards have become, the following specification for a certified passive house in county Cork which featured previously in Passive House Plus achieved a 62% energy reduction compared to 2005 regulations, beating the new requirement by a mere 2%. Location: Rural greenfield site, Ballyclough, Co. Cork Space heating demand: 14 kWh/m2/yr (PHPP) Airtightness: 0.6 air changes per hour at 50 pascals Rendered walls: timber frame walls with cellulose & sheep wool insulation: factory-built with 80mm Gutex Thermowall render system, 140 x 38mm cellulose-filled timber stud, 15mm taped and sealed OSB, 44mm service cavity insulated with sheep wool insulation, and 12.5mm Gypsum Rigidur board internally. U-value: 0.15W/m2K Timber-clad walls: timber frame walls with cellulose & sheep wool insulation: factory-built with cedar timber cladding externally, followed inside by 50 x 50mm treated battens to form ventilated cavity, Solitex breather membrane, 80mm Gutex fibreboard, 140 x 38mm cellulose-filled timber stud, 15mm taped and sealed OSB, 44mm service cavity insulated with sheep wool insulation, and 12.5mm Gypsum Rigidur board internally. U-value: 0.15W/m2K Green roof on 2nd floor: 100mm local soil planted with native seeds, FlorDepot vegetation drainage mat, Firestone EPDM membrane, 50mm polystyrene insulation, 18mm marine plywood, 222mm timber joists fully filled with cellulose insulation, Pro Clima Intello membrane taped and sealed, 88mm service cavity filled with sheep wool insulation, 12.5mm Gypsum Rigidur board internally. U-value: 0.11 W/m2K Optiwin triple-glazed aluminium-clad passive house certified windows with cork thermal break, argon fill and an average overall U-value of 0.8 W/m2K Strip foundation with 250mm of polystyrene insulation. U-value: 0.15 W/m2K Wodtke Ivo.Tec pellet boiler: 94% efficient pellet boiler and 24 Latento vacuum tubes supplying a heat-bank in the ventilation system plus some comfort underfloor heating plus towel and drying radiators linked by a 500 litre thermal store. Mechanical heat recovery ventilation system: Maico Aeronom WR300 heat recovery ventilation system — Passive House Institute certified to have a heat recovery rate of 74.6%

Designed by Miles Sampson Architects, this certiﬁed passive house in Ballyclough, Co Cork scrapes compliance with the new regulations, beating the target by a mere 2%.

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German-Irish Business Review 2014 - Case Studies

deliver the overall targets we had asked for, they weren’t willing to tell the industry how to achieve them. Therefore they agreed to implement the 60% reductions we wanted, but they weren’t willing to tighten up the requirements for U-values, airtightness, ventilation etc to the levels that we deemed necessary. I suspect this was borne out of a fear that certain types of construction - and even perhaps certain manufacturers may have struggled to make the grade. When designers sit down and work out how to hit the 60% targets, they find they have to go significantly beyond the backstops to meet compliance. This doesn’t necessarily mean to passive house levels. If someone is determined to build a bad building, it’s still possible with the new regulations. For instance, in some cases it’s possible to place a disproportionate emphasis on renewable energy - such as by installing a highly efficient heat pump and a large solar photovoltaic array - and then build to the backstops in terms of insulation and airtightness, without a mechanical ventilation system. This is not a criticism of heat pumps and solar photovoltaics - both of which are excellent technologies, when applied correctly or any other renewable energy system for that matter. Renewable energy has an important role to play, but not at the expense of the building fabric. An approach that doesn’t place the building fabric and ventilation first is inherently risky. Experience shows that low energy

BIOG Passive House Plus is an official partner magazine of the International Passive House Association, and is published in Irish and UK editions. It won the B2B Magazine of the Year Award at the 2012 Irish Magazine Awards. Jeff Colley is the editor of Passive House Plus,. He won the Green Leader award at the 2010 Green Awards for his advocacy work on the inclusion of energy ratings in property advertising, and a proposal to finance energy upgrades via utility bills. He established Construct Ireland (for a sustainable future), Ireland’s pioneering sustainable building magazine, in 2003. The magazine evolved into Passive House Plus in late 2012, the world’s first English language magazine focused on passive house, as well as other aspects of sustainable building. He is also a founder of Éasca, (the Environmental and Sustainable Construction Association) , an organisation set up to develop and promote a membership of approved companies offering genuinely sustainable solutions. He has authored, co-authored and contributed to articles on sustainable building for numerous newspapers including the Sunday Times, the Irish Times, The Sunday Business Post, the Irish Examiner & the Sunday Tribune.

buildings with poor airtightness and ventilation strategies create high risks of interstitial condensation and poor indoor air quality, raising the spectre of structural damage and health threats. These concerns were addressed in the creation of the passive house standard, to ensure that theoretically low energy buildings actually work in reality, and deliver comfortable, healthy durable buildings. That’s why I’m starting to campaign for passive houses - while also providing a “reasonable proportion” of their energy from renewable sources - to

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be accepted as an alternative method of compliance with Ireland’s energy efﬁciency regulations. Any German or Irish companies interested in getting involved in our energy efﬁciency activities should contact: Aideen Keenan, Head of Marketing, DEinternational Ireland, aideen.keenan@german-irish.ie; tel: 00353(0)1 6424330

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