German-Irish Business 40th Anniversary Book AHK Ireland by Rooney Media

GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

The German Chamber Network

40 years ago, we made history. 40 years ago, quattro technology was born. A permanent four-wheel drive system delivering safer, smoother journeys and an unmatched level of driving pleasure. quattro technology rightly excelled in Ireland and the bond between Irish drivers and German technology began.

That same year, the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce was founded, which has promoted bi-lateral trade and investment since. We want to celebrate those 40 years and look back to the car and the technology inside that hasn’t just helped to create the bond, it’s defined it.

Audi Vorsprung durch Technik For further information on the Audi range, visit www.audi.ie. Terms and conditions apply, model shown for illustrative purposes only.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

PATRONS 2020/2021

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

CONTENTS

Foreword by the President

Foreword by the CEO

Foreword by the Taoiseach

Vorwort von Peter Altmaier Bundesminister

Greetings from Paschal Donohoe

Greetings from Frances Fitzgerald

Greetings from the Ambassador Deike Potzel

Greetings from the Ambassador Dr. Nicholas O’Brien

The Council and Company Secretary

Councillors‘ Profiles 2020

The German-Irish Chamber Of Industry & Commerce: Positioning Points 2020/2021

Programme of Events 2020/2021

Three Pillars

40 Years of GermanIrish Business Relations

German-Irish Relations Never Stronger.... A New Future Awaits

Close Partnership for A Strong Europe

Apprenticeships and VET as Vehicles for Recovery

The Importance of the German Language

Eine Delikate Beziehung: Irland Und Deutschland In Zeiten Des Brexits

The Dublin-Berlin Connection

Micro Grids: Getting Back to Basis and on Track

The Future of Energy is Renewable, Intelligent and Decentralized

Microgrids and Self-Sufficiency in Communities

Energy Efficiency Awards

Saxony! – A Business Location at its Best

Irish SMEs Continue to Invest in Germany

Research Allowance Act

Deutsch-Irische Wirtschaftsverflechtung Kann Sich Intensivieren

Ornua – The Success of Kerrygold in Germany

German Appetite For Irish Food And Drink Remains Strong

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

CONTENTS Programme of Events 2020/2021

Financial Services Group

Webinar Series 2020

DEinternational Team Photos

Market Entry to Germany - Aspects of the Tax and Legal System

Market Entry to Ireland - Aspects of the Tax and Legal System

Guide to International Posting of Employees

Baierl + Demmelhuber

P&I AG

Cheressi Concepts E.K.

Dynaenergetics Europe GmbH

ED. Züblin AG

Friedmann

Hümer Haustechnik GmbH

Tex Idea

Unidienst

VSB Renewable Energy Ireland Ltd

Energynautics

ITM

Mentz

PDA

Unique Shops Magazine

Membership Directory

Published in 2020 by the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, 5 Fitzwilliam Street Upper, Dublin 2. Tel: +353-(0)1-6424300, Fax: +353-(0)1-6424399, Email: info@german-irish.ie Editorial: Ralf Lissek, Judith Clinton Design and Production: Rooney Media Graphics Limited, 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 2020” are not necessarily those of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

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CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

FOREWORD BY THE PRESIDENT, MR. THORSTEN GODULLA Thorsten Godulla, President, German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce Dear members, business partners and friends of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, It is my great privilege to serve as the 24th president of the German-Irish Chamber, this year in particular as we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the chamber. On such an occasion it is good to take a look back and appreciate all the achievements that have been made throughout the years. Anniversaries though, are also the perfect opportunity to look ahead into the future, to set goals, to anticipate what will happen and to prepare and plan accordingly. I have taken this opportunity to look ahead and share my priorities for the following year. These include:

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In order to achieve these goals in times of Covid-19 a close cooperation between German and Irish business is crucial and the Chamber will use all available means to ensure this cooperation. For example, the GermanIrish Chamber helped the Irish subsidiary of a German company to secure a very lucrative government contract to produce 100 million PPE masks and open a new production facility in Ireland. This would not have been possible without the close relationship the Chamber has with its clients and the support that it gives.

Actively promoting the image of Ireland and Germany through all possible channels such as business, political and media to convey our views on important commercial topics.

In this sense I would like to express my gratitude to the councillors and members as well as the team of the German-Irish Chamber for their hard and innovative work that drives the Chamber and for fostering the excellent bilateral relations even in these unusual times.

Promoting trade and supply chain relationships between Germany and Ireland in both directions and highlighting the importance of Germany as a key growth market for Irish Companies.

I sincerely hope that all members and friends of the German-Irish Chamber are healthy and that it will be safe to see each other in person again soon.

Drawing attention to established and emergent sectors where mutual benefit to both countries clearly exists (for example: hospitality, agriculture, engineering, education, energy etc.) Continuing to promote improvements to Ireland’s business environment, focusing on competitiveness, market diversification and better infrastructure.

Best regards Thorsten Godulla, President

Further increasing membership participation in the Chamber by involving all members through the over 60 annual events.

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CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

FOREWORD BY THE CEO, MR. RALF LISSEK Ralf Lissek, CEO, German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce Dear members, business partners and friends, On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the GermanIrish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, I look back with great pleasure on the developments and achievements. The bilateral relations are consolidated and stable, as our constantly growing network shows. As a member of the Chamber, you have often faced economic challenges: After the rapid upswing in Ireland in the 1990s, the financial crisis put an end to the Celtic Tiger in 2008. When the recession was successfully overcome, the Brexit threatened to reorganize Ireland’s economic relations. This year, the Covid-19 pandemic brought historic cuts to the economy.

services and political work, with direct links to the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, allows us to offer you comprehensive support. We will continue to maintain this offer in the future with our usual commitment and will work for an intensive economic cooperation in Europe. I am very happy about the congratulations and look forward to the next 40 years of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ireland.

The Chamber has consistently guided you through these times, with creative solutions and great quality. Our 3 pillar model, consisting of membership, DE International

Warmest regards

Ralf Lissek, Geschäftsführer, Deutsch-Irische Industrieund Handelskammer

3 Säulen Modell, bestehend aus der Mitgliedschaft, den DE International Dienstleistungen und der politischen Arbeit, mit der direkten Verbindung zum DIHK und zum BMWi erlaubt es uns Ihnen eine umfassende Unterstützung anzubieten.

Sehr geehrte Mitglieder, Geschäftspartner und Freunde, Anlässlich des 40 jährigen Bestehens der DeutschIrischen Industrie- und Handelskammer, blicke ich mit großer Freude auf die Entwicklungen und Leistungen zurück. Die bilateralen Beziehungen sind gefestigt und stabil, wie unser stetig wachsendes Netzwerk zeigt. Sie als Mitglied der Kammer, standen oft vor wirtschaftlichen Herausforderungen: Nach dem schnellen Aufschwung im Irland der 1990er, setzte die Finanzkrise 2008 dem Celtic Tiger ein Ende. Als die Rezession erfolgreich überwunden war, drohte der Brexit, die Wirtschaftsbeziehungen Irlands neu zu ordnen. In diesem Jahr brachte die Covid-19 Pandemie historische Einschnitte für das Wirtschaftsleben.

Dieses Angebot werden wir auch in Zukunft mit gewohntem Engagement aufrechterhalten und uns für eine intensive, wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit in Europa einsetzen. Ich freue mich sehr über die Glückwünsche und auf die nächsten 40 Jahre der Industrie und Handelskammer in Irland. Herzliche Grüße

Die Kammer hat Sie durch die Zeiten, mit kreativen Lösungen und großer Qualität, beständig begleitet. Unser

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

FOREWORD BY AN TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN, TD Micheál Martin TD, Taoiseach Germany and Ireland enjoy excellent bilateral relations, underpinned by strong cultural, economic and people– to-people ties. Today, we are partners in our shared European Union – working together on a huge array of policies which directly impact on our citizens, including our response to the economic and social challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Germany is also a partner with which we share many common values – not least a commitment to the rule of law, to human rights, to the UN and to the multilateral world order. Beyond our Government and official links, our two nations are also busy trading with each other. Germany is Ireland’s second largest source of inward investment, our third largest source of tourists, fourth largest overall trading partner and fifth largest market for food exports. However, it is not all one way – there are nearly 60 Irish companies with operations in Germany, employing around 15,000 people. Of course, our trade has changed over the years. In 1962, Ireland opened its first Irish Trade Office in Germany and that year the majority of our exports were in sewing machines and livestock. Today, the industries that now make up the bulk of Irish exports to Germany include engineering, software, electronics, medical technologies and pharmaceuticals. Organisations such as the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce are a vital part in helping to maintain and grow our strong economic links. Germany is an indispensable partner for Ireland, and all the more so in the context of Brexit. We are working to deepen our relationship and ensure that we are in a position to effectively advance our mutual goals and interests. We want a relationship between Ireland and Germany which builds on its existing strengths and further maximises unused potential and opportunities to expand our cooperation. In 2018, we published a comprehensive review of our relations with Germany - Ireland in Germany: A Wider and Deeper Footprint. The review’s recommendations aim to ensure that Ireland has a wider footprint across the

German States; developing a deeper connection with the Federal Government in Berlin; increasing communication and promotion of Ireland in Germany; and better serving the changing Irish community in Germany. We hope to have a relationship that runs across our Governments, our economies and our societies, which is progressive, innovative, responsible and mutually beneficial. Outcomes such as the recent opening of a new Consulate General in Frankfurt will contribute significantly towards these ends. Our relationship has been further strengthened by the agreement with Germany of a Joint Plan of Action for Enhanced Bilateral and EU Cooperation. The Joint Plan is built on the principle that Ireland and Germany share many common values and goals, and that increased cooperation is in both our national interests and our common European interest. The Joint Plan includes projects and policy initiatives, such as helping to promote small and medium-sized enterprises in both countries, fostering new bilateral engagements in research and education, as well as strengthened links at political and official level within government. The Joint Plan is making a real contribution in strengthening the GermanIrish Partnership and I look forward to its renewal in the coming months. I extend my warmest congratulations to the German-Irish Chamber on its 40th anniversary celebrations.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

VORWORT VON PETER ALTMAIER, BUNDESMINISTER FÜR WIRTSCHAFT UND ENERGIE Peter Altmaier, Bundesminister für Wirtschaft und Energie Zum 40-jährigen Bestehen der Deutsch-Irischen gratuliere ich herzlich und bedanke mich für Ihr Engagement. Seit 1980 wirkt die AHK Irland an der Vertiefung der bilateralen Wirtschaftsbeziehungen kräftig mit. Sie unterstützt deutsche und irische Unternehmen beim Auf- und Ausbau ihrer bilateralen Geschäftsbeziehungen und trägt damit zur Pflege und Verbesserung unserer Handelsbeziehungen bei. Deutschland und Irland verbinden enge wirtschaftliche Beziehungen: Das bilaterale Handelsvolumen ist in den letzten Jahren deutlich gestiegen und umfasst ca. 25 Mrd. Euro. Deutschland ist für Irland der drittwichtigste Handelspartner und für deutsche Unternehmen ist Irland ein interessanter Standort. Genauso eng wie unsere wirtschaftlichen Verbindungen ist unsere politische Zusammenarbeit: Im Rahmen deutschirischer Staatssekretärskonsultationen tauschen wir uns regelmäßig aus und treiben gemeinsame Projekte voran. Die deutsche EU-Ratspräsidentschaft im zweiten Halbjahr 2020 bietet die Möglichkeit, unsere gemeinsamen Interessen auch auf europäischer Ebene weiter voranzubringen. Irland ist ein wichtiger Partner Deutschlands, etwa wenn es um die Weiterentwicklung des Binnenmarktes, die Digitalisierung oder um eine regelbasierte und multilaterale Handelspolitik geht. Die Covid-19-Pandemie hat zu erheblichen Wachstumseinbußen der europäischen Wirtschaft geführt und die Wirtschaft unserer beiden Länder vor erhebliche Herausforderungen gestellt. Irland steht zum zweiten Mal binnen einer Dekade vor der Herausforderung, seine Wirtschaft wieder aufzubauen. Daher müssen wir als europäische Partner eng und solidarisch zusammenstehen und gemeinsam alle möglichen Anstrengungen unternehmen, um geeint und gestärkt aus der Krise hervorzugehen und unserer Wirtschaft zu neuem Aufschwung zu verhelfen.

Ungeachtet des Ausgangs der Gespräche zum zukünftigen Verhältnis bringt ein Austritt aus dem Europäischen Binnenmarkt Änderungen für Geschäftsprozesse und Wertschöpfungsketten mit sich. Irland wird in ganz besonderem Maße betroffen sein – nicht nur die geografische und wirtschaftliche Verbindung zum Vereinigten Königreich, sondern auch die historischen und kulturellen Verknüpfungen stellen die irische Bevölkerung und Wirtschaft vor große Herausforderungen. Deutschland und die EU stehen von Beginn an solidarisch an der Seite Irlands. Insgesamt streben wir eine möglichst enge zukünftige Partnerschaft zum Vereinigten Königreich an. Der Austritt des Vereinigten Königreichs bietet unseren Unternehmen aber auch die Chance, ihre Handelsbeziehungen zu diversifizieren und neu auszurichten. Irland gewinnt als Tor zum Vereinigten Königreich nochmals an Attraktivität. Und auch irische Unternehmen werden zunehmend auf Zulieferer aus Kontinentaleuropa blicken. Die Deutsch-Irische Industrie und Handelskammer in Dublin ist seit 40 Jahren der wichtigste Partner für die deutsche Wirtschaft vor Ort. Mit ihrer langjährigen Expertise trägt sie als kompetente Ansprechpartnerin ganz wesentlich dazu bei, dass sich unsere Unternehmen in Irland zurechtfinden. Gerade mit Blick auf den Austritt des Vereinigten Königreichs aus der EU kommt der AHK Irland in ihrem Jubiläumsjahr eine besondere Verantwortung zu. Ich vertraue darauf, dass Sie auch diese Aufgabe mit ihrer nunmehr 40-jährigen Erfahrung erfolgreich meistern werden.

Hinzu kommt, dass der Austritt des Vereinigten Königreichs aus der Europäischen Union zu erheblichen Veränderungen für Unternehmen führen wird.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

GREETINGS FROM PASCHAL DONOHOE TD, MINISTER FOR FINANACE Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Finance The German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce has been established in Dublin since 1980, supporting bilateral trade and business opportunities between Ireland and Germany. The Chamber and its members play an important role in maintaining the warm relationship that exists between both our countries. It is a privilege to mark this 40th anniversary year of the Chamber in Ireland, and I would like to thank the Chamber for inviting me to contribute to this milestone anniversary edition of their magazine. In the last 40 years since the Chamber has been established, we have witnessed the ties between our two countries develop substantially. Both politically and economically, Ireland and Germany have become committed partners in building both a strong European Union, and a strong and dynamic economic and trading relationship.

As we face into a number of significant economic challenges the importance of this relationship has never been so vital. Germany currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and Germany’s Presidency priorities include addressing the shared challenges of the COVID 19 pandemic and the ongoing Brexit negotiations.

In the first quarter of this year, trade and investment relations between Ireland and Germany were at an alltime high and continued to grow. Germany is our second largest source of inward investment, third largest source of tourism, and fourth largest trading partner. Germany is also Ireland’s third largest trading partner in goods terms, and fourth largest trading partner in terms of services. German companies employ approximately 14,000 people in Ireland, with indigenous Irish companies employing over 15,000 people in their operations in Germany

We know and understand that we can achieve so much more by working together. Our shared partnership as members of the European Union has been pivotal to developing our economies over the past 40 years and will continue to play a pivotal role as we work together towards economic recovery.

This demonstrates a broad and diverse two-way economic relationship that benefits both Ireland and Germany, and which supports jobs and families in both our countries; and the Irish Government is committed to supporting the development of this important relationship in all of its dimensions. In 2019, additional resources were provided to our embassy in Berlin to carry out the important work of representing and promoting Ireland in the German capital, and a new Consulate General was opened in Frankfurt in order to strengthen Ireland’s engagement in this important centre.

In my role as Finance Minister, and in my new role as President of the Eurogroup, I look forward to working closely with my counterparts in all Member States. My priorities will be guided by the overarching objective that we must ensure the recovery takes a firm hold. I will work closely with business and citizens to ensure that we achieve an inclusive, sustainable and innovation-driven recovery and I look forward to further engagement with the Chamber and its members in furthering these aims. While these challenges are great, we are well positioned to overcome these challenges together. We will maintain our close and prosperous relationship in the years ahead, as we navigate a route to shared economic recovery and stability.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

GREETINGS FROM FRANCES FITZGERALD, MEP Frances Fitzgerald is a Member of the European Parliament for Dublin City & County, former Tánaiste, Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation and Minister for Justice & Equality. Since 1980 the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce has promoted bilateral trade and investment between Germany and Ireland. Its success and hard-work is evident from the 350 member companies that they support here in Ireland today. Congratulations to the German-Irish Chamber. I wish them every success in the next 40 years as we traverse one of the most difficult periods in relation to European and global trade. Germany and Ireland are European allies which share common core values – a commitment to the European Union, the United Nations, the rule of law, multilateralism, to upholding human rights, to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the protection of the most vulnerable in our societies. Both nations believe in an open society and in the ability of free trade to grow our economies whilst remaining fully committed to diversity and equality of opportunity. Democracy and mutual respect for others underpin our ever growing closer relationship. Germany and Ireland are indispensable partners at European level. We see this in day-to-day debates and negotiations in the European Parliament and in trade policy and developmental aid – the interests of Irish and German citizens are closely aligned. On the global stage we jointly seek to address some of the world’s biggest challenges which defy the control of any single nation – from economic supports for countries that cannot fend for themselves to UN peacekeeping missions, we share common priorities in these areas. It is evident that Ireland supports a strong Germany at the heart of Europe. The Department of Foreign Affairs IrelandGermany Strategy, highlights that Germany is Ireland’s

second largest source of inward investment, third largest source of tourists, fourth largest overall trading partner and fifth largest market for food exports. There is the capacity, I believe to build even further between our two great nations. There will be many new trade opportunities as well as challenges, in a post-Brexit Europe. The opportunities in a new more digitally advanced and greener economy are limitless. It is an imperative for both German and Irish firms and entrepreneurs to tap in to this new economy whilst maintaining committed to our shared core values. Ireland and Germany must foster an environment that makes it enticing for more European companies to lead the way in these new emerging markets. We need to widen and deepen our relationship with Germany in all its aspects in a post-Brexit Europe. We must strengthen our trade and tourism links. The development and intensification of our post-Brexit priorities at all levels is needed – diplomatically, politically, parliamentary, economically, industrially and culturally. All recommendations as outlined in the Department of Foreign Affairs Trade publication ‘Ireland in Germany – A Wider and Deeper Footprint’ should be implemented at an accelerated rate. Ireland and Germany enjoy a mutually beneficial partnership that must be nurtured and developed over the next decade to reap the rewards of a future where both nations play a pivotal role at European and global level.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

GREETINGS FROM HE AMBASSADOR DEIKE POTZEL Deike Potzel, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Dear members, partners and friends of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Congratulations on the Chamber’s 40th anniversary! It has been a central pillar of German-Irish bilateral cooperation in trade and commerce for four successful decades. Its steady commitment has contributed reliably to intensifying our trade relations, and to building strong and lasting bridges between our two countries. Many companies have benefitted from the Chamber’s advice and experience when setting up business in either country. I wholeheartedly thank the Chamber for their work and for their continuous, daily support for businesses. German companies have long since made considerable contributions to the development of our German-Irish bilateral partnership, and have become known and valued household names in Ireland. Many of them have found a home in Ireland, others have successively strengthened bilateral trade. This has allowed Germany to become one of Ireland’s most important trading partners. My special thanks goes out to those who have been part of the success of the Chamber over the last 40 years. First and foremost, I would like to thank the team of the Chamber itself, which has kept the wheels turning day in day out, sets new impetus and offers professional advice and hands-on assistance to its clients and to all those wishing to trade in and with Ireland. Some members have been an active partner since the Chamber’s establishment, others have joined since. I am grateful to one person in particular: CEO Ralf Lissek, who has been at the helm for 20 of those 40 years. He has profoundly shaped and influenced the Chamber and has guided it through the highs and lows of global economic trends, booms and recessions in our two

countries. His voice has been highly valued in Dublin, Berlin and Brussels in recent times marked by Brexit, too. His tireless commitment continues to be a driving force for the Chamber. Thank you, Ralf! I also want to thank the Chamber for their continued excellent cooperation with the Embassy. Exchanges of ideas and joint projects have a common purpose: the maintenance and growth of bilateral trade and economic relations in an extensively globalised world. The 2018 German-Irish Joint Action Plan underpins this goal, in the economic domain, too. Many thanks to the Chamber for their active cooperation in implementing the Joint Action Plan. Engagement, creativity, openness, optimism and courage – these and more have been necessary tools in the last 40 years, whenever we needed to venture into the unknown or overcome crises. Which we did – not least because of European solidarity, too, even when tough decisions needed to be made. We are currently witnessing the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the worst post-war crises. Simultaneously, we cannot yet foresee the impact of Brexit and face many other global challenges. I remain optimistic: Together with our EU partners, we can overcome these, too. Dedicated cooperation with all involved is crucial here. It is therefore all the more reassuring to know that the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce – thanks to all of your support – is and remains an engine that powers the bilateral relations between our two countries. I am looking forward to working with you again in the future, and I wish you and the Chamber all the very best, go n-éirí libh!

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

GRUßWORT VON DER BOTSCHAFTERIN, HE DEIKE POTZEL Deike Potzel, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Liebe Mitglieder, Geschäftspartner und Freunde der Deutsch-Irischen Industrie- und Handelskammer, zum 40. Jubiläum der Kammer gratuliere ich sehr herzlich! Vier erfolgreiche Dekaden ist sie nunmehr ein zentraler Pfeiler der deutsch-irischen bilateralen Wirtschafts- und Handelszusammenarbeit. Mit hohem Engagement hat sie zuverlässig zu einer dauerhaften Verstetigung unserer intensiven Wirtschaftsbeziehungen und dem Bau tragfähiger Brücken zwischen unseren Ländern beigetragen. Vielen Firmen stand die Kammer in diesen Jahren als Wegbereiter und Wegbegleiter bei der Etablierung auf unseren Märkten zur Seite. Dafür – und für den anhaltenden, tagtäglichen Einsatz - danke ich der Kammer sehr herzlich. Deutsche Firmen haben in der Geschichte Irlands einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Entwicklung unserer Partnerschaft geleistet, sind seit Jahrzehnten weithin geschätzte und bekannte Haushaltsnamen in Irland. Nicht wenige deutsche Firmen fanden erfolgreich eine Heimat in Irland, andere haben den bilateralen Handel beständig gefördert. So konnte Deutschland einer der wichtigsten Handelspartner Irlands werden. Mein besonderer Dank gilt all jenen, die in den vergangenen 40 Jahren zum Erfolg der deutsch-irischen Kammer beigetragen haben. Zuvorderst gilt dieser Dank dem Team der Kammer, das tagtäglich den Motor am Laufen hält, Impulse setzt und mit professionellem Rat und zupackender Tat bereit steht – Ihnen und allen anderen, die in und mit Irland geschäftlich aktiv werden möchten. Einige Mitglieder der Kammer waren bei ihrer Gründung schon im bilateralen Handel aktiv, immer neue sind seither hinzugekommen. Einer zentralen Person gilt mein besonderer Dank: dem Geschäftsführenden Vorstand Ralf Lissek, der allein für 20 dieser 40 erfolgreichen Jahre

steht. Er hat die Kammer gestaltet und geprägt, hat sie durch viele Höhen und Tiefen weltweiter wirtschaftlicher Entwicklungen, durch Konjunktur und Rezession in unseren beiden Ländern geführt. Seine Stimme war gerade auch in jüngsten Brexitzeiten in Dublin, Berlin und Brüssel wichtig. In seinem Engagement hat er all die Jahre nicht nachgelassen – und ist weiterhin eine der treibenden Kräfte. Danke, Ralf! Dank sagen möchte ich der Kammer auch für die stets hervorragende Zusammenarbeit mit der Botschaft – gegenseitiger Austausch und gemeinsame Projekte dienen einem gemeinsamen Ziel: der Erhaltung und dem Ausbau der bilateralen Handels- und Wirtschaftsbeziehungen in einer stark globalisierten Welt. Der deutsch-irische Gemeinsame Aktionsplan aus dem Jahre 2018 ist eine hervorragende Grundlage dafür auch im Bereich Wirtschaft. Ein herzliches Dankeschön an die Kammer für die aktive Mitwirkung bei dessen Umsetzung. Engagement, Kreativität, Offenheit für Neues, Zuversicht und Mut – dessen hat es in den letzten 40 Jahren immer wieder bedurft, wenn neue Wege zu beschreiten waren, Krisen überwunden wurden – nicht zuletzt aufgrund der Solidarität in der EU, auch wenn dies oft harte Entscheidungen erforderte. Aktuell erleben wir mit der Covid-19-Pandemie eine der schwersten Krisen der Nachkriegszeit, während gleichzeitig das Ausmaß des Brexit noch nicht abzusehen ist und global zudem zahlreiche weitere Herausforderungen vor uns liegen. Ich bleibe zuversichtlich: Gemeinsam mit unseren Partnern in der Europäischen Union werden wir auch diese meistern. Die engagierte Mitwirkung aller Akteure ist dabei von zentraler Bedeutung. Es ist daher gut zu wissen, dass die Deutsch-Irische Industrie- und Handelskammer dank Ihrer aller Mithilfe eine mitgestaltende Kraft in den bilateralen Beziehungen unserer Länder ist und bleiben wird. Ich freue mich daher auf die weitere Zusammenarbeit und wünsche Ihnen und der Kammer für die Zukunft herzlich alles Gute und jeden erdenklichen Erfolg!

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

GREETINGS FROM HE AMBASSADOR DR. NICHOLAS O’BRIEN Ambassador Dr. Nicholas O’Brien “Congratulations to all Chamber members, board members and patrons on such a momentous landmark. With pride, the Chamber can look back on its work and achievements since its foundation 40 years ago. The Chamber is central to the work of members, whether it be trade shows, contact building or provision of services. It provides a strong support for German and Irish companies who wish to trade and invest. Such trade and investment is the lifeblood of the Irish economy and this is why the Chamber plays such a strong and supportive role, not only to its members, but also contributes to broader societal goals. The bonds and friendship between Germany and Ireland have never been stronger. In our shared membership of the European Union, we work together to advance shared values and prosperity. At a bilateral level, official links are strong and deep. Indeed they are undergoing a deepening through strong bilateral engagement following the 2018 Review of German-Irish Relations. Out of this Review, we have an agreed Joint Action Plan which provides a framework within which we enhance our engagement.

As we come to the end of this year, we are facing challenges, including the pandemic and Brexit. The Chamber has a key role to play in enhancing German-Irish trade and investment links and I know that it will step up to the challenge. I greatly appreciate the role which the Chamber plays and look forward to continued working together.”

Let me pay tribute to the Chamber’s CEO whom I have known for many years. Ralf recently marked 20 years in the position and I would like to acknowledge his drive and commitment. His enthusiasm is infectious and he always wants to move the agenda forward. Well done on leading such an excellent team at the Chamber.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

THE COUNCIL AND COMPANY SECRETARY 01. President Thorsten Godulla, Audi Ireland

04. Councillor Sheamus Causer, Ulster Bank

02. Vice-President Dr. oec. Wolfgang Häfele, STS Ltd.

05. Councillor Liam Ryan, SAP Ireland

03. Councillor Gary O’Callaghan, Siemens Ltd

06. Councillor Simon Dauber, Allianz Global Life 07. Councillor Derek Collins, Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking

08. Councillor Werner Schwanberg, SFGS – Schwanberg Financial Governance Services 09. Councillor John Glennon, RSM Ireland 10. Councillor Jonathan Hackett, Botany Weaving Mill Ltd.

11. Councillor Patrick McGrath, Miele Ireland Limited

14. Councillor CEO Declan Bolger, Irish Life / Canada Life Group

12. CEO Ralf Lissek, German- Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce

15. Councillor Jasper Hanebuth, Barclays

13. Councillor Itziar Canamasas, Bayer Ltd.

16. Company Secretary Andreas Fagin, German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

COUNCILLORS‘ PROFILES 2020/2021 01. President Thorsten Godulla, Audi Ireland Thorsten Godulla is the Managing Director of Audi Ireland, appointed to the role in October 2018. He is also the current President of the German-Irish Chamber of Commerce, appointed in February 2020. Prior to his appointment to Managing Director of Audi Ireland, Mr Godulla enjoyed a successful 25-year career at Audi encompassing management and leadership positions in the UK and at the Audi Headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany. He has a wealth of experience in many areas including Sales, Product, Aftersales, Dealer Development and Finance. Thorsten joined the Irish business from his previous role as Director of Overseas Sales for the Africa and Near Middle East region which included full responsibility from a sales, aftersales and network development perspective for 26 countries.

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 20 years member of the Regional Parliament of the Region of Stuttgart and as well Chairman of the Supervisory Board 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.

02. Vice-President Dr. oec. Wolfgang Häfele, STS Ltd.

03. Councillor Gary O’Callaghan, Siemens Ltd

Dr. oec. Wolfgang Häfele is Honorary Consul General of Ireland in Stuttgart to the states of Baden-Württemberg and Hessen and was from 20172019 CEO of the Dussmann Group, Berlin, an international global service company with €2.2 bill turnover and 65.000 employees, he was Chairman of the Advisory Board of Elevion Group (an electrical engineering company) and Managing Director with responsibility for Central Europe of MITIE Group plc. (a London based facility service company with a turnover of €2.6 billion and 75,000 employees). Previously he was Chairman of the Supervisory Board

Gary is currently the Chief Executive of Siemens Ltd providing leadership to the two Operational Companies withing the business. Siemens is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 174 years. Prior to his current role he managed the Energy Sector from 2008 through 2015, and before this the Transmission & Distribution Division. He previously headed Siemens Enterprise Communications in Ireland. Gary joined Nixdorf Computer in 1981 where he served in both Service

and Sales Management positions. In 1992 he transferred from Nixdorf to Siemens Limited to work in ICT Sales Management. Gary has a Certified Diploma in Accountancy & Finance and is an MSc in Executive Leadership. His MSc Thesis, for which he received a Distinction, was on the subject of Leadership and Culture, a topic which he enjoys and believes is critical in business today. Gary is a Director and Board Member of FIT Ltd, a not-profit organisation which is focussed on building job related training programs for longterm disadvantaged unemployed people. He is married to Fiona with three children and enjoys playing Golf and sports in general in his spare time.

4. Councillor Sheamus Causer, Ulster Bank Sheamus Causer, Chief Technology and Information Officer with Ulster Bank Ireland DAC, has held a number of senior Information Technology, Data Management and Operations roles in the global financial services industry. With over 25 years’ experience, Sheamus lead Deutsche Bank’s global analytics function and provided technology consulting support to a range of leading local and international banks, which has given him hands on insight into technology, payments and data best practice. Prior to Deutsche Bank, Sheamus was Director of Risk Analytics in Deloitte Ireland. Australian born, Sheamus holds MSc and MBA qualifications, and was recently awarded the accolade of Certified Director by the Institute of Directors in Ireland.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

05. 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 to 2,300 employees involved in Support and Development for SAP’s European and US customer base. Liam joined the Chamber Council in 2004 and was President in 2007. He is a member of the National Skills Council and is Chairman of FIT (Fastrack to IT). Living in Malahide with his wife and 3 children, Liam is a keen golfer.

06. Councillor Simon Dauber, Allianz Global Life Simon Dauber is Chief Operating Officer in Allianz Global Life since 2017, a cross border life insurance company based in Blackrock Dublin with branches in Germany, France, Italy and Greece. He joined the Chamber Council in 2019 representing all Irish based Allianz Operating Entities including Allianz Partners and Allianz Ireland. After completing his Master in Economics, Simon started his career at Mercedes in Stuttgart and Lyon where he studied an MBA in International Business. He subsequently joined Allianz in 2005 as Executive Assistant where his career progressed over the following years with various management roles in Sales, Operations, Project Management and Strategy. In 2015 he moved to Ireland, where he is living since with his wife and his three children. Simon is a member of the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (German Academic Scholarship Foundation).

07. Councillor Derek Collins, Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking Derek Collins is a Senior Director at Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking in Dublin. He is responsible for leading Bank of Ireland Foreign Direct Investment Team. The Foreign Direct Investment team engages with new International Companies setting up in Ireland, where Bank of Ireland provides them with a full range of banking services. The team covers Europe, UK, USA, Canada, China, India, Japan and Australia. Bank of Ireland has overseas offices in Frankfurt, London, Paris, New York, Stamford, Chicago and Los Angeles. Derek has been with Bank of Ireland throughout his career which included a period based in New York.

08. Councillor Werner Schwanberg, SFGS – Schwanberg Financial Governance Services Werner Schwanberg is a Chartered Director and Fellow of the Institute of Directors, UK. He is Chairman of London listed Carador Income Fund plc. Born in Germany in 1955, he has lived and worked in Dublin since 1991.

09. Councillor John Glennon, RSM Ireland John Glennon is the founding and Managing Partner of RSM Ireland which is the 8th largest accounting firm in Ireland and who specialise in advising German companies on the financial aspects of setting up and doing business in Ireland. RSM Ireland is a member firm of RSM International which is the 6th largest global audit, tax and consulting network, represented by firms in 120 countries including Germany, where its associate is RSM Deutschland GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft. In 2017 RSM International was awarded the global ‘Network of the Year’ in 2017. RSM Ireland won ‘Member firm of the Year’ within the RSM International network. John has considerable experience working with large to medium sized local

Irish businesses and foreign direct investment companies alike, helping them to develop and achieve their strategic objectives and goals. As well as being a member of the Council of the German – Irish Chamber since 2016, John is also on the Board of the Gaelic Players Association. John is also a Council Member of the BritishIrish Chamber of Commerce. John has been involved over the years with the various committees of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. He is a FCA and FCCA and he has also completed an executive leadership programme for professional services firms at Harvard University. He has a keen interest in helping Irish and international mid-market businesses grow and achieve their objectives and looks at their requirements through a global yet local lens.

10. 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 three manufacturing plants in Ireland, two in Europe and one in the US employing 250 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 three children in Dublin. Jonathan regularly participates in marathons both at home and abroad.

11. 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

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

Ltd. in 2005. From 2011-2015 Patrick spent five years as an Independent Non-Executive Director with Allianz Worldwide Care. Born in 1968 he is a native of Abbeyside, Co. Waterford and now married with 2 children. Pat is a keen golfer.

12. 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. 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, to set up to lobby on behalf of business associations and advise on how to lobby EU funded programms. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce in 1999. He holds a number of directorships and is the Chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Ireland. Ralf is also editor of the book “Ireland and Germany: Partners in European Recovery”, published in 2014 by Oak Tree Press and the Brexit report “Brexit – a view from the Chambers” in December 2016.

13. Councillor Itziar Canamasas, Bayer Ltd. Itziar joined Bayer as an International Management Trainee. Throughout her career in Bayer she has worked in a number of roles in the Pharmaceutical Division across Europe, Asia Pacific and the US. She has extensive experience in the area of oncology including European Oncology Head and Global Commercial Lead for Stivarga and Nexavar. Since May 2017, Itziar

has held the position of Managing Director and Country Division Head of Pharmaceuticals in Bayer Ltd. here in Ireland. She holds a PhD in Tumor genetics and a university degree in Biology and Biotechnology. In her spare time, Itziar likes to read, listen to music and spend time with her husband and son.

14. Councillor CEO Declan Bolger, Irish Life / Canada Life Group Declan is Chief Executive of the Irish Life Group and a former Chief Executive of its sister company Canada Life Europe. Canada Life Europe, whose headquarters are in Dublin, provides retirement savings, life assurance and disability insurance protection to 500,000 German customers through a Cologne branch. Both Irish Life and Canada Life Europe are part of the GreatWest Lifeco group of companies. Canada Life Europe employs over 600 people, split evenly between Ireland and Germany. Declan was part of the founding team of Canada Life Europe in 2000 and previously held the positions of Head of Product 1 '*+( )/я #$ ! $) ) $ ' !‫ ݦ‬- and Chief Actuary. Declan also sits on the board of Financial Services Ireland and is an international council member of Insurance Ireland. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries in the UK and a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries in Ireland. Declan is married to Shirley. They live in Dublin and have three young children. Declan likes running, cycling, travelling and following the varying, but always interesting, fortunes of the Wexford hurlers.

Banking, Private Banking, German Instalment Loan Business and is a credit card issuer in Germany BarclayCard. Before moving to Dublin in 2018, Jasper held senior positions at Barclays in London and New York. Jasper has worked in the financial sector since 1998 with assignments in Germany, Turkey, Indonesia, and across Eastern Europe. He holds an MBA from Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. Jasper manages his time between Dublin and Hamburg, where he lives with his wife and three children.

16. Company Secretary Andreas Fagin, German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce 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 15 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.

15. Councillor Jasper Hanebuth, Barclays Jasper is a Managing Director and Treasurer for Barclays Europe. Barclays Europe headquarters are situated in Dublin with branches in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. Barclays Europe operates Corporate and Investment

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CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

THE GERMAN-IRISH CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY & COMMERCE: POSITIONING POINTS 2020/2021 Trade The German-Irish Chamber aims to develop trade between Germany and Ireland. It will work to: 1. minimise the regulatory burden for goods transiting the UK. The additional expense of complying with two different regulatory regimes (EU and non-EU) and other associated costs would substantially hit Irish exports with negative knock-on effects for employment and economic growth; 2. pursue trade and investment opportunities offered by Brexit. The new economic landscape will create opportunities for enhancing export and import relations between Germany and Ireland opening the potential for a win/win scenario for both countries. Ireland will likely search for new suppliers in Germany, the rest of mainland Europe, to substitute the UK; 3. improve the business environment in Ireland, focusing on competitiveness, market diversification and better infrastructure. Brexit will raise Ireland’s international business profile and many international companies will establish their own Irish centre of operations, bringing fresh opportunities and new investment; 4. uphold free movement of EU citizens, goods, capital and service within the EU, recognising that the Brexit negotiations need to strengthen the European integration; 5. encourage the education system in Ireland to promote both technical and language studies and further highlight the benefits of the dual education system in critical areas; 6. maintain the current competitive tax regime in Ireland because it is an essential part of the Irish economy and a successful business model over the last 30 years; 7. oversee discussions where appropriate on the mutual benefit to both countries in sectors where potential clearly exists, eg hospitality, agri sector, engineering, education, energy;

Northern Ireland Northern Ireland is the only land border between the UK and the EU. In light of this the Chamber aims to: 8. maintain EU support for the peace process in Ireland. Ireland, Britain and the EU cannot be complacent about the work that needs to be done to implement the Good Friday Agreement in full. The elimination of a hard border in modern times has been critical in the context of the Northern Ireland peace process. The agreement reached between the EU and Britain on the border question needs to be reflected in law;

The Financial Services Industry The Financial Services Industry is crucial to Ireland’s economy. The Chamber actively works to: 9. establish areas of common interest with the financial services industry in Germany in relation to attempts by the European Commission to concentrate more power in bodies, such as the European Securities and Markets Authority which may influence the role of local/member state regulators; 10. encourage more constructive engagement between the Central Bank and industry. The Central Bank should have a capacity to promote Ireland’s competitiveness as a jurisdiction for the location of financial service.

HAVE THE COURAGE TO GO FORWARD A SHIP IN A HARBOUR IS SAFE, BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT SHIPS ARE BUILT FOR Allianz is one of the largest insurers, investors and assistance providers in the world. We are driven by our purpose: We secure your future. Since 1890, all around the globe, we at Allianz have been working hard to secure people’s lives and to give courage to you, our customers, for what’s ahead. Because we know how important it is to have a fair partner at your side who provides solid and sustainable solutions, we strive to do it right with passion, every day.

ALLIANZ. Collaborating for a sustainable future. With over 100 million customers and 147,000 employees globally, we have a big opportunity. This extends beyond simply providing high quality products and services that protect you, your family and your livelihood. It means using the money you pay us to shape a more prosperous society. It means designing solutions to some of the world's most urgent challenges - from tackling the climate crisis and protecting the environment to building a healthier and fairer future. In this brochure, we answer some of your questions about how we are doing that. We are on this journey together. Please continue to share your questions and feedback with us.

COLLABORATING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

ALLIANZ GROUP SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019

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CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

DIE DEUTSCH-IRISCHE INDUSTRIE- UND HANDELSKAMMER: POSITIONEN 2020/2021 Handel Das Ziel der Deutsch-Irischen Industrie- und Handelskammer ist es, den Handel zwischen Deutschland und Irland zu fördern. Sie arbeitet daran 1. regulatorische Auflagen für Güter, welche Großbritannien durchqueren, zu minimieren. Die zusätzlichen Kosten für die Einhaltung zweier verschiedener Regulierungssysteme (EU und NichtEU) und anderer damit verbundener Kosten, würden die irischen Exporte erheblich beeinträchtigen und negative Auswirkungen auf die Beschäftigung und das Wirtschaftswachstum haben. 2. Handel- und Investitionsmöglichkeiten anzuregen , die sich durch den Brexit ergeben. Die neue wirtschaftliche Landschaft schafft Möglichkeiten zur Verbesserung von Export und Import zwischen Deutschland und Irland und eröffnet das Potenzial einer Win/Win-Situation für beide Länder, da Irland wahrscheinlich nach neuen Lieferanten in Deutschland und dem Rest Europas suchen wird, um das Vereinigte Königreich zu ersetzen. 3. das Geschäftsumfeld in Irland zu verbessern vor allem im Hinblick auf die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit, Marktdiversifizierung und bessere Infrastruktur. Der Brexit wird das internationale Geschäftsprofil Irlands stärken und viele internationale Unternehmen werden einen eigenen irischen Standort gründen, was neue Möglichkeiten und Investitionen mit sich bringt. 4. die Bewegungsfreiheit von EU-Bürgern, Gütern, Kapital und Dienstleistungen innerhalb der EU sicher zu stellen mit dem Bewusstsein, dass die BrexitVerhandlungen die europäische Integration stärken müssen. 5. das Bildungssystem in Irland zu unterstützen, für technische und sprachliche Studiengänge zu werben und die Vorteile des dualen Ausbildungsssystems in kritischen Bereichen aufzuzeigen. 6. das derzeitige wettbewerbsfähige Steuersystem in Irland aufrecht zu erhalten, da es in den letzten 30 Jahren ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der irischen Wirtschaft und ein erfolgreiches Geschäftsmodell war. 7. Diskussionen zu führen über den gegenseitigen Nutzen beider Länder in Bereichen, in denen eindeutig Potenzial vorhanden ist, wie z.B. Tourismus, Agrarsektor, Ingenieurwesen, Bildung und Energie.

Nordirland Nordirland hat die einzige Landesgrenze zwischen dem Vereinigten Königreich und der EU. Vor diesem Hintergrund zielt die Kammer darauf ab 8. die Unterstützung des Friedensprozesses in Irland durch die EU aufrecht zu erhalten. Irland, Großbritannien und die EU sollten nicht nachgeben in ihren Bestrebungen, das Karfreitagsabkommen vollständig umzusetzen. Die Beseitigung einer harten Grenze war im Zusammenhang mit dem Friedensprozess in Nordirland von entscheidender Bedeutung. Die zwischen der EU und Großbritannien erzielte Vereinbarung über die Grenzfrage muss sich gesetzlich widergespiegeln.

Der Finanzsektor Der Finanzsektor ist von entscheidender Bedeutung für Irlands Wirtschaft. Die Kammer arbeitet aktiv daran 9. Bereiche von gemeinsamem Interesse mit dem Finanzsektor in Deutschland zu ermitteln, die sich auf Bestrebungen der Europäischen Kommission beziehen, Gremien, wie beispielsweise der Europäischen Wertpapier- und Marktaufsichtsbehörde, mehr Einfluss zu verleihen, die die Rolle der lokalen Regulierungsbehörden der Mitgliedstaaten beeinflussen können. 10. ein konstruktiveres Zusammenspiel von Zentralbank und Industrie anzuregen. Die Zentralbank sollte befähigt werden, sich dafür einzusetzen, Irlands Wettbewerbsfähigkeit als Gerichtsstandort für den Finanzsektor bekannt zu machen.

www.duncangrehan.com Phone: 01-6779078 Duncan Grehan & Partners is a full-service small and experienced law firm established in 1984 with long standing expertise in advising in the German language on Irish law issues. The team are experienced in national and international court work and dispute resolution on behalf of both complainants and defendants and in providing fast, responsive, realistic and effective legal advice. On a daily basis the firm aids German corporations and German individuals needing Irish law solutions. The firm provides its large international client base with advice in our wide range of practice areas to include commercial and private client litigation and dispute resolution, corporate and commercial law, employment law, product liability issues, conveyancing and real estate, wills and inheritance law, debt collection and enforcement of foreign judgments, agency and distribution advices. We are members of a number of nonexclusive international lawyer networks, groupings and associations. The firm’s partners Conor Griffin and Éadaoin McLoughlin correspond daily in the German language which a number of our staff speak. The firm has had a long involvement with the German Irish Chamber of Commerce having been a member for 35 years and Duncan Grehan having served as a Councillor in the past. Please contact cgriffin@duncangrehan.com or emcloughlin@duncangrehan.com for further information or visit our website at www.duncangrehan.com.

www.duncangrehan.com Phone: 01-6779078

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

PartnerForNetworking

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 2020 - CHAMBER 2020 January 23 24 February 07 07 13 26 March 11 April 08 08 23 30 May 15 20 20 June 04 19 24 July 02 09 September 11 October 23 November 05 30 December 03 10 10

Event

Participants

Contact

‘Brexit and Consequences for Ireland’ German-Irish Chamber Killarney Economic Conference, Brexit and Ireland

Free Event Free Event

EM EM

Council Meeting and Patrons Lunch Annual General Meeting Dinner at Residence of the German Ambassadors Greenman Open 2020: A New Decade

Councillors/ Patrons Members Event Guest List Free Event

EM EM EM EM

Round Table Lunch hosted by the German Embassy - The European Green Deal and its Impact on Ireland

Guest List

Webinar: ‘Business Continuity’ hosted by LK Shields Webinar: Covid-19 - Impact on the German Economy with the DIHK Webinar: The Irish Tax System with DE International Webinar: ‘Opportunities in Germany During and After Corona, Government funding and support’ with GTAI

Webinar Webinar Webinar Webinar

HD HD HD HD

Webinar: ‘The Impact of COVID-19 on the Irish Economy’ with Webinar Bank of Ireland Webinar: Markteintritt Irland with DE International Webinar Webinar: Covid19 – Leading Through a New Security Paradigm Webinar

HD HD HD

Webinar: ‘Global Macro Outlook and the Economy after the Webinar Pandemic’ hosted by Barclays Bank Council Meeting Councillors/Patrons Webinar: ‘The Sustainable Finance Agenda’ hosted by Barclays Webinar

Webinar: ‘Legal Checklist for Reopening your Business' hosted Webinar by LK Shields Webinar: ‘Europe's recovery after the pandemic’ Webinar

European Chamber Golf Outing at the K Club

Paid Event

Council Meeting

Councillors/Patrons

Webinar: Market Opportunities for Irish Companies with GTAI Webinar: 40th Anniversary Celebrations with H.E. Dr. Nicholas O’Brien, H.E. Deike Potzel & Dr. Joachim Pfeiffer From 10-11am

Webinar Councillors/ Patrons Guest List

HD HD

Webinar: Post-Brexit sourcing in the Eurozone with the European Chamber Webinar: H.E. Deike Potzel, Ambassador of Germany in Ireland on EU presidency Council Meeting

Webinar

EM HD

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

The German Chamber Network

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 2021 - CHAMBER, DEinternational & EU CHAMBER 2021 February 5 5 11 12 March 5 12 18 23-26 April 2 9 14 16 23 May 6 13 18 20-23 21 June 3 10 11 22-25 23-25 August 5 September 3 7 10 16 24 28 October 14 17 18 19-22 November 4 5 12 13 19 December 3 JC EMG LK 26

Event

Participants

Contact

Council Meeting Annual General Meeting Embassy Dinner for Councillors and Patrons German-Irish European Financial Services Committee Round Table

Councillors/ Patrons Members Councillors/ Patrons Members

EMG EMG EMG EMG/JC

Seminar with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Seminar on Hamburg Round Table hosted by Arthur Cox Trade Mission from Bavaria

Free Event Councillors/Patrons Councillors/Patrons Free Event

EMG EMG/JC EMG/JC LK

Breakfast Seminar hosted by LK Shields Seminar with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung International Foreign Trade Day-Schwerin Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing at Royal Dublin Golf Club German-Irish European Financial Services Committee Round Table

Free Event Free Event Free Event Paid Event Members

EMG EMG LK EMG EMG/JC

Embassy Soirée in cooperation with the French Chamber Seminar with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Embassy Round Table Lunch Business Trip to Hamburg Council Meeting & Patrons Lunch

Councillors/Patrons Free Event Members Councillors/Patrons Councillors/Patrons

EMG EMG EMG/JC EMG/JC EMG

Members Networking Event European Chamber Round Table Lunch Golf Outing at Mount Juliet Trade Mission from Germany - Sustainable Construction Trade Mission to Germany

Members Councillors/Patrons Paid Event Free Event Free Event

EMG EMG EMG LK JC

Chamber Round Table Lunch

Councillors/Patrons

EMG

German-Irish Chamber 40th Anniversary Celebration Gala Dinner Seminar with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Council Meeting & Patrons Lunch German-Irish European Financial Services Committee Round Table European Chamber Golf Outing at the K Club Trade Mission from Germany - Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Paid Event Free Event Councillors/Patrons Members Paid Event Free Event

EMG EMG EMG EMG/JC EMG LK

Round Table Hosted by Arthur Cox Oktoberfest Embassy Round Table Lunch Trade Mission to Germany

Councillors/Patrons Paid Event Councillors/Patrons Free Event

EMG/JC EMG EMG/JC JC

Breakfast Seminar hosted by LK Shields Golf Outing at Island Golf Club Council Meeting & Patrons Lunch Event with German-Irish Society Bonn Seminar with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

Free Event Paid Event Councillors/Patrons Free Event Free Event

EMG EMG EMG JC EMG

Chamber Christmas Lunch hosted by Audi

Paid Event

EMG

Your contact Judith Clinton Ellen McGrath Lukas Kortenhaus

Phone +353 (0)872024951 +353(0)860681100 +353 (0) 87 252 8886

Email judith.clinton@german-irish.ie ellen.mcgrath@german-irish.ie lukas.kortenhaus@german-irish.ie

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS RELATIONS I have been working with German banks for 21 of the last 30 years. My introduction to the German – Irish Chamber in Dublin was back in 1990 when I was with Dresdner Bank under the leadership of Ernst Matthiensen who held high office in the Chamber. The Chamber has introduced many friends and business partners over the 30 years as I subsequently worked with Commerzbank and now Aareal Bank’s Dublin branch. The staff at the Chamber have always been a great support and have facilitated the success of many business relationships for which we are all grateful.

In 2018 Allianz Global Life and Darta Saving invested in a new headquarters in Dublin providing financial services on a crossborder basis within the EU. The creation of the additional jobs brings Allianz to a total employment of around 1,900 employees in Ireland. As part of a long-term investment strategy, Allianz invested €566 million in Dundrum Shopping Centre in 2015. Simon Dauber, Chief Operating Officer in Allianz Global Life

Albert Prendiville, General Manager, Aareal Bank AG Dublin Branch

Bank of Ireland, Ireland’s largest bank, has been a longstanding supporter of the Chamber. I lead the FDI team which works with German companies with operations in Ireland where we provide the full range of banking services to the company and its staff. The highlight of my frequent visits to Germany was the visit to see the Audi production facility in Ingolstadt and a follow on visit to Wolfsburg to visit the world’s biggest car plant, and spend time at the Autostadt-most impressive.

As a technology provider for the Flexibility Plant, a special kind of a Virtual Power Plant, DieEnergiekoppler GmbH as a young start up take part in the Trade Mission to Ireland in 2020 on „microgrids and self-sufficiency in communities “. It was a great event and perfectly prepared by the whole team, although Covid-19 changed all plans. The trade mission led to interesting contacts concerning optimizing the power flow in energy communities by using the flexibility of energy devices, which could be the market entry to Ireland for DieEnergiekoppler GmbH. Jens Werner, CEO, DieEnergieKoppler

Derek Collins, Senior Director Corporate Banking Bank of Ireland

The family-driven company EURO-WINDPOWER oHG, the inventors of the SuSi VAWT wind turbines for individuals, for the first time got in contact with the German-Irish Chamber of Commerce when they were invited to join the first virtual journey of business people to Ireland during the Corona-crisis in summer 2020.

As a member of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, NightOwl Global, a HaystackID company, proudly celebrates this 40th anniversary of collaborative success. NightOwl, a world leader in enterprise data and eDiscovery management, established its European Centre of Excellence in Dublin, March 2014. The Dublin office provides secure, high-performance data processing, hosting, production capabilities; offers comprehensive review management, predictive coding, data collection and sophisticated consulting services across the EU. Susanna Blancke, Director of Litigation and Client Services EU, NightOwl Global, a Haystack ID Company

The staff of the Chamber took care of all the steps for our application, through the preparatory work for presentation and selection of possible business partners on the Irish side. Their professionalism in organization, their kindness and dedication to support us and the shared enthusiasm about mutually working together in taking the first steps to start a German Irish business were outstanding. We will become members of the Chamber as soon as we can visit Ireland again. You can proudly say that 40 years of the Chamber are proof of passion and professionalism in the commitment of letting the European spirit grow as a union of friends and businesses! Dr. Elena und Susanne Möhring, EURO-WINDPOWER

As a small trading country, Ireland knows the importance of maintaining strong relations with our EU partners. Brexit has heightened our awareness of deepening those relationships with fellow EU member states, not least Germany. The GermanIrish Chamber of Commerce plays an extremely important role and over the past 40 years has provided a valuable platform for strengthening Irish-German relationships. Your work is more vital than ever. All the best for the next 40 years! Mairead McGuinness Commissioner, Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

The partnership between Ireland and Germany is stronger than ever. Together in the EU, German and Irish businesses collaborate to successfully deliver on the needs and challenges of two strong, competitive economies. German client companies in Ireland, with 14,000+ people across manufacturing, technology, services and research ensure this partnership is vibrant, strong and enduring.

Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. is glad to be able to call on the support of the Chamber and our interaction seems to increase as time goes on. We are very glad to see the Chamber has gone from strength to strength over the last 40 years. Long may it continue! David Griffin, Managing Director – Sales, Liebherr

Martin Shanahan, CEO, IDA Ireland

SAP Ireland have been members of the German-Irish Chamber of Commerce since we started operations in 1997. Since then SAP has grown to a workforce of over 2,300 people in Dublin and Galway. We provide Services & Support to our EMEA and Americas Customer base and our R&D organisation is engaged in the provision of Business Intelligence (BI) software solutions for the world market. We have a very diverse workforce with colleagues from over 60 countries speaking over 40 languages. Our engagement with the German-Irish Chamber has offered us many networking opportunities and we have worked together on Vocational Training programs attracting Early Talen into SAP. We have also worked together on projects promoting the German language and German culture in Ireland. I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone in the German-Irish Chamber and wish them every success as they mark 40 years in Ireland. Liam Ryan, Managing Director, SAP

As a founding member of the German Irish Chamber of Commerce, Siemens Ltd. has been proud to promote business and cultural links between Ireland and Germany. We congratulate the Chamber on reaching this significant milestone and we look forward to many more years of co-operation. Herzlichen Glückwunsch, agus Comhghairdeas!

As a strong European company, we are happy to deliver our intelligent energy storage solutions to all member countries and help them on their road to energy efficiency, renewables integration and carbon reduction. The contacts we have made by working with the German-Irish Chamber of Commerce will allow us to further develop our market position in Ireland. The Chamber´s dedication to support TESVOLT has been outstanding and we wish the Chamber continued success in its 40th Anniversary year.

Gary O’Callaghan, CEO, Siemens Ltd.

Lawrie Wilson, Area Manager UK and Ireland, Tesvolt

It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the GermanIrish Chamber of Commerce on your 40th anniversary. I have worked closely with Ralf and the patrons over the past number of years and I have always been deeply impressed by their commitment and drive to deepening and furthering German-Irish trade and commercial links. Through these links, broader relations are also enhanced, and I would like to recognise the role which the Chamber plays in deepening German-Irish links. I wish the Chamber continued success over the coming years.

Deutsche Bank have operated in Ireland since 1991. DB Ireland is well connected with Germany and the German economy via our head office in Frankfurt. Being a member of the German-Irish Chamber however provides us with a different perspective on the German/Irish relationship. Our engagement, via the Chamber, with representatives from German and Irish Corporations affords us the opportunity to look at this business corridor through the lens of exporters and importers. These discussions are invaluable as Europe assesses the impact of Brexit and Covid-19 and the resultant Opportunities and challenges.

Dr Nicholas O’Brien, Ambassador of Ireland

Mary Campbell, Managing Director, Deutsche Bank

As a patron of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Ornua Deutschland GmbH appreciates the excellent co-operation with the Chamber during the past number of years. We congratulate the Chamber on its 40th Anniversary and look forward to many more years of co-operation. Comhghairdeas! Herzlichen Glückwunsch! Congratulations! Danica Siemer, Managing Director, Ornua Deutschland

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

GERMAN-IRISH RELATIONS NEVER STRONGER.... A NEW FUTURE AWAITS Enda Kenny, Former Taoiseach I am happy to contribute a short introduction to this special production anniversary book to recognise the setting up of the German-Irish Chamber 40 years ago. I salute all those instrumental in forming the Chamber from both countries, and all those who served over the past four decades in Germany and in Ireland to build upon that foundation.

I recognize the perseverance of Dr Ralf Lissek, CEO and his staff to avail of every opportunity to further the cause of the Chamber, and have a deep admiration

These long standing relations are nothing new however!

St Killian left Ireland in the cause of Christianity and was martyred in Wurzburg in AD 689. This connection is still recognized by Wurzburg.

Sir Wilhelm Siemens was directly involved in the provision of the world’s first hydro-electric tramway in 1883, between Portrush and the Giant’s Causeway in Co. Antrim.

Siemens Engineering was installed in the Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme, at Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, then one of the largest engineering projects in Europe, which was commissioned in the late 1920’s and consumed 20% of the new state’s annual budget.

Heinrich Böll , German Nobel Prize-winning novelist, made travel for German people to Ireland very popular between the 1950’s and the 1970’s following the publication of his very influential Irisches Tagebuch, recalling tales of his family experiences in an Ireland of that period.

Many Irish towns have formed twinning arrangements with German sister towns providing opportunities for business, trade and cultural exchanges to take place. Among these towns is Castlebar, my home town, twinned with Hochstadt in Bavaria between which many visits have taken place over the years.

Last year a formal State visit took place to Germany by Ireland’s President Michael D Higgins, which proved to be an outstanding success.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

for the outstanding oversight given politically and diplomatically by Ambassador Deike Potzel, of the Federal Republic of Germany to Ireland, in strengthening relations between both countries and both governments over the years. In my time as a Government Minister and particularly as Taoiseach I had extensive engagement with Germany on a business and political level. I saw at first-hand the potential that exists between both countries. This is now more important than ever given that Ireland has stitched its future to the European Union, and that Germany understands precisely what mutual benefits can flow from dealing with a small but flexible workforce, backed by a world class education system, capable of providing solutions to many of the challenges of today. I had many meetings with Chancellor Angela Merkel and worked closely with her during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU in 2013, in the interests of the European Agenda. The German-Irish Chamber provides a professional and experienced support in working with agencies in both countries to provide assistance, know-how and understanding of regulations and directives which can be of enormous benefit to businesses wishing either to start-up or expand. Indeed any company should avail of this opportunity before setting out on a business journey. Given the uncertainty surrounding the Brexit issue, and given the importance of the EU, standing tall on the global platform where future relations with the USA and China will continue to change our world, the Chamber is in the right position to put forward new ideas for the future now coming at us like a wave. This includes proposals like a direct sea-link to mainland Europe without a need for a land bridge through Britain,

where uncertainty still remains arising from the decision of the British people on Brexit. Coronavirus is an unprecedented phenomenon, costing trillions globally in lost opportunity, and many lives to date in so many countries. We cannot yet determine the full consequences of this pandemic, but we do know that Europe has been able to respond economically to assist people and businesses in trouble as a consequence. We do know that Europe has to play its part in dealing with the many challenges that lie up ahead, climate, justice, famine, energy, drought, other pandemics, population explosion, technological developments and outcome, health, food security, unemployment, education, war and threats of war, etc. The German-Irish Chamber cannot solve these problems and challenges. But what it can do and does extraordinarily well is to offer clear understanding, strong leadership, and a wealth of unique experience in working with opportunities in both directions for mutual benefit. The Chamber’s annual reports set out clearly what is possible and achievable. Our political, economic and cultural relations have never been stronger. We are both committed members of the EU. We will keep these connections strong in the time ahead. Just as our past has proven the value of working together, so too will the German-Irish Chamber continue to prove its worth as we work towards a Europe that we both believe in. Thank you, German-Irish members for your efforts to date. Your work will be rewarded again in the future. And why not? After all that future lies up ahead, available and waiting to be embraced. Let’s meet it head on.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

CLOSE PARTNERSHIP FOR A STRONG EUROPE Dr. Joachim Pfeiffer MdB Before its accession to the EU in 1973, Ireland was seen as one of Europe’s poorhouses. The country, located on an island it shares with Northern Ireland, was plagued by low incomes, high unemployment and outward migration. The ensuing period saw the country’s transformation into the “Celtic Tiger”. Its attractive tax system drew in more than 1,000 multinational companies. By the mid-2000s, thanks in part to foreign direct investment in exportoriented sectors with high added value and steps taken to increase efficiency and modernisation in traditional sectors such as agriculture, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) had tripled. According to the Bank of Ireland, this positive development was also largely attributable to capital transferred from the European Union to Ireland for the development of infrastructure in the 1970s and 1980s. The global economic crisis in 2008/2009 brought this success story to a temporary halt. The property market collapsed, consumption fell and investors withdrew. Ireland plunged into recession. The crisis caught the country and its workers unprepared, with hard-hitting consequences. The country’s full employment status was replaced by mass unemployment. Seven years after withdrawing from the EU’s bail-out package, the Celtic tiger is back but drastic measures were necessary along the way. In addition to the financial sector, reforms were also made in the labour market, as well as in other areas. Wage costs, unemployment benefits and social assistance were cut, while value added tax, inheritance tax and gains tax were increased and a valuebased property tax introduced. The structural reforms and fiscal consolidation measures taken by Ireland are unparalleled. The country owes its subsequent success to foreign direct investments, which tripled between 2012 and 2018 alone. In 2019, a record 2.3 million people were in steady employment. The Irish debt ratio had almost halved and was edging closer to the 60% debt/GDP ratio parameter set out in the Maastricht Treaty. In 2020 the coronavirus is hitting Ireland hard. Orders for construction and equipment are cancelled. Exports

are brought to a standstill by the global recession, which further exacerbates the tense situation brought about by Brexit. The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU presents political and economic challenges for Ireland and Europe. Despite stagnating negotiations, the British government sticks to its plan not to extend the transition period. A hard Brexit would have disastrous consequences. Without a sensible solution to the border problem the Irish economy in particular comes under increasing pressure. On the one hand, the British market continues to be important for Ireland’s structurally weak rural areas and its industries, while on the other, the movement of goods between Ireland and Europe will be affected. 80% of Irish exports to continental Europe are transported via mainland Britain. Customs procedures and possible border controls now threaten to make this route longer, more complicated and more expensive. Without a border solution, direct shipping services or container transportation are feasible alternatives to transport overland, but some of these options still take twice as long. Relations between Ireland and Germany will be strengthened further as a result of Brexit. Both countries have access to a highly skilled workforce and are global leaders in certain specific areas. They have already enjoyed good bilateral relations since 1922. Thanks to its unifying pro-European stance, the Green Island was one of the first countries to join the German Federal Foreign Office’s like-minded initiative, which aims to further consolidate ties with like-minded EU Member States and drive forward new, forward-looking topics in areas such as research, the economy and digitalisation.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

It is clear that Germany and the EU will not leave their partner alone out in the cold. Walls are not conducive to creating peace or driving economic upturns. A hard border is therefore completely unacceptable. If we’ve learned anything from Brexit, it’s that we need more EU and more multilateralism, and less segregation and nationalism. In today’s global world, this is the key to peace, prosperity and growth.

Europe is and remains where it needs to be to play a leading role in the world in the future, be it in economic, social, political or cultural terms. For this to happen, it needs a strong EU and strong partnerships, such as the one between Ireland and Germany. Dr. Joachim Pfeiffer MdB Economic and Energy Policy Spokesman for the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group

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CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

ENGE PARTNERSCHAFTEN FÜR EIN STARKES EUROPA Dr. Joachim Pfeiffer MdB Vor dem Beitritt in die EU im Jahr 1973 galt Irland als eines der Armenhäuser in Europa. Geringes Einkommen, hohe Arbeitslosigkeit und Abwanderung prägten den Inselstaat. Seitdem hatte sich das Land zum „keltischen Tiger“ entwickelt. Ein attraktives Steuersystem zog mehr als 1.000 multinationale Unternehmen an. Durch unter anderem ausländische Direktinvestitionen in exportorientierten Sektoren mit hoher Wertschöpfung sowie Effizienzsteigerung und Modernisierung traditioneller Sektoren wie der Landwirtschaft verdreifachte sich das Bruttosozialprodukt (BIP) bis Mitte der 2000er-Jahre. Ein weiterer wichtiger Grund für diese positive Entwicklung waren laut Bank of Ireland die Kapitaltransfers der Europäischen Union zum Aufbau der Infrastruktur in den 1970er und 1980er Jahren. Mit der Weltfinanzkrise 2008/2009 legte die Erfolgsgeschichte einen Zwischenstopp ein. Der Immobilienmarkt brach ein, der Konsum sank, Investoren zogen sich zurück. Irland rutschte in die Rezession. Die Krise traf das Land und seine Beschäftigten unvorbereitet und schwer. Auf Vollbeschäftigung folgte Massenarbeitslosigkeit. Sieben Jahre nach dem Ausscheiden aus dem EU-Rettungsschirm lässt sich festhalten: Der keltische Tiger ist zurück. Geprägt war der Weg von harten Einschnitten: Neben dem Finanzsektor wurde unter anderem der Arbeitsmarkt reformiert. Lohnkosten, Arbeitslosen- und Sozialhilfe wurden gesenkt, Mehrwert-, Erbschaft- und Kapitalertragsteuer erhöht und eine wertabhängige Grundsteuer eingeführt. Irland blickt auf Strukturreformen und eine Staatshaushaltskonsolidierung zurück, die ihresgleichen suchen. Der anschließende Erfolg beruht auf ausländischen Direktinvestitionen, die sich allein zwischen 2012 und 2018 verdreifachten. 2019 herrschte mit 2,3 Millionen Menschen in Lohn und Brot Rekordbeschäftigung. Die irische Schuldenquote hatte sich fast halbiert und näherte sich dem MaastrichtGrenzwert von 60 Prozent des BIP. 2020 trifft die Corona-Pandemie auch Irland hart. Bauund Ausrüstungsaufträge brechen weg. Der Export

kommt durch die weltweite Rezession zum Stocken. Sie verschärft die Brexit bedingte, angespannte Situation weiter. Der Austritt Großbritanniens aus der EU stellt Irland und Europa politisch wie wirtschaftlich vor Herausforderungen. Trotz stockender Verhandlungen hält die britische Regierung an ihrem Plan fest, die Übergangsfrist nicht zu verlängern. Die Folgen eines harten Brexits wären verheerend. Insbesondere die irische Wirtschaft gerät ohne sinnvolle Grenzlösung weiter unter Druck: Zum einen ist der britische Markt weiterhin für Irlands strukturschwachen ländlichen Raum und seine Branchen wichtig. Zum anderen wird der Warenverkehr mit Europa beeinträchtigt. 80 Prozent der irischen Exporte für Kontinentaleuropa werden über das britische Festland transportiert. Zollformalitäten und gegebenenfalls Grenzkontrollen drohen diese Route nun zu verlängern, zu verkomplizieren und zu verteuern. Ohne Grenzlösung sind direkte Schiffsverbindungen oder der Containertransport denkbare Alternativen zum Überlandtransport, obwohl diese heute noch teils doppelt so viel Zeit in Anspruch nehmen. Die irisch-deutschen Beziehungen werden sich durch den Brexit weiter intensivieren. Beide Länder haben Zugriff auf sehr gut ausgebildete Arbeitskräfte und sind in jeweils speziellen Bereichen weltweit führend. Bereits seit 1922 unterhalten sie traditionell gute bilaterale Beziehungen. Durch die verbindende pro-europäische Gesinnung war die Grüne Insel eines der ersten Länder, das der „Like-MindedInitiative“ des Auswärtigen Amtes beitrat. Ziel derer ist es, die Zusammenarbeit weiter zu vertiefen und gemeinsam neue und zukunftsorientierte Themen unter anderem in Forschung, Wirtschaft und Digitalisierung voranzutreiben.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

Klar ist, Deutschland und die EU werden ihren Partner nicht allein im Regen stehen lassen. Mauern schaffen keinen Frieden und keinen wirtschaftlichen Aufschwung. Daher ist eine harte Grenze völlig inakzeptabel. Die Lehre aus dem Brexit lautet: Mehr EU und mehr Multilateralismus, statt Abgrenzung und Nationalismus. In einer globalen Welt liegt darin der Schlüssel zu Frieden, Wohlstand und Wachstum. Europa ist und bleibt die kritische Betriebsgröße, um in Zukunft eine Rolle in der

Welt zu spielen, ob in wirtschaftlicher, sozialer, politischer oder kultureller Hinsicht. Dafür braucht es eine starke EU und enge Partnerschaften, wie die von Irland und Deutschland. Dr. Joachim Pfeiffer MdB Wirtschafts- und energiepolitischer Sprecher der CDU/CSU-Bundestagsfraktion

Kerrygold is a leading brand in Germany: • Most loved dairy brand* • All Germans know Kerrygold brand

• Almost 2⁄3 of households buy Kerrygold*** • Market leader in product categories butter, mixed-fats and cheddar***

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Sources: * AdTracking 2020 / ** KANTAR Study 2019 / *** IRI Market Data YTD 2020

FROM GREEN TO GOLD! TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS ACROSS IRELAND AND GERMANY Dussmann Technical Solutions (DTS) pools a wide range of expertise and many years of experience in electrical engineering, refrigeration, air-conditioning and elevator systems. The Irish electrical engineering specialist, STS, is a DTS company. Across Ireland, Germany and many other European countries, DTS provides solutions in certified quality for the entire lifecycle of technical systems, from design and installation to servicing, repair and after-sales services.

DUSSMANN-TECHNICAL-SOLUTIONS.COM/EN A member of the Dussmann Group

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

APPRENTICESHIPS AND VET AS VEHICLES FOR RECOVERY Independent Senator, Gerard Craughwell, Irish Parliamentary Delegate to the OSCE at OSCE Both Ireland and Germany have a long tradition of responding to skills needs using the apprenticeship and VET model. National polices in both countries seek to anticipate skill requirements, to adapt and develop apprenticeships, and to attract participation in sufficient numbers particularly by women. In Ireland we have learned much from the German model where “learning on the job” is a traditional component of the education system. While the approach to apprenticeships in Ireland and Germany is slightly different, the challenges are the same particularly in relation to emerging opportunities in ICT, bio robotics and AI. As a former teacher of ICT in the further education sector and teacher’s union president, I have been a vocal advocate for increased apprenticeships and knowledge sharing between EU partners since taking my seat in the Seanad in 2014. In 2016, I supported the Government to supplement the existing 25 craft apprenticeships with new apprenticeships of 2-4 years duration in software development, accounting and culinary arts. The rollout and development of these has been overseen by industry-led consortia working with education and training providers and other partners. The programme has been very successful. In 2015, 3,153 people registered for an apprenticeship in Ireland and by 2019 this had risen to 6,177. However, we are now in unchartered territory faced with unprecedented levels of youth unemployment and the prospect of a global economic recession. But every crisis no matter how daunting contains within it the seeds of its own recovery and for every challenge there is an equally exciting opportunity. I believe that apprenticeships and VET are uniquely positioned to respond to the crisis unleashed by the pandemic particularly if there is tripartite collaboration between employers, trade unions and government.

But time is of the essence and swift and innovative policy changes are required to address the challenges of the crisis and existing job displacement due to technological and other structural pre Covid changes. Collaboration may need to be heavily incentivised by Government and programmes and standards will have to be continuously adapted to meet external requirements and needs. In acknowledging the learner’s family commitments and work life balance, apprenticeship and VET pathways may need to be even more personalised with increased digital and online learning. I have always believed that a good crisis should never be wasted and we should move quickly to an “entrepreneurial state approach” where the state as the single largest player in the Irish economy drives investment in key areas such as clean energy, retrofitting and advanced transport technologies providing some certainty for other economic actors and enabling a “Just Transition” to an ecologically sustainable economy that incorporates social justice for workers and for the communities most affected. I welcome the opportunity to work with the German Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Regional Chambers of Commerce and our Parliamentary colleagues in Germany for productive engagement and information sharing on labour market policy instruments, apprenticeships and VET opportunities for flexible and responsive lifelong learning.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE GERMAN LANGUAGE Brian O’Farrell, O’Farrell Recruitment German, with nearly 100 million native speakers, is the most widely spoken language in Europe. It is the spoken language in Germany, Austrian, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein. It is also used in parts of Belgium, Italy, and France. In addition, many people in eastern Europe and the ex-soviet republics use German as a first or second language. It was the most important language of science until the early part of the 20th century. But then began a long period of decline. As a result of the 1st World War and the reaction of the Western Allies against Germany and all things German, including the language, German-speaking scientists and their publications were boycotted in Europe. On the other side of the Atlantic, “sauerkraut”, a term borrowed from German 300 years before, became “Liberty cabbage” and the hamburger became the “Liberty steak”. The decline has long since ended. The language has made a comeback in recent times and now more and more people are learning German worldwide. It is estimated that nearly 16 million people are currently learning German at school, most of them in Europe (over 11 million), and the trend is upwards. There has been a big increase in the number of people learning German in southern Europe, particularly in Spain, where there has been huge unemployment since the financial crisis in 2008/2009. Many young Spaniards are attracted by the booming job market in the DACH region. And equipped with a good grasp of the language, they have excellent chances of finding interesting, well-paid jobs in Germany, Austria or

Switzerland, particularly in IT and engineering. But there is also a growing interest in German as a foreign language in Africa (an increase of nearly 50 percent over the past five years) and Asia. Germany is the economic powerhouse of Europe and the fourth-largest economy in the world. In 2019 it was the third-largest exporter after China and the United States, with exports valued at nearly 1.50 trillion US dollars. According to a recent YouGov poll, products “made in Germany” have the best reputation with international consumers and are well known for their excellent quality. Ireland has long enjoyed excellent trading relations with Germany, which is one of its most important export markets. German-Irish cooperation has a long history, one example being the Shannon hydroelectric scheme at Ardnacrusha on the Shannon. It was the first major industrial development in the fledgling Irish State in the 1920s, bringing electricity to a million homes. It was developed with the help of German know-how and technology, Siemens being responsible for the construction of the plant. As the largest economy in Europe, Germany is a vital and important partner for Ireland in the European Union. And with the departure of the UK from the European Union, this relationship will become even more crucial. Despite the weaker economic situation, caused by the Covid-19 crisis, there is still a widespread skills shortage in Germany. This is particularly true in STEM and medicalrelated occupations (a shortfall of 5,000 doctors in

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

hospitals and medical practices). The situation is most acute in southern and eastern Germany. The shortage of skilled professional employees is posing a threat to many companies and more than 50% regard it as the biggest problem to the development of their business. This trend is set to continue because of the aging population and low birth rate and it is predicted that in 10 years there could be a skills shortage of up to 3 million workers. So the German labor market still offers many career opportunities for well-trained people. German is a dynamic and evolving language. It contains 30% more words now than it did a hundred years ago. However, it has a reputation as being somewhat difficult and challenging to master. Mark Twain who struggled a lot with it and in particular with the long and complex compound nouns said that some words are so long that they have a perspective. However fortunately they are all not quite as long as “Donaudampfschiffsfahrtsgessellschaftskapitän”. (Danube Steamship Company Captain). There are many good reasons to learn German. Proficiency in the language will allow you to avail of the many career opportunities in Germany. Multinational corporations in

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Europe and particularly in Ireland are constantly looking for German speakers. Germany is home to some of the leading universities in Europe and numerous scholarships are offered through The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The good news is that you can study at public universities for free. Berlin was recently voted one of the top student cities in the world. For anybody doing business with Germany, a knowledge of the language is an enormous advantage. Last but not least the language of the “Dichter und Denker” gives access to Germany’s rich culture, including its philosophy, music, and literature. We only need to think of the great operas of Richard Wagner, such as Tannhäuser or Tristan and Isolde, the story of the love affair between the Cornish knight Tristan and the Irish princess Isolde. Or of the beautiful poem by Heinrich Heine when sailing past the world-famous rock in the Middle Rhine Valley, the Lorelei, where: Die Luft ist kühl und es dunkelt, Und ruhig fließt der Rhein. The air is cool under nightfall. The calm Rhine courses its way.

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CHAMBER CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS BUSINESS REVIEWREVIEW 2020/2021 2020 40TH 40TH ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY BOOK BOOK

EINE DELIKATE BEZIEHUNG: IRLAND UND DEUTSCHLAND IN ZEITEN DES BREXITS Von Dr. Philip Plickert Irland und Deutschland verbinden starke und intensive Beziehungen, nicht nur wirtschaftliche, sondern auch politische, kulturelle und menschliche Bindungen. Auf dem Weg zur deutsch-irischen Industrie- und Handelskammer bin ich mehrfach durch den Park St. Stephen’s Green im Dubliner Stadtzentrum spaziert, an dessen südlicher Ecke ein Brunnen, ein berührendes Denkmal steht. Die Bundesrepublik hat den Skulpturenbrunnen in den 1950er Jahren zum Dank für irische Hilfe nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg gestiftet. In den Hungerjahren damals hatten zeitweise mehr als tausend Waisenkinder aus Deutschland und Österreich Aufnahme bei irischen Gastfamilien gefunden. Die deutsche AHK in Dublin wurde erst Jahrzehnte später 1980 gegründet, nun blickt auch sie schon auf eine lange, aufregende und erfolgreiche Geschichte zurück. 1980 war Irland noch immer eine vorwiegend agrarische, eher arme Insel am nordwestlichen Rand Europas – dann verwandelte sich das Land der Bauern in einen boomenden Standort für internationale Konzerne, von Pharma und Computern bis zu den heutigen Tech-Giganten, die angelockt wurden mit niedrigen Körperschaftssteuern und flexiblen Arbeitsmarktregeln. Der Export von der grünen Insel nach Kontinentaleuropa und Deutschland ist seitdem stark gewachsen. Durch den Brexit, der auch für Irland ein erheblicher Einschnitt wird, könnten sich die Beziehungen nochmals verändern. Sollte es nicht gelingen, bis Ende 2020 ein umfassendes Freihandelsabkommen zwischen EU und Großbritannien zu schließen, würde der Handel erschwert und würden britische Produkte auf dem europäischen Festland teurer. Das könnte irische Produkte relativ gesehen attraktiver machen. Wie es in einem von der AHK Dublin in Auftrag gegebenen Gutachten vom vergangenen Jahr zutreffend hieß, könnte eine Reihe von britischen Produkten durch irische ersetzt werden. Es könnte somit sein, dass Britannien bei einem harten

Brexit Marktanteile in Europa verliert, während Irland Marktanteile gewinnt. Allerdings wäre der harte Brexit – ohne Freihandelsabkommen - kein Nullsummenspiel, sondern insgesamt ein Verlust für ganz Europa. Ohne ein Freihandelsabkommen würde auch Irland stark leiden, dann nach wie vor ist Großbritannien ein wichtiger Handelspartner für Irland und nach wie vor führt eine wichtige Transportroute für irische Produkte, die für den europäischen Kontinent bestimmt sind, über die britische „Landbrücke“. Von Dublin geht es auf der Fähre zum britischen Hafen Holyhead, dann quer durch England bis Dover, von dort nach Kontinentaleuropa. Zwar deutet sich eine Verschiebung der Transportroute an, seit irische Fährunternehmen begonnen haben, französische Häfen direkt anzusteuern. Doch ohne Zweifel wäre es ein großer Verlust, wenn ein harter Brexit zu höheren Hürden für den Handel mit den und über die britischen Inseln führte. Zusätzlich zur gewaltigen Rezession wegen der Coronakrise wäre ein No-Deal-Brexit ein völlig unnötiger, schmerzhafter wirtschaftlicher Schlag. Auch ohne dies drohen in diesem Jahr ein drastischer Anstieg der Arbeitslosigkeit, und gewaltige Haushaltsdefizite wecken unangenehme Erinnerungen an die Finanzkrise vor mehr als einem Jahrzehnt. Für die AHK Dublin ergibt sich in dieser aufregenden und riskanten Zeit die Aufgabe, ausgleichend daran mitzuwirken, dass doch noch Lösungen gefunden werden, um Kompromisse zwischen den irischen, deutschen und britischen Interessen und Standpunkten zu schließen – zum Vorteil für ganz Europa. Irland und Deutschland verbinden lange und gute Beziehungen. Großbritannien ist dabei ein – zuweilen schwieriger, aber wertvoller – Partner, den man nicht verlieren darf. Dr. Philip Plickert ist Wirtschaftskorrespondent der Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung für Großbritannien und Irland mit Sitz in London.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

THE DUBLIN-BERLIN CONNECTION Derek Scally is Berlin correspondent of the Irish Times When I first arrived in Berlin as a student, 21 years ago, it felt like Boston was a lot closer to Dublin. Not least because there no direct flights between the German and Irish capitals. But the tectonic plates have shifted in the intervening years and -- even in the pandemic -- the two countries I call home have never seemed closer. As Irish Times correspondent, it’s my privilege to explore every angle of the Irish-German relationship. In my time here we’ve had economic boom and bust on both sides. I’ve educated the Irish about the German Sitzpinkler. I’ve reported from the Kerrygoldstrasse and, in 161 years of Irish Times history, I may be the first person to get in print what looked like an unexpurgated expletive -- but was merely a report on a new brand of beer, Fucking Hell. In the early 2000s, when Germany was dubbed the sick man of Europe, the Irish Times kept me on here when other media organisations closed up shop. The attitude of my editors in Dublin has always been that, up or down, Germany is crucial to Irish interests even if the country can seem like what one former boss called “a slowburning candle”. Keeping me in Berlin gave me a ring-side seat when the roles reversed and Ireland became a sick-man of Europe. Overnight Irish politicians realised what my editors -- and you, the chamber members -- have said for years: ignore Germany at your peril. If, in my first decade here, the Irish-German relationship thrived on neglect, the last years have been about turning crisis into opportunity. That relations are so strong today is not a given. After the first shock of Ireland’s economic collapse passed, I began to hear a curious self-absolution refrain from Ireland: “German banks shouldn’t have given us so much money”. Curious at where, unchallenged, this might go, I looked into how much of the outstanding loans to Irish banks at the time of the crash was German money. Estimates from several sources suggested no more than around 25 per cent: in other words, what you’d expect in a

currency union where the Germans hold a quarter share in the ECB. Second, I asked the newspaper to add questions about the IrishGerman relationship in their regular polling. The results indicated that Irish public opinion towards Germany, even in the bailout years, remained consistently more positive than published opinion. This reflected my subjective experience dealing with German officials: relief that Ireland, rather than prolong the misery, took swift, tough decisions. That left Dublin free to move fast on Brexit. In July 2016, just 18 days after the UK voted to leave the EU, Taoiseach Enda Kenny flew to Berlin before Theresa May. A week before the British prime minister got a cool reception, Angela Merkel acknowledged alongside Kenny the “clearly profound” implications of Brexit for Ireland. A year later, ahead of an EU summit to agree the mandate for Brexit talks, Merkel told the Bundestag there were a “multitude of special interests” on the table, almost too many to mention. Then, in a triumph of Irish political and diplomatic lobbying, she name-checked Irish concerns on the border and trade. On her visit to Ireland in 2018, she brushed aside British lobby spin, insisting that Berlin’s support for Dublin in the Brexit process is “unconditional”. That same year, acknowledging the bilateral relationship has moved into a new phase, Ireland launched its plan for a “wider, deeper” footprint in Germany. Since then embassy staff in Berlin has been increased, a new consulate has opened in Frankfurt and bilateral visits of ministers and officials reached record levels until the pandemic, at least. The state visit of President Michael D. Higgins to Germany in 2019 was a huge success. That much was clear when his host, President Frank Walter Steinmeier outed himself as a Rory Gallagher fanboy.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

“If the sense of a state visit is to strengthen... the bonds between two countries and the people,” said a beaming Mr Steinmeier, “then I think your mission is accomplished.” In Dublin, Ambassador Deike Potzel’s tireless work has brought German diplomatic engagement with Ireland to a historic high. And behind it all, the chamber has been working consistently to build new business bridges, in particular pushing dual training in Ireland. Meanwhile two “Other Voices” concerts, and Candice Gordon as Ireland’s first full-time cultural officer, based in Berlin, are welcome efforts to develop real interpersonal ties. Fostering real curiosity and artistic creation between our two peoples are essential to put meat on the bones of the bilateral relationship.

system is fair and more transparent than others’ cuts no ice here. Despite the positive attitude to the Irish in Germany, all engagement here is overshadowed by the perception that Ireland is a self-serving tax haven. A century ago, the art critic Karl Scheffler took a swipe at the imperial German capital by suggesting Berlin was ”damned always to become, never to be.” Until recently, it was easy to feel the same way about the German-Irish relationship. Nine decades after our first official diplomatic engagement, in these gloomy and uncertain times, the Dublin-Berlin connection is a welcome ray of hope.

Looking beyond the many uncertainties of the pandemic and Brexit, two challenges hang over Ireland’s ambitious engagement with Germany. The first is whether Ireland recognises the new linguistic realities of a post-Brexit EU and moves from years of lip service on language education to actual results. Second: Dublin’s plan to address the dim view of Ireland’s corporate tax system in Germany. Insisting the Irish

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CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

MICRO GRIDS: GETTING BACK TO BASIS AND ON TRACK Dudley Stewart C. Eng. (Power), Director, Micro Electricity Generation Association (MEGA) To understand Micro-Grids, we must go back in time when the original Grid was a Micro-Grid. The constituent parts of a Grid/Micro-Grid are the same but the size, danger and relative complexity are radically different. Essentially Grids and Micro-Grids alike, have four distinct parts: 1) Grids start with Electricity Production i.e. coal or wind-power turning an electricity production 2) The generators are connected to copper wires (Transformers, Pylons and Things) which carry electricity onto the big tangle of wires termed Grid this is likened to the “commons”. The Grid or indeed Micro-Grid is that complex of wires stretching out to reach the users. 3) These users can consume the power limited only by the weakest spots in the wire power carrier system. 4) Perhaps the most important element of any Grid, or Micro-Grid, is the Stabiliser. The Stabiliser (TSO) maintains the balance in the Grid. A Grid, or Island Micro Grid, maintains the balance by turning on and off power sources or loads (Demand Response) to maintain a steady frequency (50/60 Hz). Micro-Grids, within a National Grid focus on balancing power with consumption and allowing import and export of

energy in an orderly and predictable manner (Power flow by dispatch - ideally at least) When energy generated/ entering the Grid increases beyond the capacity of users to use this power then, in simple terms, the generator, like a bicycle running downhill out of control, “speeds up” increasing the power/voltage (driving force) until the user’s appliance, or something in the line, blows-up, causing fire to buildings and even the Grid wires. Again the role of TSO (Transmission System Operator) was created to avoid such ups and downs (out of balance) by turning on/off-reserve capacities (Load or Power-source) to keep the Grid going at a steady “speed” (frequency e.g. 50Hz). Thirty years ago, the number of generators in a Grid was small in comparison to the number of users. The TSO business of balance control to keep the grid at speed, or balanced, was not so complex. A bit of trial by error was necessary at times but also consumption habits were relatively predictable. In those days “bigger was better” and although things did sometimes go wrong the system was simple and stable - but it spewed out Green House Gases sending Climate Change spiralling upwards. Then also came the politically-driven 1973 oil crisis. Two big signs of serious problems were made more complex by increasing associated pollution with serious health problems in all species of life. Nowadays, through human ingenuity, and sheer rebelliousness, this old model has virtually collapsed. Energy recycling and renewable energy is cropping up everywhere . The landscape has changed and is continuing to change, the number of renewable generators is increasing by the millions and the users by the billions. The increasing confluence of inflexible

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

variable generators (Renewable) with inflexible unpredictable users (Changing Habits) say one thing exponentially increasing balancing and flow complexity. A Cellular Grid System driven by Digital Technology and user participation is becoming the New Norm – this is a Smart Grid. It is made up of supportive Micro-Grid Systems or Cells . But why so slow in going mainstream – there are only bits of Grids made up of Smart Micro-Grids at this late stage - why? My answer is that first the cost of these renewable energy technologies had to decline rapidly to make these super-inexpensive. This is done now and a “joined-up” thinking, and action, of building such cellular electricity systems must now become the real New Norm. Because few people really have been involved in the Big New Cellular Grid conversation, a big emphasis must also switch to upbeat Micro-Grid awareness campaigns. Nonetheless, common sense tells us that human nature is diverse but mostly classifiable and not all people will buy-in to this bright new Zero Carbon Cellular Micro-Grid future. This is where the award-winning Community Grid of willing Prosumers comes in – ever expanding and driving up benefits to Prosumers (users become active participants) to attract more and more into

a well-orchestrated candidate Micro-Grid with a CSO (Community System Operator) ensuring locally balanced and non-disruptive electricity flows (Disturbance Neutral Energy Systems) through the new digital-savvy “Regulation by Contract”. The CSO’s work closely to support the DSO’s by actions coordinated “behind the Meter”. This is to de-congest, peak-lop and enable ever increasing levels of Local Renewable & Recycling Energy Penetration (Regenerative) while supporting even bigger operations in the Grid – through aggregation. To de-complex the balancing of millions of generators with millions of users, these new CSO’s will work closely with the TSO’s bringing really high-volume flexibility sympathetic to the limitations of the copper in the carrier. Unfortunately, some wealthy regions have pushed ahead expecting the Commons (Grid) to serve them (rather than the reverse), the result is heavy losses on systems prone to regular blackouts and brown outs causing Grid failure and fatal damage to devices. You have seen a bulb blow from an electric spike-right? So, let’s get talking MicroGrids and the stepping stones to a better tomorrow. Orderly regulated Cellular Micro-Grids overcome these complex difficulties.

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CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

THE FUTURE OF ENERGY IS RENEWABLE, INTELLIGENT AND DECENTRALIZED Joachim Goldbeck, CEO, GOLDBECK-SOLAR If we take a look at the future of energy, it will almost certainly have three characteristics that distinguish it from today’s energy production: Renewability, intelligence and decentralization. On the one hand, this means that every citizen can participate in the market, as well with intelligent consumption as in generation and even providing further grid services. Batteries and the application of hydrogen technologies can be integrated matching further supply and demand. On the other hand, every country will also become energetically independent from importing fossil resources for energy production. Fortunately, in many countries this picture is already partially a reality. The main driver here is photovoltaics, i.e. generating energy from the sun. Due to the rapid development of photovoltaics in recent years, this new and clean technology has now become an inexpensive source of electricity. It is therefore hardly surprising that the solar modules required for this are to be found both in small scale on house roofs and as large power plants, enjoying a wide public acceptance due to the low environmental impact. Photovoltaics not only creates a sustainable and environmentally friendly way of generating energy, but also new and future-proof jobs. Jobs are created along the entire value chain, from project development, through planning, construction and operation, to the dismantling of the plant in 30 or 40 years. These services are largely provided by local forces. Photovoltaics thus offers the best conditions for the sustainable development of a country in the three policies fields environment, energy and economy. The economic aspect develops enormous strength, especially if the individual segments of the market are developed in parallel. This means that, in addition to large-scale greenfield projects, medium-sized plants on commercial and industrial buildings and small plants on private houses are also built. Agro-photovoltaics

is yet another game variant where PV systems are built on arable land in such a way that an almost normal agricultural business can continue to operate underneath creating double utilization. Especially for a country like Ireland, this is an exciting alternative due to its conditions. However, for this healthy mix of different technologies and skills to develop in Ireland, an adequate legal framework needs to be in place enabling and facilitating the respective markets. When it is finally foreseeable that these favourable framework parameters will provide a stable market, both local and international companies will build up their structures in Ireland and thus establish a strong and knowledgeable industry. The German solar association BSW Solar is also happy to share its many years of experience with representatives of the public sector, associations, and private companies. As president of the BSW Solar and managing director of GOLDBECK SOLAR, I know how important it is to have experienced partners in the development of a new and sustainable branch of industry. With the experience of 20 years, GOLDBECK SOLAR is one of the pioneers of photovoltaic development in this field. Through our solar projects all over the world, we have been able to contribute to a global expansion of PV efforts and thus establish sustainable energy technology in numerous countries. Because one thing is clear: the future of energy is above all green - and with photovoltaics we are taking a big step closer to this goal.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

MICROGRIDS AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN COMMUNITIES Lukas Kortenhaus, Head of Marketing, German-Irish Chamber of Commerce German technology providers can help Ireland achieve its climate targets German technology providers are innovative and leaders in Europe and can help Ireland to achieve its climate targets. The recent political coalition of the two main parties in Ireland, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, together with the Green Party sets for the first time, a united front against the climate and biodiversity crisis. The new government aims to reduce carbon emissions by 7% each year up to 2030 and to increase the Carbon Tax gradually to €100 per tonne by 2030. Within the first 100 days of the new Dáil, a new Climate Action (Amendment) Bill shall be introduced to set a target to de-carbonise the economy by 2050 at the latest.

Energy Efficiency and renewable energy in communities, especially the use of different technologies will play an important role in Ireland’s energy transformation. To achieve its targets, Ireland will have to look for new technology providers from abroad. The German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce successfully hosted a digital trade mission and webinar conference on the topic of “Microgrids and Self-Sufficiency in Communities” from 30th June to 2nd July , 2020. Over 100 participants took part in the virtual conference and more than 50 digital meetings with potential Irish partners were organized for the eight German delegates. Experts from the renewable energy sector gave an overview of the potential technologies and opportunities for the Irish market. A presentation on energy transition was given by Energiewaechter GmbH. Valeska Gottke, Senior Expert, BVES German Energy Storage Systems Association gave insights into Energy Storage for Resilient and Reliable Systems and Rory Somers, Energy Policy Analyst, Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment discussed the Micro-generation Support Scheme Framework.

To achieve its ambitious targets, Ireland will need modern technological solutions. The traditional close trade relations with the United Kingdom are overshadowed by the uncertainties of Brexit and Ireland will have to look for new potential trading partners and suppliers from abroad. This creates new opportunities for Germany and Ireland to have a successful partnership and create a winwin situation.

Growing Partnership between the Irish and German Energy Sectors This webinar is the latest among more than 50 initiatives run by the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce in the framework of the “Energy solutions made in Germany” Initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy since 2003, and their popularity underlines the strong interest in related topics. The eight participating German companies had the opportunity to present their company and innovative technology to around 100 chosen participants consisting of industry experts, decision makers and potential business partners. The German delegates operate in various areas within the energy sector and therefore provide a wide range of products, namely photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, gas motor driven combined heat and power plants, wind turbines and photovoltaic hybrid

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

systems, electrical continuous flow heaters, regional energy cells (energy communities) combining the sectors electricity, heat and mobility, gas engines, complete gas power plants, cogeneration systems and CHP plant.

information as well as offers immediately. The efficiency of the digital trade mission as well as the amount of time saved was highly appreciated by the German delegates, for example by Nevres Dabil, Goldbeck Solar GmbH:

Following that, over 50 individual B2B-meetings were organised based on a prior identification of the target groups and in direct consultation with the German companies as well as Irish experts and associations in order to provide each German company with a preferred large group of potential clients from their respective field of business. Representatives of the German-Irish Chamber accompanied these meeting to provide support and to bridge the contact between both parties:

“The virtual business trip to Ireland offered us a very good opportunity to make new contacts in a new solar market. In addition, this event not only saved us time and money, but also allowed us to present Goldbeck Solar to a fairly large audience with little effort. The one-on-one meetings with local companies were coordinated by AHK-Ireland according to our requirements and were conducted very professionally. The whole organisation was very effective and efficient. Simply recommendable”.

The new government aims to reduce carbon emissions by

7% each year up to

2030 “In the course of this support you have made a very good selection of potential business partners according to our requirements and wishes.” – Euro-Windpower oHG. The success of those meetings was already apparent during the week of the trade mission. Many follow-up meetings were organised, agreements were reached, and a memorandum of understanding was signed. Another highlight is the concrete plan of a micro-wind turbine to be delivered to Ireland by the end of this year. The success is also reflected in the consistently positive feedback from participating companies. The German companies were especially satisfied with the overall efficiency in the organisation and execution of the trade mission. Jens Werner, one of the German delegates from the company DieEnergiekoppler GmbH expressed his satisfaction with the organisation of the trade mission: “The preparation phase was very well organized, clearly structured and always goal-optimized.” Also, the effectiveness of the digital meetings organised by the German-Irish Chamber were praised as very beneficial multiple times. While originally the participants would have to set aside a week to travel to Ireland, they could now participate from the comfort home or the office, which enabled them to follow up with more

Another positive aspect that stands out is the professionalism with which the German-Irish Chamber has acted regarding the information previously provided, the selection of potential business partners and the general implementation of the trade mission: “The organisation of the meetings at short notice was always trouble-free, and the quick response to questions and your participation in the meetings was very positive.”DieEnergiekoppler Prior to the trade mission, a comprehensive and detailed market analysis along with a summary of company profiles was created by the German-Irish Chamber to show yet undiscovered potential in the field of Microgrids in Ireland, which helped the German delegates to have a wider picture of the market: “The market analysis prepared by you and your team was very helpful for the assessment of the potentials as well as the orientation of the communication in the following meetings. The Onepager created by you perfectly reflects the company’s purpose and the possibilities of DieEnergiekoppler GmbH’s flexibility, despite the technological background which is not very easy to understand.”, Jens Werner, DieEnergiekoppler.

A new Climate Action (Amendment) Bill to decarbonise the economy by

2050 In short, the trade mission’s success can be concluded by the words from Marcel Hartmann, 2G Energy AG: “All in all it was an excellently organized digital trade mission. I don’t always want to miss the personal contact and the culture of the country, but at the time, this trip could not have been better organized.”

HESSEN TRADE AND INVEST 2019 The German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce hosted Hessen Trade and Invest in November 2019. We show you new business opportunities in one of the strongest regionsseries of Europe: It proved to beeconomic a constructive of events for both the on the 25th of September 2019 from 6 pm range to 9 pm Irish and German participants across a broad of in the Tower Club, Atlantic Dining Room (62nd floor)

sectors.

Our program for this event:

The main event of the week was a Business Day held at the Shelbourne in Dublin where fruitful networking took 6.00 pmhotel - Registration place6.30 afterpm interesting presentations from both Irish and - Welcome Remarks 6.35companies. pm - Business Location Hessen German Thank you to the German Ambassador Deike Potzel who hosted a Sundowner with a Hessian winetasting on the 6.50 pm - Hessen Insights: Finance and Real Estate final evening. Feedback from the Ministry of Economics State of Hessen: 7.05 pm - Best Practice FinTech: Smartkarma in Frankfurt “,ĞƐƐĞŶ ĂŶĚ /ƌĞůĂŶĚ ĂůƌĞĂĚǇ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ƐƵďƐƚĂŶƚŝĂů ĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ƌĞůĂƚŝŽŶƐŚŝƉ ĂŶĚ ƐŚĂƌĞ Ă ůŽŶŐƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ĨƌŝĞŶĚƐŚŝƉ͟ 7.20 pm - Networking

͞'ĞƌŵĂŶ ŝƐ ĂůƌĞĂĚǇ ǁĞůů ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĞĚ ďǇ ǇŽƵ ŝŶ /ƌĞůĂŶĚ ĂŶĚ Food & Drinks will be provided. ǁĞ ŚŽƉĞ ƚŚĂƚ ŽƵƌ ĞǀĞŶƚ ŚĂƐ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ ŽĨ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ƚŝĞƐ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ 'ĞƌŵĂŶ ĂŶĚ RSVP: Please email Ms Verena Leidinger /ƌĞůĂŶĚ͛ (verena.leidinger@sgc.org.sg) until 10 September.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

INTRODUCTION TO THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AWARDS The German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce is delighted to present the five finalists of energy efficiency projects happened in Ireland achieved by German technologies. The awards ceremony was held on 6th October, 2020.

SenerTec GmbH

The Energy Efficiency Awards in Ireland is funded within the German Energy Solutions programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. It aims to recognize outstanding achievements of German technology suppliers in Ireland, demonstrate technologies and innovations that contribute to increasing energy efficiency in Irish buildings. Warema International GmbH

Our five finalists are:

• • • • •

Fa. Ökologischer Holzbau GmbH - Edernish in its New Guise LUNOS Lüftungstechnik GmbH für Raumluftsysteme Low Energy Family Home, Clane SenerTec GmbH - Fairways Apartments Warema International GmbH - Miesian Plaza Wilo Ireland - Central Bank of Ireland Dublin

Brief introductions of each finalist are featured below, enjoy. Fa. Ökologischer Holzbau GmbH

LUNOS Lüftungstechnik GmbH für Raumluftsysteme

WILO Ireland

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CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

SAXONY! – A BUSINESS LOCATION AT ITS BEST Wolfgang Freese at Saxony Economic Development Corp. (WFS) wolfgang.freese@wfs.saxony.de

Saxony and Ireland – Partners for the future. Within the last few years there have been increasing contacts between Saxony and Ireland: a panel discussion with Ralf Lissek CEO of the German-Irish Chamber in 2018 during the visit of a Saxon delegation to London; visits of representatives of the Irish Embassy or “Enterprise Ireland” to Saxony in 2019; visit of the Board of the German-Irish Chamber to Dresden/Saxony in 2019; panel discussion in Dresden/Saxony in 2019 with Lukas Kortenhaus for informing Saxon companies about the business location Ireland. In November 2020, due to the Corona pandemic, the Saxony Economic Development Corp. (WFS) and the German-Irish Chamber are planning a “Digital business trip Saxony-Ireland 2020” with a web-conference and individual B2B meetings for bringing together Saxon and Irish companies. And further activities are planned for supporting the business development in both regions. The federal state of SAXONY is one of the most dynamic and innovative regions in Germany. There are many good reasons why the region in the heart of Europe is a top location for globally active companies such as Volkswagen, BMW, GLOBALFOUNDRIES, DHL, and Infineon. It’s all about the people who are Saxony’s greatest asset. Because – Saxons are exceptionally bright. More than 95 % of SAXONY’s workforce possess at least a university entrance qualification / completed vocational training (OECD average = 79 %). SAXONY’s transportation infrastructure is also efficient and solution-oriented – with its dense network of federal expressways, rail lines, three inland ports on the Elbe River, and two international airports. At Leipzig/Halle Airport, the logistics giant DHL provides 24/7 service year round at its European air cargo hub.

More than

95%

Vibrant industrial branches form the backbone of the business location SAXONY. The traditional heart of SAXONY’s economy is found in the Chemnitz-Zwickau region. Whether it be mechanical engineering or more than 100 years of “Autoland Saxony” – strong and highly efficient industries have evolved from smart ideas and intelligent solutions. The heart of “Silicon Saxony” – Europe’s largest cluster for the microelectronics / ICT sector – beats in Dresden. A great plus for SAXONY is its enormous innovative power. This has been confirmed by the EU “Regional Innovation Scoreboard”: SAXONY is a European “Strong Innovator.” The intersectoral focus of SAXONY’s researchers is on topics such as lightweight engineering, electromobility, robotics and automation technology. SAXONY – this doesn’t just stand for business, dynamic growth, and industry. World renowned are also the products “made in Saxony” with precision craftsmanship and manufacturing tradition such as MEISSEN® porcelain or watches made in “Glashütte / Sa.”. And – SAXONY enchants. With a superb blend of a remarkable historical heritage, a wide range of cultural attractions, and great natural beauty – Germany’s number one travel destination for culture enthralls residents and tourists alike. Curious to learn more? – Just have a look at www.business-saxony.com

of SAXONY’s workforce possess at least a university entrance qualification / completed vocational training. 53

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

ENTERPRISE IRELAND IN GERMANY Caoimhe Gordon, Trade Development Executive 2020 has proved to be a challenging and turbulent year thus far. However, encouraging signs emerging from the German market illustrates that business sentiment is once again on the rise following a period of uncertainty. This growing confidence in the robust Germany economy has boosted prospects for Irish companies looking to export to the Eurozone. In July, the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research Business Climate Index rose from 86.3 points (seasonally adjusted) in June to 90.5 points. However, German companies were not the only ones displaying confidence going forward. A whole host of Irish SMEs continued to place their faith in the German market with significant results. In 2019, Germany was the fourth largest export partner for Enterprise Ireland client companies with record exports of €1.3 billion– a 16% increase from 2018. Nearly 60 Irish indigenous companies employ more than 15,000 people in their operations in Germany. These companies from a plethora of portfolios continue to make their mark on the German landscape. Priority sectors include life sciences, consumer retail, electronics, automotive, agritech, construction, fintech and ICT. There is an undeniable commitment to the German market - 31 client companies established a new market presence in Germany between 2019 and 2020.

where it is needed most, illustrating the diverse capabilities of Irish companies. Companies such as HiberGene Diagnostics have developed a new test to rapidly identify COVID-19 in order to quickly gather results and simultaneously counter the demand for testing. This was also echoed in the new product launch of Combilift as they diversified their current offerings to provide a ventilator to the market. Irish companies such as MEG Support Tools and SureWash had a direct impact on hospitals in Germany as they spread the word around correct quality management and optimal hand hygiene to reduce risk. Tech company NewsWhip attempted to erode the volume of fake news surrounding the virus at the peak of the pandemic, while Irish tech companies, such as Poppulo placed their focus on the millions of people now working more regularly from home, casting a spotlight on new solutions for achieving this balance successfully. Enterprise Ireland, with offices in Düsseldorf and Munich, remains committed to their mission of matching Ireland’s ambitious exporters with their targets within Germany, Switzerland and Austria. With over 600 client companies regularly engaging with the German branches of Enterprise Ireland, the longstanding relationship between Ireland and Germany looks set to continue to strengthen during 2020 and beyond.

Several companies have also utilised their expertise during the pandemic to provide worthy assistance

Nearly

CLIMATE INDEX ROSE FROM

86.3 – 90.5 POINTS In 2019, Germany was the fourth largest export partner for Enterprise Ireland client companies with record exports of

€1.3 billion

a 16% increase from 2018 54

60 Irish

indigenous companies employ more than

15,000 people in their operations in Germany

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

RESEARCH ALLOWANCE ACT FORSCHUNGSZULAGENGESETZ Simon Geyer (RA) und Catriona Blake (Legal intern), MHL-Law On the 1st of January 2020, the Research Allowance Act, or “FZulG” for short, came into force with the aim of further promoting innovation and bringing foreign investment to Germany. Funding can be provided for projects which, in accordance with § 2 FZulG, aim to gain new knowledge and are based on original, non-obvious concepts and hypotheses which are therefore creative and uncertain in terms of outcome. Such projects must be adequately budgeted for and follow a specific plan, which leads to results that can be reproduced. Eligible projects must have started after the 31st of December 2019. Eligible activities include basic research, industrial research or experimental development. The optimisation or adaptation of already existing products or processes does not constitute an eligible activity. In principle, all enterprises, irrespective of their legal form and country of origin, are eligible for funding, however the eligible activity must be carried out in Germany. Eligible expenditure includes the gross wage (multiplied by a factor of 1,2) paid to workers to the extent that those workers have been directly involved in the eligible project. There are also special regulations for own work performance in sole proprietorships and partnerships. The upper limit for eligible expenditure is generally € 2,000,000 per group of companies and financial year, or 60% of the agreed remuneration in the case of contract research, which is in principle also eligible for funding. Upon application, 25 % of the respective assessment basis will be offset against income or corporation tax and refunded in the event of a surplus. Attention: Due to the Corona crisis, the Federal Government has decided to increase the assessment basis retroactively from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2025 to €4,000,000.

Am 1. Januar 2020 ist in Deutschland das Forschungszulagengesetz - kurz „FZulG“ - in Kraft getreten. Ziel dieses Gesetzes ist, Innovationen weiter zu fördern und Deutschland als Forschungs- und Entwicklungsstandort auch für ausländische Investoren interessant zu machen. Gefördert werden können hierdurch Vorhaben, die gemäß § 2 FZulG auf die Gewinnung neuer Erkenntnisse abzielen, die auf originären, nicht offensichtlichen Konzepten und Hypothesen beruhen und damit schöpferisch sowie in Bezug auf das Ergebnis ungewiss sind. Ferner müssen solche förderfähigen Vorhaben nach dem 31.12.2019 begonnen haben, einem Plan folgen, budgetiert sein und zu Ergebnissen führen, die reproduziert werden können. Dabei muss es sich um Grundlagenforschung, industrielle Forschung oder experimentelle Entwicklung handeln. Die Optimierung oder Anpassung bereits existierender Produkte oder Prozesse stellt keine förderfähige Tätigkeit dar. Die Fördermöglichkeit besteht grundsätzlich auch für ausländische Unternehmen, die eine Betriebsstätte oder Tochtergesellschaft in Deutschland haben, jedoch muss die förderfähige Forschungstätigkeit in Deutschland stattfinden. Zu den förderfähigen Ausgaben gehört der BruttoArbeitslohn (pauschal multipliziert mit dem Faktor 1,2), soweit er auf Tätigkeiten von Arbeitnehmern entfällt, die unmittelbar mit dem förderfähigen Vorhaben betraut sind. Für eigene Arbeitsleistung bei Einzelunternehmen und Personengesellschaften gibt es Sonderregelungen. Die Obergrenze für förderfähige Ausgaben liegt hierbei bei 2,000,000 € pro Unternehmensgruppe und Geschäftsjahr, bei Auftragsforschung, welche grundsätzlich auch förderfähig ist, bei 60 % der vereinbarten Vergütung. Von der jeweiligen Bemessungsgrundlage werden auf Antrag 25 % mit der Einkommen- oder Körperschaftsteuer verrechnet und ein Überhang erstattet. Achtung: Die Bundesregierung hat aufgrund der Corona-Krise beschlossen, die Bemessungsgrundlage rückwirkend zum 1. Januar 2020 bis zum 31.12.2025 auf 4,000,000€ zu erhöhen.

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CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

DEUTSCH-IRISCHE WIRTSCHAFTSVERFLECHTUNG KANN SICH INTENSIVIEREN Torsten Pauly, GTAI Irland hat im März 2020 wegen Corona strikte Maßnahmen zur sozialen Distanzierung erlassen. In der Folge mussten viele Betriebe ihre Geschäftstätigkeit herunterfahren, sodass die Industrieproduktion im April 2020 um 7,6 Prozent geringer war als vor Jahresfrist. Hinzu kommen die Beeinträchtigungen des Welthandels und der Stillstand vieler Lieferketten. Daher war Irlands Warenexport im April 2020 um 32,2 Prozent geringer als im Vormonat. Der Import sank im April um 18,5 Prozent, der Außenhandelsüberschuss brach sogar um 42 Prozent ein. Im 2. Halbjahr 2020 ist mit einer schrittweisen Normalisierung mancher Lieferketten zu rechnen. Dennoch hat die Europäische Kommission im Mai 2020 prognostiziert, dass die irische Ausfuhren von Waren und Dienstleistungen im Gesamtjahr preisbereinigt um 15,2 Prozent einbrechen. Die entsprechende Einfuhr soll sogar um 27,7 Prozent abnehmen. Diese Entwicklung trägt entscheidend dazu bei, dass das irische Bruttoinlandsprodukt (BIP) 2020 insgesamt um 7,9 Prozent schrumpft. Der irische Binnenmarkt ist mit 4,9 Millionen Konsumenten klein. In den vergangenen Jahren haben sich jedoch viele internationale Konzerne angesiedelt, die dort für den Weltmarkt fertigen. Die Warenausfuhr hat daher zwischen 2009 und 2019 um 82,6 Prozent zugenommen. Der Exportüberschuss ist in diesem Zeitraum um 64,1 Prozent gestiegen und hat 2019 etwa 18,1 Prozent des BIP entsprochen. Dies war fast dreimal so hoch wie in Deutschland (6,6 Prozent des BIP). Der Boom im Außenhandel hat es auch ermöglicht, dass Irlands reales BIP zwischen 2009 und 2019 um 80,5 Prozent und damit stärker als in jedem anderen Land der Europäischen Union (EU) gewachsen ist. Allerdings konzentriert sich Irlands Ausfuhrstärke auf wenige Produktgruppen. So haben alleine Pharmazeutika 2019 rund 32,7 Prozent aller Warenexporte gestellt.

Weitere 28,6 Prozent entfielen auf sonstige chemische Erzeugnisse. Nahrungsmittel, Getränke und lebende Tiere haben zusammen 8,8 Prozent und Computer und elektronische Bauelemente insgesamt 7,7 Prozent ausgemacht. Wichtig ist zudem die Medizintechnik. Die Dominanz von High-Tech-Produkten ist eine große Stärke. Zudem kann der hohe Arzneimittelund Medizintechnikanteil die irische Konjunktur in Zeiten der Coronapandemie stabilisieren. Allerdings birgt die Abhängigkeit von wenigen Sektoren auch Gefahren, falls disruptive Technologien Märkte rasch verändern. Zudem gibt es eine Konzentration auf wenige große Hersteller. So haben die zehn größten Industrieunternehmen in Irland 2018 allein 45,9 Prozent und die 40 nächstgrößeren Firmen weitere 28,1 Prozent aller Nettoverkaufserlöse im verarbeitenden Gewerbe erwirtschaftet. Hierbei handelt es sich überwiegend um multinationale Investoren. Irland ist als kleine, hochmoderne Volkswirtschaft bei vielen High-Tech-Produkten auf Importe angewiesen. So haben Maschinen 2019 zusammen 5,4 Prozent und Kfz weitere 4,1 Prozent der Gesamteinfuhr ausgemacht. Dies eröffnet deutschen Herstellern hervorragende Lieferchancen. Darüber hinaus spiegeln viele Importe die irische Industriestruktur wider, weswegen es einen hohen Anteil an chemischen Erzeugnissen gibt. In den letzten Jahren hat Irland laut Statistik auch viele Flugzeuge ein- und ausgeführt. Dies liegt daran, dass der Standort dank seiner Lage und niedrigen Körperschaftsteuer ein wichtiger Standort für das Anmelden, Leasen und Warten von Flugzeugen ist.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

Unklar ist, wie sich die Handelsbedingungen zwischen dem Vereinigten Königreich und Irland beziehungsweise dem europäischen Binnenmarkt nach Ende der Übergangsphase gestalten werden. Das Vereinigte Königreich war 2019 für Irland das wichtigste Liefer- und das drittgrößte Abnehmerland. Allerdings ist die Bedeutung des britischen Marktes für den irischen Außenhandel bereits in den vergangenen Jahren stetig gesunken. Stark an Bedeutung gewonnen haben dagegen die USA und - in geringerem Maße - Frankreich. Deutschland lag 2019 beim irischen Im- und Export auf Rang vier. Mögliche britische Zölle und Grenzkontrollen wären für die irische Wirtschaft von großer Tragweite. Zum einen ist das Vereinigte Königreich für die Nahrungsmittel- und Getränkeindustrie der wichtigste Auslandsmarkt. Diese prägt den strukturschwächeren ländlichen Raum. Zum anderen ist Großbritannien für Irlands Handel mit der übrigen EU äußerst wichtig. Ein Lkw erreicht das europäische Festland mit einer Fähre über die irische See, einer Fahrt durch Großbritannien und einer Nordseefähre doppelt so schnell wie auf einem direkten Schiff. Im Jahr 2016 sind 25 Prozent aller zwischen

Irland und Kontinentaleuropa gehandelten Waren durch Großbritannien befördert worden, so Irlands Amt zur maritimen Entwicklung. Sollten sich britische Ursprungs- und Transitwaren durch Zölle, längere Reisezeiten und höheren administrativen Aufwand verteuern, so könnte dies den irisch-deutschen Direkthandel fördern. Der Grund ist, dass Unternehmen in beiden Ländern britische Lieferanten durch günstigere Anbieter in Deutschland beziehungsweise Irland ersetzen. Darüber hinaus haben britische Handelsketten und Zwischenhändler traditionell eine starke Marktposition in Irland. Ein Beispiel hierfür sind Importe von Maschinen der SITC-Positionen 71 bis 74. Diese hat Irland 2019 zu 29,1 Prozent aus dem Vereinigten Königreich bezogen, obwohl dort kaum noch Maschinen gefertigt werden. Der deutsche Lieferanteil war dagegen mit 12,6 Prozent gering. Der Brexit kann hier zu deutlich mehr irischen Direktbestellungen aus Deutschland führen.

2009

2018

2019

2009

2018

2019

45m 91m

89m

83m 140m 152m Außenhandel von Irland (in Mio. Euro; Veränderung in %)

Importe Exporte Handelsbilanzsaldo Quelle: Eurostat 2020

2009

2018

2019

Veränderung 2019/2018

Veränderung 2019/2009

44.956 83.114 38.158

91.410 139.637 48.227

89.124 151.745 62.621

-2,5 8,7 29,8

98,2 82,6 64,1

Wichtige irische Exportwaren (Anteile in %) Segment (SITC-Position)

2019

Chemische Erzeugnisse (5), darunter Arzneimittel (54) Nahrungsmittel, lebende Tiere, Getränke (0, 1) Elektronische Bauelemente (776) Computer (75) Sonstige Quelle: Eurostat 2020

61,3 32,7 8,8 4,3 3,4 22,2

Wichtige irische Importwaren (Anteile in %) Segment (SITC-Position)

2019

Chemische Erzeugnisse (5), darunter Arzneimittel (54) Nahrungsmittel, lebende Tiere, Getränke (0, 1) Brennstoffe (3) Computer (75) Maschinen (71, 72, 73, 74) Kfz (78) Sonstige Quelle: Eurostat 2020

19,7 8,6 9,9 6,2 5,8 5,4 4,1 48,9

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

Wichtigste irische Lieferländer (Anteile in %) Land

2019

2009

Vereinigtes Königreich USA Frankreich Deutschland Sonstige Quelle: Eurostat 2020

27,9 13,9 13,0 8,8 36,4

35,3 16,9 4,8 6,8 36,2

Land

2019

2009

USA Belgien Vereinigtes Königreich Deutschland Sonstige Quelle: Eurostat 2020

30,8 10,3 10,2 8,9 39,7

21,0 17,0 16,1 7,0 39,0

Wichtigste irische Abnehmerländer (Anteile in %)

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CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

ORNUA – THE SUCCESS OF KERRYGOLD IN GERMANY Danica Siemer, Managing Director, Ornua Deutschland GmbH

Ornua Ornua Deutschland GmbH, with over 250 employees, an annual turnover in Germany of over €650 million and the Kerrygold brand, is one of Germany’s largest dairy marketing organisations. It is a subsidiary of Ornua Co-Operative Limited, Dublin, Ireland - the cooperative organisation of Irish dairies and their dairy farmers. At the company’s headquarters in Neukirchen-Vluyn in North Rhine Westphalia, amongst other products Kerrygold Original Irish Butter and the highly successful mixed-fat Kerrygold EXTRA are packed.

The Kerrygold brand Irish dairy products have been available on the German market for over 45 years, and Kerrygold has grown to become the most popular brand for dairy products. Germany is the market with the highest Kerrygold sales - not only for butter. Kerrygold is also the category leader in Germany for mixed-fats and Cheddar. The Kerrygold product portfolio now ranges from butter to butter specialties and mixed fats to cheese. Today, when it comes to popularity and consumption, Kerrygold is the top butter brand in Germany and is the undisputed market leader with around 18 % value share (June 2020). Kerrygold is always voted the most likeable dairy brand in Germany and around 60 % of all households buy Kerrygold products. This leads to market leadership in the butter, mixed-fats and cheddar cheese categories. The product portfolio also includes butter specialties, other cheeses and clarified butter.

What is behind Kerrygold’s success? Since the introduction of the Kerrygold brand in Germany, no other dairy brand has invested more continuously in consumer communication and advertising - especially TV. The advertising for the Kerrygold brand has certainly shaped the image that Germans have of Ireland. But not only has a successful brand strategy made Kerrygold so successful, the secret of course also lies in the product itself and its Irish origin.

In Ireland, the traditional, s p e c i e s - a p p r o p r i at e grazing means that the Kerrygold cows live outdoors on pasture for most of the year, have much freedom of movement and eat mainly lush pasture grass. Spending so much time outdoors amongst other cows is the basis for animalfriendly husbandry and ensures a level of animal welfare like nowhere else in Europe. This not only better for the cows, but also the environment. ћ # !- .# - /# "- .. /# *2. /я /# '*2 - /# ، footprint of the milk”. This is the result of a current study by the Christian Albrechts University (CAU) Kiel *. Irish farmers agree that fresh pasture grass makes cows happy. Notwithstanding this, many minerals and vitamins in the grass ensure that the milk is of the best quality. Kerrygold farmers pride themselves on the fact that their cows’ pasture milk ensures that the butter is especially soft and golden yellow. Beta carotene in pasture grass is responsible for the appealing colour, and a proportion of unsaturated fatty acids ensures a softer product. With Kerrygold, Germans have also got to know and love Cheddar. Kerrygold offers Cheddar in various agecategories either as slices, grated, portioned or at the cheese counter. Kerrygold Cheddar is particularly popular for use in cooking and as an ingredient in premium burgers. Sales of Kerrygold cheese have almost doubled in the last 4 years. * Source: A study by the Christian Albrechts University (CAU) Kiel by Heike Lorenz, Thorsten Reinsch, Sebastian Hess, Friedhelm Taube „Is low-input dairy farming more climate friendly? “ published February 2019 in the „Journal of Cleaner Production“.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

ORNUA - DER ERFOLG VON KERRYGOLD IN DEUTSCHLAND Danica Siemer, Managing Director, Ornua Deutschland GmbH

Ornua Die Ornua Deutschland GmbH zählt mit über 250 Mitarbeitern, einen jährlichen Umsatz in Deutschland von über 650 Mio. Euro und der Marke Kerrygold zu Deutschlands größten Molkerei-Vermarktungsorganisationen. Sie ist eine 100-prozentige Tochtergesellschaft der Ornua Co-operative Limited, Dublin, Irland – der genossenschaftlichen Organisation von irischen Molkereien und deren Milchbauern. Am Firmensitz in Neukirchen-Vluyn am Niederrhein wird u.a. die Kerrygold Original Irische Butter und das erfolgreiche Mischfett Kerrygold Extra abgepackt.

Die Marke Kerrygold Seit über 45 Jahren sind die irischen Milchprodukte nun schon auf dem deutschen Markt erhältlich. Inzwischen ist Kerrygold hierzulande zur beliebtesten Marke für Molkereiprodukte herangewachsen. Die Bundesrepublik Deutschland ist der absatzstärkste Markt – nicht nur für Butter. Auch bei Mischfetten und Cheddar Käse ist Kerrygold in Deutschland führend. Das Kerrygold Produktportfolio erstreckt sich mittlerweile von Butter über Butterspezialitäten und Mischfette bis hin zu Käse. Heute steht Kerrygold, wenn es um Beliebtheit und Verzehr geht, an der Spitze aller in Deutschland angebotenen Buttermarken und ist mit rund 18 Prozent wertmäßigem Marktanteil (Juni 2020) in Deutschland unangefochtener Marktführer. Kerrygold wird immer zur sympathischste Molkereimarke Deutschlands gewählt und rund 60 Prozent aller Haushalte kaufen Kerrygold. Das führt zur Marktführerschaft in den Kategorien Butter, Mischfette und Cheddar. Das Produktportfolio umfasst nicht nur Butter, Butterspezialitäten und Mischfette, sondern auch Käse und Butterschmalz.

Was steckt hinter dem Erfolg von Kerrygold ? Seit Einführung der Marke Kerrygold in Deutschland ist so kontinuierlich wie bei keiner anderen Molkereimarke in Verbraucherkommunikation und Werbung insbesondere im TV investiert worden. So hat die Werbung für die Marke Kerrygold sicher auch das Bild, dass sich die Deutschen von Irland machen, geprägt. Aber nicht nur eine erfolgreiche Markenstrategie hat Kerrygold so erfolgreich gemacht, das Geheimnis liegt

natürlich auch im Produkt und in der irischen Herkunft. Die traditionelle, artgerechte Weidehaltung bedeutet, dass die Kerrygold Kühe zum größten Teil des Jahres auf der Weide leben, viel Bewegungsfreiheit haben und fast ausschließlich saftiges Weidegras fressen. Die viele Zeit in der Natur unter Artgenossen ist die Basis für eine tiergerechte Haltung und sorgt für ein Maß an Tierwohl wie sonst nirgendwo in Europa. Das freut nicht nur die Kühe, sondern auch die Umwelt. „Je mehr frisches Gras die Kühe fressen, desto geringer ist der ،ѣ 0Ɖ -0 & - $' #ћю 0 $ . ( -" )$. & ( $) aktuelle Studie der Christian-Albrechts-Universität (CAU) Kiel*. Frisches Weidegras macht die Kuh glücklich, da sind sich die irischen Farmer einig. Ungeachtet dessen sorgen zahlreiche Mineralien und Vitamine im Gras dafür, dass die Milch beste Qualität hat. Kerrygold Farmer sind stolz darauf, dass die Weidemilch ihrer Kühe dafür sorgt, dass die Butter besonders streichzart und goldgelb ist. Betacarotin im Weidegras ist verantwortlich für die ansprechende Farbe, ein Anteil ungesättigter Fettsäuren sorgt für ein weiches Produkt. Mit Kerrygold haben die Deutschen aber auch Cheddar kennen und lieben gelernt. Kerrygold bietet Cheddar in unterschiedlichen Reifestufen als Scheiben, Stücke gerieben oder in der Käsetheke an. Insbesondere durch gute Verwendung in der warmen Küche und als Bestandteil von Premium Burgern kann Kerrygold Cheddar begeistern. So konnte sich der Absatz von Kerrygold Käse in den letzten 4 Jahren nahezu verdoppeln. * Quelle: Studie der Christian Albrechts University (CAU) Kiel von Heike Lorenz, Thorsten Reinsch, Sebastian Hess, Friedhelm Taube „Is low-input dairy farming more climate friendly? “ veröffentlicht Februar 2019 im „Journal of Cleaner Production“.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

GERMAN APPETITE FOR IRISH FOOD AND DRINK REMAINS STRONG Robert Becker, Markets – DACH, Bord Bia Following a decade of record growth for Irish food and drink exports (+€13bn) until last year, the Covid-19 crisis presents unprecedented challenges to industries across the globe, including Bord Bia and the Irish food and drinks industry. However, agile adaption and a lasersharp focus have allowed for the industry to continue to move forward, including in the German market which, as one of Bord Bias’ 13 overseas markets, continues to be integral to the strength of Irish exports throughout this time of uncertainty.

Dairy and meat are the key pillars of Ireland’s international food and drink exports, accounting for almost two thirds of the total exports annually. In the German market, these sectors showed promising growth from

IRISH WHISKEY IN GERMANY Germany is the 4th largest market in the world for Irish Whiskey after the US, UK and Canada. Since 2015 Irish whiskey exports to Germany have grown by 32% bringing the value to €30.8 million. The success of Irish Whiskey in Germany has been led by Tullamore Dew and Jameson (IWSR). This has paved the way for an entire category. The growth in Germany has been driven by new brands since 2016 giving the German public a more expansive, Irish offering. Premium and above Irish Whiskeys have shown tremendous growth over the last 10 years. The premium price segment had a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of over 20% and the Ultra-Premium range had a CAGR of over 50% (IWSR). Scotch is still the market leader in Germany, but the growth in Irish Whiskey is promising with. Irish Cream Liqueur exports to Germany have grown 43% since 2015 bringing the value to over €21 million. The success of Irish Cream Liqueurs in Germany is

driven by Baileys which makes up over 80% of sales in the category (IWSR). An increase in 2019 was driven largely by a large product expansion from Baileys to now offer their Strawberries and Cream, Caramel and Coffee flavoured Bailey’s. Looking forward Germany is seeing dividing trends sweep across the nation. There is currently a trend towards both premiumisation and priceconsciousness. The nation is split by those who prioritise quality and those that prioritise price leaving categories in the middle of the range struggling. The trend towards premiumisation combined with the trend towards comfort cooking (Bord Bia, Future Proofing Toolkit) leaves a lot of space for premium cream liqueur brands to capitalise on the consumers urge to indulge. All of these trends look favourably on the future of the innovative, premium Irish Cream Liqueur and Irish Whiskey producers targeting the German market.

CHAMBER - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

AN INCREASE

OF IN THE VALUE OF BEEF EXPORTS

Despite global challenges across industries, the food industry is set to be one of the few sectors of the economy to maintain strong growth during and after the Covid19 outbreak. Food spending in Germany is projected to grow by 4.6% in 2020, compared to 3.3% previously (Fitch Germany Food and Drinks report). Although there has been growth in retail, the collapse of the Foodservice industry has had extreme impacts on Irish exports, both in Germany and worldwide.

Bord Bia Germany developed its Irish Beef #ZuHauseGeniessen online campaign, in line with a cross-market European wide steak campaign, in order to encourage consumers to cook high quality Irish Beef steak cuts in the comfort of their own homes. Webinars also play an essential role in spreading awareness and educating customers and clients on Bord Bia’s efforts and activities in the market, engaging stakeholders despite postponed key trade fairs and physical events. A further focus of Bord Bia Germany has been key B2B activation through engagement of educational E-learning platforms in partnership with key retailers in the market as well as talent initiatives with the next generation of German Chefs through Bord Bias “Chefs’ Irish Beef Championship” taking place in November.

Bord Bia Germany, located in Düsseldorf, continues its aim to grow the success of Irish Food and drink in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. From close relationships with client companies to continuous collaboration with existing and new customers, Bord Bia bridges the gap between the markets. This is achieved through a combination of B2B and B2C activities which make up Bord Bia Germanys’ 360° marketing campaign.

This time of uncertainty has been used to maintain channels of communication with clients, customers and key suppliers in the market, while planning events that will encourage nationwide interaction with the Irish Food and drinks industry and inter-agency collaboration in a safe and controlled environment. This period has proven that Germany plays an essential role in the success of the Irish food and drinks industry, and will continue to do so for years to come.

2018 to 2019, with an increase of 3% in the value of beef exports and +9% of dairy exports Other sectors have seen similar increases; Seafood (+52%), Alcohol (+3%) and Prepared Consumer Foods (+17%) (Performance and Prospects).

A global team who always speaks your language. To navigate confidently into the future, and pave the way for sustained growth, a business needs an adviser who understands you and the world you are operating in. RSM are one of the top ten firms in Ireland specialising in providing audit, tax, consulting services and transaction advice across Europe. We aim to deliver ideas, insight and practical steps to help you navigate complexity and find a new way forward. Experience RSM. rsmireland.ie Congratulations to the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce on their 40th anniversary

John Glennon, Managing Partner

RSM Ireland Business Advisory Limited is a member of the RSM network and trades as RSM Ireland. RSM is the trading name used by the members of the RSM network. Each member of the RSM network is an independent accounting and consulting ﬁrm which practices in its own right. The RSM network is not itself a separate legal entity in any jurisdiction. The RSM network is an administered by RSM International Limited, a company registered in England and Wales (company number 4040598) whose registered oﬃce is at 50 Cannon Street, London EC4N 6JJ, United Kingdom. The brand and trademark RSM and other intellectual property rights used by members if the network are owned by RSM International Association, an association governed by article 60 et seq of the Civil Code of Switzerland and whose seat is in Zug © RSM International Association, 2020

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 2020/2021

The German Chamber Network

DEinternational is the service-providing unit of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Its service spectrum is tailored to assist Irish and German companies to develop a firm foothold in their respective target markets. Detailed information about DEinternational Ireland’s services is available online at www.DEinternational.ie

February 26

Presentation at Maynooth University: The German/Irish Job Market

Free

Webinar: Ireland - Business Opportunities for German companies

Free

Webinar: Awards Show "Energy Efficiency in Buildings”

Free

09 – 12

Digital Trade Mission from Saxony to Ireland

Free

Online International Foreign Trade Day - Stuttgart Chamber of Industry & Commerce

Free

Online International Foreign Trade Day - Schwerin Chamber of Industry & Commerce

Free

Online International Foreign Trade Day - Munich Chamber of Industry & Commerce

Free

May 20

June 25

Online International Foreign Trade Day - Frankfurt Chamber of Industry & Commerce Webinar: Trade Mission to Ireland ‘Microgrids & Self-Sufficiency in Communities’

29 – 03/07

October 5–8

November

December 15

Trade Mission Currently in discussion for 2021 – actual events: • • • • •

Bavaria (ICT and Bio-Pharma) Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Various Sectors) Saxony (Various Sectors) North Rhine-Westphalia (Start-Ups) Energy Efficiency in commercial and industrial buildings

Your contact

Tel.

Lukas Kortenhaus

+353 (0) 87 252 8886

lukas.kortenhaus@german-irish.ie

Judith Clinton

+353 (0) 87 202 4951

judith.clinton@german-irish.ie 65

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Audi quattro An online-survey conducted by the research centre YouGov, which was carried out on behalf of German news agency DPA, shows that the 80s is indeed still Germany’s favourite decade. When asked in which decade Germans would like to live, the majority opted for the 1980s. Why is this? Could it be the release of Nena’s iconic hit “99 Luftballons”? Could it be the 1980 Eurovision Song Contest when Katja Ebstein’s third appearance saw her come second to Ireland’s Johnny Logan, possibly solidifying the bond between our two countries? Or could it be that the quattro allwheel drive system, the cornerstone of the Audi brand also celebrates its 40th birthday this year?

What is quattro? It is an icon. Its introduction was a phenomenon. It would go on to change the face of rallying, high performance road cars and Audi’s image. But what does that mean to the regular driver? The all-wheel drive system provides the car with exceptional performance on all terrain – quattro is much more than just a four-wheel-drive system. The technology senses when the brakes may lock or the wheels may spin when driving in wet or icy conditions, it transfers power across all four wheels when necessary and adjusts the car to deal with every situation, so the driver doesn’t have to worry. The name represents safe driving, sportiness, technical expertise and competitive superiority – in short, Vorsprung durch Technik.

Audi has fuelled the appeal of quattro again and again over 40 years with a succession of spectacular concept cars. When the Audi quattro first appeared at the Geneva Motor Show in 1980 it was introduced as a means to transmit power that was entirely new for the passenger car sector and all-wheel drive system that was lightweight, compact and efficient. The quattro Spyder presented at the 1991 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, was the brand’s first thoroughbred sports car of the post-war era and its first aluminium-bodied car. Just a few weeks later, Audi presented the Avus quattro at the Tokyo Motor Show. It was designed to feature a W12 engine producing 509 Bhp. Audi first entered the World Rally Championship in 1981 and dominated the event just one season later. The Audi team won the manufacturers’ championship in 1982, and Finnish driver Hannu Mikkola secured the drivers’ trophy in 1983. Audi took both titles in 1984, with Stig Blomqvist of Sweden becoming world champion. That year, Audi fielded its Sport quattro with a shorter wheelbase, followed in 1985 by the Sport quattro S1 producing 350 kW

(476 PS). In 1987, Walter Röhrl drove a specially modified S1 to victory at the Pikes Peak hill climb in the USA – the perfect finishing touch to the exhilarating years of rallying. Audi accomplished the unimaginable in 1986 at the Kaipola ski jump in Finland, the Audi 100 CS quattro with professional rally driver Harald Demuth at the wheel, scaled the 37.5-degree incline, or 80% gradient under its own power. This amazing feat was filmed for what became a legendary commercial for the Audi brand throughout Europe. Circuit and rallycross champion Mattias Ekström (Sweden) performed a similar feat in 2019, using Audi’s first fully electric vehicle, the e-tron quattro with three electric motors to scale the steepest section of the Streif ski course at Kitzbühel, negotiating gradients of as much as 85%. The success of quattro speaks for itself when you take into consideration that it is represented in every model series except for the compact A1. To date, Audi has produced approximately 10.5 million cars featuring the quattro drive system.

Shaping Audi’s future Striving forward has always been at the heart of Audi. And now, we’re electrifying that vision. With 12 electrified Audi vehicles due for release by 2020, a range of concept cars including the stunning e-tron GT and our sights set on being completely CO₂ neutral by 2050, we’re transforming our business – and again, we are transforming the driving experience. To get there, we built our first fully electric car (the Audi e-tron) in the world’s first CO₂ neutral factory in Brussels – we are planning for a 30% reduction on our CO₂ footprint, with 40% of all new Audi vehicles to be electrified by 2025. We’re also investing €33 billion into the future of electric mobility. With the e-tron S, the e-tron S Sportback and the upcoming Q4 e-tron concept, Audi is presenting the latest generation of electric all-wheel drive and is making strides into the sustainable future of transportation – and the future of the quattro drive system. Could we have conceived in 1980, when the German-Irish Chamber of Commerce was in its infancy, when the biggest question in every home was “Who shot JR?” When the world was introduced to the Irish national treasure that is Johnny Logan and when Audi technicians were presenting their ground breaking technology, that 40 years later the quattro would evolve with the times and become an essence of Audi’s DNA. The all-wheel drive has already written 40 years of history and now quattro will drive us into the electric era.

40 years on, we’re still making it. 40 years ago, Vorsprung Durch Technik began with the introduction of quattro technology. Today, it continues with the Audi e-tron, our ﬁrst, all electric SUV. Cutting-edge technology built not just for today, but for the future. It’s these technologies, alongside our unmatched level of driving pleasure, that will continually develop the strong bond between Irish drivers and German technology.

Audi Vorsprung durch Technik

For further information on the Audi range, visit www.audi.ie. Terms and conditions apply, model shown for illustrative purposes only.

German-Irish European Financial Services Committee Bring your voice to Brussels and Berlin

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

WEBINAR SERIES 2020 The German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce in collaboration with Business Partners

APRIL

JUNE

Business Continuity during the Covid-19 Crisis

Outlook for Europe and the Global Economy after the Pandemic

Webinar hosted with the Chambers long term premium patron LK Shields

The Irish Tax System Patrick Bamming, Chartered Tax Adviser with the GermanIrish Chamber of Industry and Commerce with 12+ years’ experience gave us an overview of ‘The Irish Tax System’

Opportunities in Germany During and After Corona, Government Funding and Support The Chamber joined up with Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), the economic development agency of the Federal Republic of Germany with speakers Torsten Pauly and Daniel Stephens.

MAY

On this webinar we were delighted to have Dr. Christian Keller, Managing Director and Head of Economics Research at Barclays talk about the complete European impact of Covid-19

Sustainable Finance The webinar included speakers such as Green party TD Ossian Smyth, Elsa Palanza, MD Managing Director, Global Head of Sustainability & ESG at Barclays, Stephen Nolan, MD UN Environment Programme Financial Centres for Sustainability. Werner Schwanberg, Chairman of GermanIrish European Financial Services Committee was the moderator for the webinar and Marc Coleman Economist & Member of GermanIrish European Financial Services Committee summed up the webinar with the key takeaways.

The Impact of Covid-19 on the Irish Economy

Microgrids and SelfSufficiency in Communities

The Chamber partnered with our long standing and supportive patron Bank of Ireland who lined up guest speaker Dr Loretta O’Sullivan, Group Chief Economist at Bank of Ireland.

This webinar was run as part of a virtual trade mission from Germany to Ireland and had over 140 participants

Market Entry into Ireland Lukas Kortenhaus, the Head of Marketing at AHK Ireland hosted this webinar highlighting examples of best practise on how to enter the Irish market.

Europe’s Recovery after the Pandemic Chief Economist from the German Central Bank, Jens Ulbrich and Chief Economist from the Irish Central Bank, Mark Cassidy were guest speakers and discussed ‘Europe’s Recovery after the Pandemic’. This was a kick off event to the European Presidency on the 1st July where Germany assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union. All presentations from past webinars are on our website www.german-irish.ie

Dr. Loretta O’Sullivan

JULY Legal Checklist for Reopening your Business Webinar hosted with the Chamber’s long term premium patron LK Shields.

Dr. Christian Keller

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

DEinternational IRELAND DEinternational is the consultancy wing of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Its service spectrum is exactly tailored to assist Irish and German *(+ )$ . /* 1 '*+ ‫ݦ‬-( foothold in their target markets.

Services Portfolio

DEinternational ist die Servicemarke der Auslandshandelskammer Irland. Das Dienstleistungsspektrum ist ganz darauf zugeschnitten, deutschen und irischen Unternehmen den Weg in ihre Zielmärkte zu ebnen.

• • • •

•

Market Entry / Markteintritt Market Information / Marktinformationen Trade Mission / Unternehmerreise Business Presence / Geschäftspräsenz Representation / Repräsentanz HR and Recruitment Public Relations & Public Affairs Event Management & 3rd Party Event Management 3rd Party Web Design and Digital Media Management

• • • • • • • •

Company Formation / Firmengründung Legal Information / Rechtsauskunft Debt Collection, Mediation / Forderungsmanagement, Mediation Taxation Services, Accounts / Fiskalvertretung, Buchhaltung Service Package “Construction Industry” / Servicepaket “Baubranche”

Ralf Lissek Managing Director ralf.lissek@deinternational.ie

Patrick Bamming Head of Tax / Legal AIT Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) Dipl. Kaufmann Patrick works in the DEinternational team of the German-Irish Chamber since more than 10 years. He has more than 120 clients and assisted these to refund more than €1 million from the German and Irish tax authorities. patrick.bamming@deinternational.ie

Lukas Kortenhaus Head of Marketing since May 2019. He has gained valuable marketing and business development experiences in various markets in Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand as well as Singapore. lukas.kortenhaus@deinternational.ie

Judith Clinton Head of Communications and Client Relations since March 2020. She has almost 20 years of sales and marketing expertise gained in international markets, USA, Argentina, Spain, Germany and Poland. judith.clinton@deinternational.ie

Andreas Fagin Accounting Andreas works for the DEinternational Ireland Team since 2009. He has previously worked for more than 10 years as an accountant with multinational companies in Ireland and Germany. andreas.fagin@ deinternational.ie

Helen Dunne Head of Events Helen has more than 16 years experience in tourism and event management and organises over 60 events annually. helen.dunne@deinternational.ie

Christine Pitsch Office Manager Christine joined the Chamber in 2017 with more than 10 years’ professional executive assistant experience. She is responsible for Office Management and Membership administration. christine.pitsch@deinternational.ie

Ellen Murphy Ellen is a Project Manager at the German-Irish Chamber. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Cork. ellen.murphy@deinternational.ie

Ellen McGrath Membership and Events Ellen joined the events team in 2017. Since then she has been involved in several major events including the Oktoberfest and the Christmas lunch. ellen.mcgrath@ german-irish.ie 71

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

MARKET ENTRY TO GERMANY - ASPECTS OF THE TAX AND LEGAL SYSTEM Patrick Bamming With over 22 000 foreign companies operating in Germany, those setting up business may reap many benefits from doing so. Germany acts as the third biggest source of imports for Ireland and there have been over 10 000 jobs created by German employers here in Ireland and Irish employers in Germany. This article provides an overview of the German tax system and the company forms that exist in Germany.

OVERVIEW OF THE GERMAN TAX SYSTEM Corporation and Trade Tax German business profits are subject to both corporation and trade tax. Corporation tax (Körperschaftsteuer) is charged at a rate of 15% on profits. A ‘solidarity surcharge’ of 5.5% applicable to the tax that is being charged must be paid by any person or legal entity. Companies should be mindful that the finding of a permanent establishment will result in being liable for taxes such as corporate tax. The trade tax (Gewerbesteuer) in Germany is usually between 7% and 20 % on profits. It is calculated by a base rate of 3.5% which is then multiplied by a ‘multiplier’ (Hebesatz). The rate of the multiplier

is set by each individual municipality, but it must be at least 200%. The trade tax is generally higher in urban areas than in rural areas.

VAT (Value Added Tax) VAT in Germany is applied at the standard rate of 19%. In recent times, VAT rates have been reduced for the months July to December 2020 in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. When VAT is concerned, it is recommended that, particularly where business activity is taking place in another country, a company should ensure compliance with local VAT regulations. For Irish companies sending goods to Germany, the VAT obligations also will depend on whether the client is a private individual or a company.

Sales to Private Individuals Distance selling refers to the practice of ‘shopping from home’ whereby purchases are made by means of internet shopping, mail order, e-mail or telephone. Companies whose sale of goods exceeding €100 000 per annum to private consumers living in Germany are required to register for VAT in Germany. For sales less than that, registering for VAT is optional. Companies below the threshold have to charge Irish VAT if they do not avail of the option.

As the Irish standard rate VAT of 23% is 4% higher than the German standard VAT rate of 19%, this can mean a competitive disadvantage when entering the German market.

Sales between Businesses (B2B) The Intra-Community Supply (ICS) and Intra-Community Acquisition (ICA) rules are designed to simplify the trading of goods and services between businesses in the EU. The main condition for these rules to apply is that the seller and purchaser are VAT registered businesses. In case of intra-community acquisitions from another member state the recipient rather than the supplier, is obliged to account for the VAT due. Therefore, the recipients record the VAT of the purchases on the VAT return, without applying for a refund, as no VAT was paid to the seller. If these rules didn’t exist, suppliers to other VAT registered businesses in the EU, would have to charge either the VAT of the country they are established in, or of the country they are selling to, while the purchaser would need to pay the VAT to the seller, and then make sure to either offset the VAT against their VAT on sales or to receive a refund, either from their local tax authorities or from the tax authorities in country where the supplier is established.

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

A main exception to the ICS and ICA rules exists where services are being supplied in relation to transport, events or immovable property. In these cases, companies should always check their VAT obligations in that country where they are active in. Construction companies in particular should pay attention to this as many of their services can involve what is considered to be immoveable property.

insurance is 14.6%, of which the employee’s share is also one half.

The VAT information Exchange System (VIES) and Intrastat returns monitor the trading of goods and services between EU countries.

•

COMPANY FORMS IN GERMANY There exist many different company forms in Germany, which can be considered when entering the German market. These include:

Each VAT registered Irish business which doesn’t charge VAT on its sales to other businesses in the EU must submit a VIES return. In addition, Irish businesses whose total sales to other EU countries exceed €635 000 annually or whose total purchases into Ireland from other EU countries exceed €500 000 annually have to file an Intrastat return.

•

Income Tax Employers are responsible for the withholding of income taxes (Lohnsteuer) of their employees and their payment to federal tax authorities. The employer is required to ensure that the correct amount of taxes is deducted from the employee. German income taxes are progressive, ranging from 14% to 45% respectively. Germany’s social security system is financed both by employer and employee contributions. It is the responsibility of the employer to register employees with the social security system. Those working must make payments towards four aspects of the system: health insurance, nursing care, pensions and unemployment. For example, the rate of pension insurance is 18.6%, of which the employee’s share is one half. Similarly, health

•

Limited Liability Company (GmbH): This is the most common company formation in Germany. Contrasting with many other EU member states, a minimum capital requirement of €25 00 is attached to this company form. A limited company means that the shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount of their original investment. The day-to-day running of a GmbH is carried out by the director, who is appointed during the general meeting of the shareholders. Limited Liability Entrepreneurial Company (Mini GmbH): A MiniGmbH may be founded with a capital for as little as €1 and is often considered to be the most attractive option for selfemployed persons. However, from experience there have been difficulties in the acceptance of foreign companies choosing this form. Joint Stock Company (AG): This is the equivalent of the Irish Public Limited Company. The German AG requires a minimum share capital of €50 000. The management board in this company formation is checked by a supervisory board which is made up of at least three members.

•

Both forms consist of at least two shareholders however, legally, the GbR is subject to the German Civil Code (BGB) whereas the OHG is subject to the civil law as well as the stricter commercial law regulations of the German Commercial Code (HGB). Limitd Partnership (KG): This formation consists of two types of partners: The limited partners (Kommanditisten), which are liable to a fixed amount, and the general partners (Komplementäre) with unlimited liability. As the general partners are fully liable, a Limited Liability Company (GmbH) is often chosen to be this partner in order to restrict the liability. Partnership limited by Shares (KGaA): This could be considered to be a mixture of both a Limited Partnership and a Joint Stock Company. One or more partners have unlimited liability, directly and personally with all assets as partners within this company formation. The minimum share capital of this company formation is €50 000. Branch: Irish companies can also trade in Germany through a branch office. This is where the branch will stay connected to the company and is generally not a separate legal entity. A branch usually does not have a separate accounting system to the parent company but still has the same tax obligations as a German company.

Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie

German Private Partnership (GbR) and German Commercial Partnership (OHG) are two forms of personal partnerships. The GbR is a partnership based on an agreement made without legal capacity in order to support a jointly pursued purpose of the partners involved. The OHG is a trading company formation.

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

MARKET ENTRY TO IRELAND - ASPECTS OF THE TAX AND LEGAL SYSTEM There are over 1000 companies from all over the world which have chosen Ireland as their base to do business in recent years. Ireland has seen investment across a wide variety of sectors including electronics, pharmaceuticals, technology, computer software and financial services.

OVERVIEW OF THE IRISH TAX SYSTEM

The PAYE system carries out the function of ensuring the amounts paid are collected evenly and consistently throughout the course of the tax year.

These payments are contributions towards social insurance benefits including Maternity Benefit and the State Pension.

Income Tax in Ireland is applied at two rates, 20% and 40%. Income Tax is charged at approximately 20% for income up to €35 200 and 40% on the remainder for single persons.

VAT is tax payable on sales of goods or supply of services within the European Union and its member states. In Ireland, the standard rate of VAT is 23%. However, this can vary. There is a reduced rate of 13.5% which usually applies for services in construction and agriculture sectors, a second reduced rate of 9% mainly for the tourism and catering sector and a livestock rate of 4.8% for farm animals and greyhounds. There also exists a zero-rate VAT zone which applies to goods which are deemed to be essential. These can be foods like bread, butter, cheese, cereals, meat, milk, pasta, sugar and vegetables. It also includes certain medicines, books and children’s clothing & footwear.

Corporation Tax Corporation tax may be charged at a rate of 12.5% or 25% on profits. The concept of 12.5% rate usually applies to profits from trading income while the 25% rate is relevant for profit on passive income such as rental or interest income. For so-called ‘Letterbox Companies’, which only have an address but no presence beside that in Ireland, the 25% rate applies, as they are not considered to be trading in Ireland.

PAYE (Pay As You Earn) The PAYE system is how taxes of employees are paid in Ireland. Each time a salary is paid, an employer must deduct Income Tax, Pay Related Social Insurance and Universal Social Charge.

Income Tax Rates,

20% & 40% Universal Social Charge (USC) was introduced during the financial crisis and is charged when the annual salary exceeds €13 000. The rates range from 0.5% to 8%, depending on the amount of income. Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) is paid by both employee and employer. The employee usually pays PRSI at a rate of 4% while for the employer the PRSI rate of 11.05% usually applies.

VAT (Value Added Tax)

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) CGT of 33% is payable on any capital gain made while disposing of an asset. An asset is considered to be anything of value that may be converted into cash and disposal of such may be the selling, gifting or exchanging of it. Receiving compensation or insurance for the asset will also be considered to be a disposal. The chargeable gain is taxed rather than the whole

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

amount received. This chargeable gain is usually the difference between the price paid for an asset and the price it is disposed of and it is payable by the person making the disposal.

Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) CAT is a tax on gifts and inheritances. Either may be received up to a set amount over the course of a lifetime before being subject to CAT. Once exceeding this threshold, a rate of 33% tax will be charged. There are three different thresholds which depend on the relationship between the beneficiary and the benefactor. For example, where the beneficiary is a child, it will find itself in Group A where the threshold as of 2019 is €335 000.

•

COMPANY FORMS IN IRELAND There are many company types in Ireland. Limited company types are considered their own separate legal entity from the individuals involved in the business. The main types available are as follows:

•

Relevant Contract Tax (RCT) RCT is a withholding tax applicable before a subcontractor can be paid in the construction, meat and forestry industries. If applicable, the principal contractor has to deduct the tax from payments to the subcontractor and pay it to the Irish Revenue. The subcontractor can offset this tax against its tax liabilities and apply for a refund for the remainder. The payment must be filed on the Revenue Commissioner’s online system before the payment is made. If the payments are not or late reported on the Revenue Online System (ROS), penalties of up to 35% of the payment amount can apply.

•

35% for companies without an Irish tax number and/or companies that have a poor tax compliance record. 20% for companies with an Irish tax number and which have a substantially up-to-date tax compliance record. This usually applies when companies pay and file their taxes on time and late filings and late payments are incidental.

Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD): This company form is the most frequently incorporated entity for businesses in Ireland. It requires a minimum of one director, one company secretary and there is no minimum share capital requirement. The maximum number of members in this company form is 149. Company Limited by Guarantee: This company formation requires a minimum of seven members and is usually used in circumstances that require a separate legal entity and corporate protection in organisations such as non-forprofits, charities, societies, sport and social clubs.

Public Limited Company (PLC) cannot be less than

There are three different RCT rates:

•

0% for companies with an Irish tax number and that have an up-to-date compliance record.

€25,000 •

•

Limited Partnership: This form means that some members have limited liability for the debts of the firm. Their liability is limited to the extent of their contribution.

Permanent Establishment The Irish Revenue Commissioners defines a permanent establishment as “a fixed place of business through which the business of an enterprise is wholly or partly carried on”. The concept is included as an article in the Double Taxation Treaties which follow the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) model tax treaty. If a company is considered to be a permanent establishment, the business will be subject to the same obligations as that of a resident company. Examples of a permanent establishment can include a fixed place of business or a construction site which lasts for a certain period, depending on the applicable Double Tax Agreement (DTA). It is recommended that before the commencement of any company activity takes place, the investigation whether a permanent establishment exists is carried out, as it could have potentially costly and time-consuming consequences, if permanent establishment is not registered correctly. Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie

Public Limited Company (PLC): This applies to companies listed on the stock exchange. The company’s allotted share capital cannot be less than €25 000 and at least 25% of this must be fully paid up before business commences.

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

GUIDE TO INTERNATIONAL POSTING OF EMPLOYEES

This article will give an overview of the main administrative and tax requirements companies must fulfil when posting workers to Ireland and Germany, as well as tax reliefs when posting employees and an outline of changes to the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between Ireland and Germany to pensions.

introduced a new subcontracting liability in the construction sector to guard against posted workers being paid less than their minimum entitlements. The Directive also creates the right for posted workers to refer a complaint to the relevant authority responsible for workplace relations in the host country.

Posting of Workers Directive and Necessary Notifications

Specific Notifications for Ireland Specific Notifications for Germany

The EU directive concerning the posting of workers serves as a framework for Member States to facilitate the free movement of workers across the EU and to ensure workers’ rights. The Directive has been interpreted differently in some Member States. The Directive aims to protect posted workers from having to enter any arrangements, which are below the standards received by domestic workers in the same sector. Accordingly, paying wages below the minimum rate in the host country is illegal. This equal treatment extends to sector specific entitlements too. For example, the Directive

Upon entry into the Republic of Ireland, a ‘posting notification’ must be filed with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for each worker. A specific ‘Form of Declaration’ is filled out where the employer is required to enter information based on which the WRC will monitor the workers’ employment conditions and ensure compliance with the posting requirements. Ireland has decided to implement the EU directive into national legislation without any additions to the basic text. Therefore, in Ireland it is a requirement that the WRC

is notified of all postings, as there are no specifications on what types of occupations are covered by the Directive. Therefore, companies posting staff to Ireland should expect to have to file a notification. The German regulation for posting employees (Arbeitnehmer-Entsendegesetz), which implemented the 1996 EU directive has chosen to enact more specific standards and requires the registration of workers only in specified key sectors. This approach leads to a lesser need to register all business activities in Germany; however, more industry specific regulations must be followed. The main sectors, where a posting notification is necessary, are industries in which the exploitation of workers was deemed to be more likely. These are generally sectors where a higher quantity of labour is needed and contracts can be temporary such as in construction and care taking sectors.

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

Social Insurance and Income tax Commonly, social insurance is payable in that country where the employment is carried out. However, as the EU’s goal is to increase the ease with which workers can take on work in different Member States, efforts have been taken to standardise the treatment of foreign social insurance schemes in Europe. The main change implemented in the EU to ensure uniformity is the A1 form. The A1 form is a standardised piece of documentation that employees seconded to a position abroad must carry with them. The document is issued by the social security authority of the country of origin. The form obligates the relevant authorities of the host country to recognise the individual’s social insurance payments made towards the country of origin and as a result not to charge social insurance contributions in the host country. The document can be valid for 24 months, after which the worker must either apply for an extension or start paying social levies towards the host country. The Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between the Republic of Ireland and the Federal Republic of Germany sets out how double taxation can be avoided for income taxes. The general rule is that seconded employees are not liable to pay income tax in the host country as long as they are not present for more than 183 days in the State. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, for example, where an individual is employed by a company resident in that country or by a branch of a foreign company which qualifies as a permanent establishment according to the DTA.

Ireland - 60 Days Rule and Residency Status If the employee spends less than 183 days but more than 60 days in the

State an exemption must be applied for not to pay income tax in Ireland and for the rules of the DTA to apply. There are different types of residency in Ireland. A resident has spent more than 183 days a year in the country and an ordinary resident is someone who has lived in Ireland for three consecutive tax years. The concept of domicile applies usually to individuals who are born in Ireland and live permanently in the country. The taxation of individuals depends on whether someone is resident, ordinary resident or domiciled.

Germany - Limited and Unlimited Tax Liability Similarly, residency or ‘gewöhnlicher Aufenthalt’ in Germany for tax purposes begins after 183 days. German residents will have ‘unlimited tax liability’ meaning that they will be taxed on their worldwide income. Non-residents often have ‘limited tax liability’ in Germany which means that only the person’s German income is taxed in Germany and not the worldwide income.

Working Hours, Minimum Wage and Sector Specific Regulations Depending on which industry a posted worker belongs to, there may be additional requirements necessary upon entry into the country. Companies should be aware that when posting employees to other countries the minimum wage and working time regulations of the host nation apply according to the Posting of Workers Directive. In Germany and Ireland the average maximum number of working hours per week is 48.

Minimum Wage in Ireland In Ireland, a national minimum wage of €10.10 per hour for

employees older than 20 years has to be paid. Additionally, there are sector specific minimum wages too. The minimum wage in the Irish

minimum wage is

€10.10 construction sector ranges from €14.14 to €23.49 per hour. This range used to be legally binding on employers according to sectoral agreements. However due to the decision in May 2020 of the Irish High Court (Náisiúnta Leictreach Contraitheoir Eireann -v- The Labour Court), these sectoral agreements are not applicable anymore.

Minimum Wage in Germany In Germany the minimum wage is €9.35 per hour with sector specific requirements which differ regionally. Generally, the hourly wages are lower in the East of Germany than in the West. In 2020 the minimum wage in the construction sector ranges between €12.55 and €15.40 per hour.

minimum wage is

€9.35 77

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

Posted workers also often avail of tax-free subsistence payments to cover expenses while travelling. While Germany and Ireland have issued subsistence rates for domestic as well as international travel, companies should keep in mind, that once they have to start paying employment taxes for the employee in the other country, the rates for tax free allowances of that country apply.

Safe Pass Course In Ireland workers usually need a ’Safe Pass Course’ in order to be allowed to work on a construction site. Additionally, the workers might also have to complete specific construction training courses, for example for scaffolding, telescopic handler and for using excavators. The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) provides a full list.

abroad and is in Ireland for less than 183 days. The posted workers’ host country must also have a DTA in place with Ireland. Transborder Relief Ireland has many workers who travel to destinations every week and return for the weekend. Therefore, they pay income tax and social insurance abroad, but they are still Irish residents. The Transborder Relief was designed to avoid double taxation. In order to be eligible for the Transborder Relief, the taxpayer has to be present at least one day of each week in Ireland, must be a tax resident in Ireland, the host country must have a DTA with Ireland and the foreign income must have been subject to taxation.

Holiday and Pension Fund in Germany (SOKA Bau) To ensure that workers in the construction industry have uniform holiday entitlements, construction companies must register with the holiday and pension fund (SOKA Bau) in Germany. Employers, who post workers to Germany might have to pay monthly contributions towards Soka Bau, the rates of which range from 15.4% to 20.8% of the pay of each employee.

Range of Reliefs Available for Posted Workers Apart from the regulations for posting workers, there are also several reliefs which incentivise companies to carry out projects abroad and expand into other markets. Ireland, for example, has the following tax reliefs available for Irish workers abroad: PAYE Exclusion Order A PAYE Exclusion Order allows employers not to deduct income tax and the Universal Social Charge (USC) from an employee’s salary as long as the employee is working

Minimum salary of

€75,000 Foreign Earnings Deduction (FED) Workers who are resident in Ireland for tax purposes but spend some time working abroad may be able to claim FED. This allowance is based on the number of qualifying days worked abroad and the total income earned. The amount of allowance cannot exceed €35 000 per annum. However, there are certain conditions that one must meet to qualify. One must work in a relevant State for at least 30 qualifying days in twelve months and only postings to certain countries qualify for this relief. SARP Unlike the three reliefs mentioned above, the Special Assignee Relief Programme (SARP) was implemented for workers being posted to Ireland, and not for Irish

workers moving abroad. For this relief to apply, the employer must be established in a country with which Ireland has a DTA. Persons eligible for such reliefs must have worked for the employer outside of Ireland for at least 6 months before being posted to Ireland, the employee must not have been a resident for tax purposes in Ireland for the last 5 years and earn a minimum salary of €75 000.

Pensions from Abroad In the last two years several pensioners in Ireland received letters from the German revenue authorities in order to tax their pensions from 2013 onwards. In 2013 the DTA was changed so that taxes on pensions paid from social insurance contributions are required to be paid in the country where the pension is received from, and not where the taxpayer is resident. This means for people living in Ireland in receipt of a German pension and vice versa, that they might be liable to pay tax in the country where the pensions are paid from. Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

BAIERL + DEMMELHUBER

Founded in 1964 by two carpenters, Hans Demmelhuber and Josef Baierl, baierl + demmelhuber has now grown into a mid-sized and still owner-operated company with over 700 employees in a total of 11 locations. As leading specialists in the field of high quality interior fitout, baierl + demmelhuber realizes the visions of their demanding clients. Awarded as “best trainer in Germany” by the business magazine Capital and with the “IF Design Award”, both in 2018, baierl + demmelhuber have been successful in their aim to build interiors that inspire. Besides being a company with many accolades in its field, the company is also one of the longest serving and most valued members of DEinternational Ireland’s client network. DEinternational Ireland first assisted baierl + demmelhuber in 2005 with the registration for VAT in Ireland. Since then the two firms have a 15 year long business relationship, during which a wide range of fiscal services from DEinternational Ireland was available to support the business.

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Since 2005, DEinternational Ireland has taken care of all of the company’s Irish tax registration and tax rebates. Furthermore, baierl + demmelhuber was advised on the procedure that needs to be followed when posting workers to Ireland from another country. Companies must make sure that they are complying with the EU’s ‘Posting of Worker’s Directive’. These obligations involve for example ensuring that each worker is equipped with an A1 ‘portable document’, which exempts them from social security payments in their host country. Additionally, each posted worker, and the type of activity that they will carry out has to be declared to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), allowing the rights of these workers to be recognised under the EU Directive mentioned above. An obligatory Safe Pass Course was also organised for the firm’s employees, which provides construction workers with a necessary certificate, without which they may not be engaged in the Republic of Ireland.

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Finally, baierl + demmelhuber engaged subcontractors during their projects in Ireland, which meant that DEinternational Ireland could further offer its services to the company, by advising them on the appropriate amount of ‘Relevant Contract Tax’ that was to be deducted from their payments to subcontractors.

Through 15 years working together, DEinternational Ireland and baierl + demmelhuber have built a strong working relationship, and the company remains a trusted long term client and valued member of DEinternational Ireland’s network. Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie Baierl & Demmelhuber Innenausbau GmbH Cranachstraße 5 84513 Töging Tel. +49 8631 9001-0 info@demmelhuber.de www.demmelhuber.de

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

P&I AG Related Social Insurance and Universal Social Charge to determine the income of individual employees working for P&I AG. The Irish tax year runs from 1 January to 31 December.

P&I AG is one of the most important and renowned companies operating in the HR industry in Europe. Since 1968, P&I AG has offered a unique and revolutionary HR system to permanently support and improve all processes of modern personnel management including wage and salary accounting, travel expense accounting and time management. With over 15,000 customers across Europe, the continuous development of P&I AG’s products allow them to actively shape the future of HR in partnership with their customers. P&I LogaAll-in is a product which combines the latest HR Software solutions with customised services and optimised technical operation. The cloud-based platform covers all areas of digital and strategic HR management and allows users to use personnel software in a simple and efficient manner. The P&I LogaAll-in encompasses the entire range of modern HR management in real time including tasks such as payroll, travel expense accounting and applicant management. This merging of modules saves time, money and resources for all users. Since 2019, P&I AG has received assistance from DEinternational with their monthly payroll in Ireland. This involves the calculation of Income Tax, Pay

In order to calculate Income Tax, the various tax bands must be taken into account. A tax rate band is the amount of income which will be taxed at a particular percentage (the tax rate). The current tax rates are 20% and 40%. A portion of income is taxed at 20%, known as the standard rate band, and the remainder at 40%. The amount of an individual’s tax rate band is dependent on personal circumstances. Tax credits can also reduce the amount of tax paid. Examples of tax credits include Personal Tax Credits, Rent Tax Credit and Age Tax Credits. Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions assist with the payment of Social Welfare benefits and pensions in Ireland. Most employers and employees (between the ages of 16 and pensionable age, currently 66) pay PRSI contributions. In general, the amount is compulsory. The amount you pay is based on your earnings and the type of work carried out. Universal Social Charge (USC) is tax payable on total income but there are some exemptions. Depending on circumstances, USC can be paid at the standard rate or the reduced rate. For example, the average single employee earning €30,000 per annum in Ireland will be taxed at the rate of 20%. In addition to

Pay As You Earn Tax, USC varies between 0-8%. In this example, USC is charged at a rate of 2% on the first €20,484 and 4.5% on the remainder. In Ireland, a single person working in the State will also be entitled to €3,300 in tax credits. Additionally, PRSI, which covers the state pension, health & social insurance, will be deducted at a rate of 4% in this case. Overall, this person will have a net income of approx. €25,000. In the case of a single employee earning €80,000 per annum in Ireland, they will be taxed 20% up to €35,300 and the remaining will be taxed at the higher rate of 40%. In addition to PAYE, USC will be charged at a rate of 4.5% up to €70,144 and 8% on the remaining. PRSI will be deducted at a rate of 4% as an employee. Overall, this person will have a net income of approx. €51,000. Comparatively, this first example would have a net income of €23,000 in Germany but once above €80,000, the German taxation system would become more favourable. Ms Graupmann, P&I AG: “DEinternational has ensured that P&I AG has complied with the requirements of the Irish taxation system at all times. “ Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie P&I AG Tel: +49 (0) 611 71 47-0 E-Mail: info@pi-ag.com

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

CHERESSI CONCEPTS E.K.

Since 1990, Capelli New York has been responsible for designing, manufacturing and marketing on-trend private label and branded products for women, teens and children. With offices around the world including a German office, Capelli Europe GmbH and Cheressi Concepts, Capelli New York employs over 3,000 people. Offices are located throughout North America, Asia and Europe. The company’s product lines range from accessories and sleepwear to footwear and novelty items. Offering an in-house design team, Capelli New York provide their customers with extensive knowledge and experience in trend forecasting. The company operates buying and sales offices in both Shanghai and Hong Kong as well as factories throughout China and showrooms in the USA, Europe and Asia. From the sourcing of raw materials, designs and productive

development to manufacturing its own factories and international distribution of the finished product, Capelli New York responds quickly in all aspects of the business. DEinternational assisted Cheressi Concepts e.K. with the following:

•

The registration of VAT here in Ireland. Value-Added Tax is payable at point of importation into a country. When importing goods within the European Union, VAT will not apply. However, if goods are bought from outside of the European Union, you may have to pay: Customs Duty and VAT. The VAT charged will be to match the State in which you are importing into. In Ireland, there is a standard rate of 23% VAT however, this may vary depending on the nature of the good. In this case, the goods were not imported from Germany but from outside of the European Union. For this reason, the goods were subject to the reverse charge mechanism for intra community acquisitions, to be paid upon entry.

• •

DEinternational assisted them with the refund and filing of VAT returns. As the goods were subsequently sent from Ireland to Germany, DEinternational filed for VIES return. VIES is the VAT Information Exchange System where traders may check the validity of VAT numbers quoted to them. It applies to intra-EU trade only. VAT registered traders as is the case here are required to submit periodic returns on their EU supplies.

DEinternational continues to assist Cheressi Concepts E.K. with the fulfillment of their Irish taxation obligations. Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie Cheressi Concepts E.K. Tel: 02102-4349490, 02102-4349111 E-Mail: info@cheressi.de-

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

DYNAENERGETICS EUROPE GMBH

DynaEnergetics Europe GmbH is a company focused on the manufacture and use of hardware relating to the safe use of pyrotechnics in the context of infrastructural projects relating to the completion of wells used in the processing of oil and gas resources. Our organisation’s products include sophisticated initiation systems as well as shaped charges, and pipe recovery systems. Since 2011, DEinternational Ireland has supported our business in the Republic of Ireland by helping

us with the registration as an employer in the country. The advisory firm’s accounting team also helped us complete our payroll obligations towards the Irish Tax Authority and ensured that the specific income tax requirements with respect to our employee’s shares-based remuneration scheme were all in order. DEinternational Ireland’s wellestablished position with the Irish Tax Authority allowed for a fast and clear handling of all of our queries relating to fiscal matters. With

your help we were able to make sure that our company ensured complete compliance with its tax obligations in Ireland. Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie DynaEnergetics Europe GmbH Kaiserstr. 3 53840 Troisdorf Germany

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

ED. ZÜBLIN AG

Founded in 1898, ED. Züblin AG grew to become one of Germany’s construction giants. In fact, as one of the two largest subsidiaries of the STRABAG group, Züblin is part of a conglomerate, which ranks among the top 10 construction giants worldwide. ED. Züblin AG is the parent to a wide range of both inter- and out of state subsidiaries engaged in different locations and showcasing different specialities. Across all of its branches, the company employs over 14,700 staff members, with the various divisions carrying out a multitude of construction activities such as tunnelling, turnkey construction, as well as civil and ground engineering. Some of the firm’s most renowned projects have been working on the construction of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt and the construction of the Vancouver Airport.

ED. Züblin AG has a truly global reach with various subsidiaries and branches being incorporated not only within the EU like in Romania and Hungary but across almost all continents ranging from Canada to Chile and from Beirut to Dubai. In 2007, ED. Züblin AG was simultaneously involved in multiple Irish projects. ED. Züblin AG served as the principal contractor for the construction of White’s Hotel in County Wexford where they carried out facading work. During the same period, one of the company’s subsidiaries, Züblin Spezialtiefbau, was contracted in Ireland as part of the Liffey Tunnel construction works. During these projects, DEinternational provided ED. Züblin AG and Züblin Spezialtiefbau with an extensive range of tax advisory and compliance services:

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A Relevant Contract Tax Refund was applied for.

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Relevant Contract Tax is a type of withholding tax. Where construction work is carried out, this tax may be applied at three different rates: 35%, 20% or 0%. The 35% band applies for non-resident companies and so RCT was deducted in this case. Following this deduction, DEinternational applied for a refund on behalf of ED. Zublin AG and in 2014, a 0% rate was applied. ED. Züblin AG was registered as an Employer by DEinternational as the company employed staff working in Ireland for more than 60 days of the year. Subsequently, a Payroll Tax Exemption was applied for these employees. Such an exemption is made possible by the Double Taxation Agreement. According to the double tax agreement, employees are not liable for Irish income tax unless they work more than 183 days in Ireland. However, due to Irish

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

•

regulation referred to as the ‘’60 day rule’’, for workers who are engaged in the state for longer than 60 days, the exemption must first be applied for, before it can come into effect. All employees were enrolled on a Safe Pass Course organised by DEinternational - a safety awareness training programme for construction workers. This one-day course allows employees to work on construction sites without being a risk to themselves or others. Employers are required by law to ensure that employees on construction sites carry Safe Pass cards.

The above services were also provided as part of Züblin Spezialtiefbau’s project involving the East Link Toll Bridge in 2007. Due to its increased engagement in Ireland, the parent company ED. Züblin AG saw fit to incorporate in Ireland at which point DEinternational assisted in the creation of Züblin Ireland Ltd in August 2008. DEinternational helped with the following:

• •

Company Formation and incorporation of Züblin Ireland Ltd in the Republic of Ireland. Patrick Bamming of DEinternational became

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Company Secretary. The role of Company Secretary in Ireland is born from a statutory rule which requires that a company appoint two company officers - a Company Director and Secretary. The role of Company Secretary involves ensuring the returns of shareholders and compliance with relevant corporate governance laws. Activities carried out by the Company Secretary include the holding of Annual General Meetings and signing-off of all relevant transactions carried out by the company. DEinternational also registered the company for all relevant tax purposes including: Corporation Tax, VAT, Tax as a Principal Contractor and Employment Tax The employees were enrolled in a Safe Pass Course organised by DEinternational.

In 2014, Züblin Ireland Ltd were contracted for dam ceiling work in Ballyshannon, County Ireland. DEinternational supported this project by ensuring that Relevant Contract Tax was again at 0%. In 2017, Züblin Ireland Ltd registered their postal correspondence address at offices within DEinternational. In addition to this, office space was leased to

Züblin Ireland Ltd where access to telephone and printer services were provided. Since 2007, ED. Züblin AG and its various subsidiaries have remained valued clients of DEInternational. This partnership has ensured that ED. Züblin AG remains in constant compliance with the Irish tax regime. Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie Ed. Züblin AG Albstadtweg 3 D-70567 Stuttgart Tel. +49 711 7883-0 Fax +49 711 7883-390 E-Mail: info@zueblin.de

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

FRIEDMANN

FRIEDMANN Grosskücheneinrichtung GmbH is a German interior construction company focused on designing, manufacturing, and building of upscale commercial kitchens including the high-efficient FRIEDMANN induction cooking suites for hotels, restaurants, bars, canteens, and hospitals. Since 1975, FRIEDMANN has completed more than 2000 successful kitchen projects across the continent. The business is not only a service provider, but an innovator, in 1996 FRIEDMANN became the first company to install a powerful induction cooking system for professional kitchens. FRIEDMANN was first engaged in Ireland in 2018, when they were contracted to install a professional kitchen in a hotel located in Killarney, County Kerry. The organisation employed DEinternational Ireland as a tax advisor, and subsequently the

firm’s professionals counselled FRIEDMANN on all the relevant processes for tax registration necessary in Ireland. The work done for FRIEDMANN is therefore a good example for any construction companies who would like to find information on what is necessary in order to undertake work as a foreign contractor in Ireland:

•

Since the installation of a kitchen is considered to be the construction of immovable property, registration for VAT is therefore obligatory. DEinternational Ireland aided FRIEDMANN throughout this registration process, and subsequently handled the company’s VAT tax returns too. FRIEDMANN also engaged subcontractors during the project, which means that they had to be registered as a principal contractor in Ireland. Since the business employed subcontractors during its work. The contract of this subcontractor was subject to a Relevant Contract Tax (RCT). These levies vary between

•

rates of 0%, 20% and 35%. DEinternational Ireland made sure that FRIEDMANN as the principal was aware of its obligations regarding RCT, and that the relevant rate of RCT was deducted from the subcontractor’s contract payment. During this process, DEinternational Ireland also offered its assistance to the subcontractors, who with the support of the advisory firm applied for a refund of the RCT that had been deducted from their payment.

Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie FRIEDMANN Grosskücheneinrichtung GmbH, Im Fruchtfeld 18 77791 Berghaupten Deutschland

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

HÜMER HAUSTECHNIK GMBH

Die Hümer Haustechnik GmbH ist ein Familienunternehmen, welches 1977 von Helmut Hümer gegründet wurde. Das noch heute in Familienbesitz stehende Unternehmen wird hierbei durch den Geschäftsführer Steffen Hümer geleitet und verfügt über mehr als 40 Jahre Erfahrung im Sanitär und Heizungsbereich. Seit der Umfirmierung des Unternehmens im Jahre 1998 hat die Hümer Haustechnik GmbH ihr Angebot an Dienstleistungen erweitert und bietet so ebenfalls Serviceleistungen im Bereich der Installation von Solaranlagen, Wärmepumpen und Heizungsanlagen sowie sanitäre

Anlagen an. In Irland wurde die Firma seit 2008 bei der Einrichtung und dem Bau von Fertigteilhäusern als Sanitärinstallateur und Heizungsspezialist beschäftigt. Zu dieser Zeit waren Fertigteilhäuser ein wichtiger Bestandteil der irischen Bauwirtschaft, weshalb eine starke Nachfrage nach deutschen Unternehmen in Irland bestand. Während der Irischen Projekte Hümers hat DEinternational Irland das Unternehmen bei der Sicherstellung von verschiedenen Steuerverpflichtungen unterstützt.

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sogenannte ‚Relevant Contract Tax‘ (Bauabzugssteuer) auferlegt. Die effektive Steuerquote auf solchen Bauverträgen liegt hierbei zwischen 0% und 35%. DEinternational Irland hat die Hümer Haustechnik bei der vollständigen Rückerstattung dieser Bauabzugsteuer unterstützt. Letztlich organisierte DEinternational einen ‚Safe Pass‘ Kurs für Hümers Mitarbeiter. Der ‚Safe Pass‘ Kurs ist eine Sicherheitsbescheinigung, welche für die Durchführung von Bauarbeiten in Irland notwendig ist.

DEInternational Irland stellte sicher, dass die Hümer Haustechnik GmbH bei der Entsendung der Mitarbeiter alle Melde- und Steuerverpflichtungen gemäss irischer Verordnungen erfüllte.

Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie

Die Hümer Haustechnik GmbH war zudem als Subunternehmer in Irland tätig. Auf solche Verträge wird in Irland eine

Hümer Haustechnik GmbH Tel. 07366-7166 Info@Huemer-Haustechnik.de

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

TEX IDEA

tex Tex Idea GmbH is a German company operating out of Salzbergen, Niedersachsen. The business has twenty years of experience in the German and European textile industry. The company has a wealth of experience in the manufacture and trade of textile goods and works with large clients both in Germany and internationally. Along with their subsidiary Tex Idea Care GmbH, the company has succeeded in building a large European network for the production and delivery of textile goods. They are supported by a staff, many of whom have more than 20 years of experience in textile manufacturing, warehousing and logistics solutions. Tex Idea being a business with an international network and having

warehouses and clients in different parts of the EU, is also involved in handling imports from third countries entering the European Union. Value-Added Tax is payable at point of entry into the country. When importing goods within the European Union, VAT will not apply. However, if goods are bought from outside of the European Union, you may have to pay customs duty and VAT. The VAT charged applies to the country which you are importing into. In Ireland, there is a standard rate of 23% VAT however, this may vary depending on the nature of the good. DEinternational assisted Tex Idea with the refund and filing of VAT returns.

of VAT chargeable, depending on what the imported good is. Tex Idea is specialised in importing textiles, for which the standard rate of 23% VAT applies; but there are goods with reduced and even 0% rate VAT for example children’s clothes and shoes. Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie Tex Idea Care GmbH Holsterfeld 10 48499 Salzbergen Telefon: +49 5971 89862-0 E-Mail: office@texidea.de

A further interesting point to mention in this case is the difference that can occur in the rate

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

UNIDIENST

Founded in 1974, Unidienst provide IT-supported business processes to help companies achieve their corporate goals. Placing software at the center of business dealings, Unidienst has a base in Freilassing, Germany and employs project consultants throughout Germany. Unidienst’s services are aimed at medium-sized and large companies facing digitalisation who wish to expand and build their competitiveness. These services can vary from process design and implementation of software projects to stringent IT-supported internal processes. Since 2003, Unidienst has been developing and implementing customerspecific solutions based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagementbusiness applications. With over 300 completed software

Since 2018, DEinternational Ireland supported Unidienst with tax registration, monthly payroll and with the registration of Unidienst as an employer.

€9 per month), if they have other employment. A company must register as an employer and operate PAYE on the income of directors even if no other employees exist. The director themselves must also pay PAYE on their income. This is the case regardless of residency status or where their work duties are carried out.

The registration of tax involves the process by which the mandatory Income Tax, Pay Related Social Insurance and Universal Social Charge and other relevant taxes are paid in Ireland.

Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie

The registration of an employer must take place if employees are paid more than €8 per week (or €36 per month), if they are full time employees or €2 per week (or

Unidienst GmbH Telephone: +49 8654 4608 0 Email: info@unidienst.de

and service projects to date, process-oriented consulting and good project advice are promised by Unidienst.

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

VSB RENEWABLE ENERGY IRELAND LTD

The VSB Group started as a small engineering company in 1996 in Germany. The core business areas are represented by the letters VSB; from the Latin words “Ventus, Sol, energia Biolgica” meaning wind, sun and bioenergy. The company’s mission is to create a green future with an environmentally neutral and resource-efficient energy supply. Until today VSB has built 655 wind turbines and 1100 MW of total installed capacity worldwide. With 16 operational centres across Europe, VSB is also active in Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Finland, Croatia, Greece and Romania. In 2017 VSB incorporated a subsidiary company in Ireland to support its project development and investment work on the

island. Motivated by their passion for sustainable and independent energy provision they seek the best solutions for their partners, investors and customers. Their service range covers all the technical, regulatory and financial ingredients necessary to design, plan, construct and operate “green” electricity generation facilities. Cooperation with DEInternational Ireland When VSB expanded to Ireland in 2017, VSB contacted DEinternational Ireland, the consultancy wing of the GermanIrish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, for advice and support. DEInternational Ireland supported VSB with the company formation of its Irish entity with tax registration and employee registration.

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Company secretarial work and filing of returns with the Irish Companies Registration Office (CRO)

As part of the payroll service DEInternational Ireland also calculated the travel expenses, the tax-free allowances and Benefit in Kind on company cars. Managing Director, Christopher Small, VSB Renewable Ireland Ltd., May 2020: “DEInternational Ireland was a one-stop shop for VSB for company formation and all tax, payroll, accounting and company secretarial queries when entered the Irish market. It offered comprehensive support at very competitive rates. We would like to thank DEInternational Ireland for their support and are happy to recommend them as a service provider to other companies entering the Irish market”.

These services included:

• • • • •

Tax Advice Payroll Financial Accounting Filing of Irish VAT returns

Contacts in DEinternational: Andreas Fagin Head of Finance E-Mail: andreas.fagin@german-irish.ie

Filing of Corporation Tax

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

ENERGYNAUTICS GMBH

Energynautics is a power systems consulting company based in Germany. It was founded in 2000 and has since then been involved in numerous research, consulting and capacity building projects for governments, electricity network operators, regulators, manufacturers and investors, especially in matters relating to innovative grid design and power system integration of renewable energies. Energynautics is also very active in facilitating an exchange of information within the renewables sector, and they frequently organise industry specific conferences. The annual Renewable Energy Grid Integration Week for instance comprises three high-quality conferences on grid integration of renewable energies in one week: the 3rd E-Mobility Power System Integration Symposium, the 9th Solar & Storage Integration Workshop and the 18th Wind Integration Workshop. The conference series takes place in a different location each year: the 2019 edition was conducted in Dublin.

The conferences are designed to provide a platform for consulting companies, universities, wind turbine manufacturers, TSOs/DSOs, independent R&D organizations, utilities, energy providers, and PV/CSP system developers to exchange technical and economic developments in the area of the large-scale integration of renewable energies into power systems. With several accompanying events such as the combined Solar and Wind Networking Event, the Tutorial on Grid Edge Technologies, the Tutorial on Lessons Learned in RE Grid Integration as well as the Poster Sessions, the RE Grid Integration Week 2019 was not only a great learning experience but also the perfect opportunity for energy experts to network with their peers from all around the world. The “place of supply rules” determines in which country VAT should be paid when performing international conferences. In the case of fee paying educational or scientific events it is usually where the event is happening. All other ancillary services are also taxed in the country where they are

carried out. Such services include transport costs and additional services such as cloakrooms. Therefore, Energynautics contacted DEinternational Ireland to seek advice on the VAT implications of their organising activities. After checking the facts, DEinternational Ireland’s tax advisers completed the companies VAT registration and afterwards completed the VAT returns for the conference fees. DEinternational Ireland also briefed the company on what expenses are VAT deductible in Ireland. These expenses include accommodation, petrol costs and expenses for entertainment. However, in this case the standard rate of 23% VAT was applied to the events and activities undertaken during the symposium. Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie Energynautics GmbH Robert-Bosch-Straße 7 64293 Darmstadt Germany Phone: +49 (0)6151 / 785 81 00 Email: info@energynautics.com

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

ITM MOST

In 1998, Uwe Mann founded ITM s.r.o., a company focused on the pre-assembly and construction of components executed to realise cost-cutting potentials for their partners. The company is managed by a small team of highly motivated engineers from Germany as well as local staff from Most, Czech Republic. They have carried out over 250 projects worldwide and have over 19 years of worldwide experience. Tailor-made services provided by ITM include mechanical installation, insulation, engineering and project management. ITM’s outstanding standards of quality combined with competitive market rates allow their highly qualified personnel to provide installations that are fast, efficient and economical. The largest project completed by ITM so far has involved 60,000 hours of labour over a period of 5-6 months. Today, ITM has executed all projects in time and achieved all of the agreed milestones along the way. In the year 2012, ITM had a contract in Ireland to carry out the installation of a brewery in Ireland. There were multiple tax issues, relevant to non-resident

construction companies, on which DEInternational advised ITM: 1. Primarily, with the help of DEInternational, ITM was able to secure an exemption from payroll taxes, which were to be levied on the 12 staff members who had been seconded to Ireland for the installation of brewery equipment. Such an exemption is made possible by the Double Taxation Agreement existing between Ireland and the Czech Republic. According to the double tax agreement, employees are not liable for Irish income tax unless they work more than 183 days in Ireland. However, due to Irish regulation referred to as the ‘’60 day rule’’, for workers who are engaged in the state for longer than 60 days, the exemption must first be applied for, before it can come into effect. 2. DEInternational, further aided ITM throughout the obligatory process of registration for Relevant Contract Tax (RCT) at the rate of 35%. DEinternational considers this to be a very important step, as many non-resident subcontractors are unaware of potential RCT deductions, resulting in dangerous cash-flow disruptions once the principal does deduct the relevant rate. DEInternational also makes sure to keep its clients up to date on the opportunity to apply for a refund of the deducted RCT.

3. ITM was also advised on the necessary A1 social insurance form, which all employees seconded to Ireland must possess, in order to avoid being liable to attribute a portion of their income to Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI). 4. Lastly DEInternational made sure to brief ITM’s representatives of the necessity for all foreign contractors to dispose of a Safe Pass or alternatively a relevant Construction Skills Certification Scheme, which is an important documentation for businesses looking to carry out construction work in the Republic of Ireland. Since the completion of their contract in 2013, the company has remained a valued client of DEinternational, advantageous should they return for maintenance purposes or for other work. Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie ITM s.r.o. T.'ю -(ù 4 ФУУЧѶШФ ЦХЦ ТУ *./ Tschechische Republik Phone: +420 474 770 300 3ѐ ‫ک‬ЦФТ ЦУЩ ШХЩ ФЩХ E-Mail: itm@itm-most.cz

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

MENTZ

MENTZ is a company, which believes that intelligent traffic solutions are irreplaceable in a world where the global infrastructure is becoming ever more interconnected. The company was established in 1972, and has 46 years of experience in innovation. The enterprise is a second generation family owned business, which has led the way in providing smart solutions for problems arising from public and private transport systems. The organisation believes that mobility begins with flexible and adaptable software, which allows commuters to get from point A to point B with the help of smart transport systems interacting with each other. E-ticketing and trip optimization are just a couple of such solutions offered by MENTZ. Over its life, the company has expanded to multiple locations with 6 subsidiaries in Germany and worldwide. Additionally, due to its project oriented work culture, the organisation has the capability to carry out work in countries where it does not have a permanent presence. It was such an opportunity that led MENTZ to undertake work in Ireland.

DEInternational Ireleand first advised MENTZ upon the firm’s arrival in Ireland in 2011. The company has since had a recurring presence in the country, and has been engaged by Ireland’s National Transport authority. During their time as an advisor for MENTZ DEInternational Ireland has been able to provide assistance to the firm in:

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Helping MENTZ, as to register as an employer in the Republic, which allowed the company to engage employees in Ireland.

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Throughout its time in the state, DEInternational Ireland has also assisted the organisation with its payroll obligations and carried out the monthly payroll, a task which became all the more important in 2019, when the Irish income tax system (PAYE) underwent a large scale modernisation. The entire process of payroll runs was digitalised, with a centralised system sending automatized ‘’Revenue Payroll Notifications’’, which the employers were required to adhere to. The procedure essentially transformed the monthly reporting and payment of income tax into a real-time affair, with the Irish Revenue having a constant

overview of an employee’s status within a company. DEInternational Ireland helped MENTZ adjust its practices to make this transition.

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DEInternational Ireland also assisted the business in applying for a tax clearance certificate. Such a certificate is a general statement of the Irish Tax authority, essentially stating that the given organisation’s tax affairs are in order. Such a clearance is often needed by public service companies for multiple reasons, like applying for certain grants and public service contracts.

The company remains a valued client and an important part of DEInternational’s business network. Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie MENTZ GmbH Grillparzerstraße 18 81675 München Phone: +49 89 41868-0 Fax: +49 89 41868-160 E-Mail: info@mentz.net

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

PARENTERAL DRUG ASSOCIATION (PDA)

PDA was founded in 1946 as the Parenteral Drug Association by a small group of pharmaceutical manufacturers who recognized the need for an organization to disseminate technical information within the industry. Today, coordinated through its headquarters and manufacturing training facility in Bethesda, Maryland, and Europe office in Berlin, Germany, PDA volunteers worldwide carry out its mission of promoting the exchange of rapidly evolving information on the latest technology and regulations concerning high-quality pharmaceutical production. As part of their mission to disseminate technical information, PDA publishes various publications that influence the state of pharmaceutical products technology on a global scale. PDA also hosts annual meetings, conferences and courses designed to engage, focus and inspire

members around the world. They bring together manufacturers, suppliers, users, academics, and regulatory officials to discuss and boost issues of interest. Since 2010, DEinternational has assisted PDA Europe in a number of ways:

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The filing of annual tax returns In 2015, DEinternational assisted with the registration of VAT for one of PDA Europe’s conferences in Dublin, Ireland. When holding an event, 23% VAT may be charged. However, an exemption may apply should the event be considered to be occupational training . In order for the nature of vocational- or occupational training to be determined, certain criteria must be met. DEinternational investigated if such an exemption would apply for PDA’s conference and subsequently confirmed that it was not considered to be occupational- or vocational

training. Consequently, PDA Europe were obliged to pay VAT, registered with the help of DEinternational. DEinternational has ensured that the company has complied with the requirements of Irish tax law at all times. Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie PDA EUROPE Am Borsigturm 60 13507 - Berlin, Germany Tel: +49 30 436 55 08-10 Fax: +49 30 436 55 08-66

DEINTERNATIONAL - GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

THE UNIQUE SHOPS MAGAZINE The Unique Shops Magazine is a platform which allows Irish businesses to advertise themselves to German consumers through their website. Coining the term “mindful shopping”, Unique Shop Magazine offers their online space to smaller and lesserknown companies to support and encourage their business. From jewellery, art, ceramics, fashion to cosmetics, all enterprises involved with The Unique Shops Magazine manufacture products in-house and sell directly to consumers without intermediaries. Priding themselves on assisting small companies achieve recognition, The Unique Shops Magazine allows for the introduction of many manufacturers and artists from Ireland.

company as the name chosen must be accepted in advance of submission of documents to the Company Registration Office. The CRO may refuse a name should it be identical or similar to a name already appearing on the Register of Companies, offensive in nature or suggest state sponsorship. An objection could still be made post-incorporation should these requirements not be met, through inadvertence or otherwise, and the Registrar may direct a company to change its name. A company that fails to comply with this direction will be eligible for prosecution. DEinternational also assisted with the setting up of a bank account on behalf of Unique Shop Magazine.

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The company was registered for tax.

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DEinternational carries out the role of Company Secretary. The role of Company Secretary in Ireland is born from a statutory rule which requires that a company appoint two company officers - a Company Director and Secretary. Activities carried out by the Company Secretary include the holding of Annual General Meetings and signingoff of all relevant transactions carried out by the company.

The aim of The Unique Shops Magazine is to open a new market for small Irish businesses and to generate more online sales for them. The Unique Shops Magazine is supported by the Design and Crafts Counsil of Ireland.

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DEinternational was involved in many aspects of Unique Shop Magazine’s journey:

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DEinternational assisted with the company formation of Unique Shop Magazine. This process included the checking of the company name. This task is of significance when forming a

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Unique Shop Magazine became a Member of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK) at a 25% discounted rate. This membership allows a company to become part of a powerful network of German and Irish companies operating across all sectors of business, creating excellent networking opportunities. In accordance with European Law, all Member States must

ensure that corporate and legal entities obtain and hold adequate and accurate information on their beneficial owner(s) in their own national Beneficial Ownership Register. DEinternational ensured that all requirements were complied with in accordance with Irish law.

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DEinternational investigated additional training and upskill possibilities on behalf of Unique Shop Magazine. These training and upskilling opportunities included programmes such as Management Development, equipping owners and managers with the management capabilities essential for success and Future Skills, facilitating innovation and collaboration in new programme design and industry-based research on the future of work and learning.

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In January 2020, Unique Shop Magazine registered address with DEinternational.

Unique Shop Magazine remains a valued client of DEinternational.

Contact: Deinternational Ireland Patrick Bamming Tel: +353860478222 E-Mail: patrick.bamming@ german-irish.ie Unique Shop Magazine E-Mail: timbarutta@yahoo.com

GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY A AA Euro Recruitment

Mr Larry Ryan Unit F Six Cross Roads Business Park Waterford Tel: +353 871200483 Email: larry@aaeurorecruitment.ie www.aaeuro.com

Aareal Bank AG

Mr Albert Prendiville The Gables Torquay Road Foxrock Dublin 18 Tel: +353 1 6369235 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 670 2785 Email: albert.prendiville @aareal-bank. com www.aareal-bank.com

Aer Lingus

Mr Stephen Kavanagh Sales Office Dublin Airport Dublin 18 Tel: +353 818 365 022 Email: stephen.kavanagh@aerlingus. com www.aerlingus.com

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

Allianz Partners

Mr John Armstrong 18B Beckett Way, Park West Business Campus Nangor Road Dublin 12 Tel: +353 602 7000 www.allianzworldwidecare.com

AllTalk training

Brigid Farrell 8 St. John’s Mews Douglas Street Cork Co. Cork Tel: +353 (0) 89 426 0622 Email: brigid@alltalktraining.com www.alltalktraining.com

Arthur Cox

Ms Katy Stokes Ten Earlsfort Terrace Dublin 2 Tel: +353 19201641 Email: katy.stokes@arthurcox.com www.arthurcox.com

Audi Ireland

Mrs Yvonne Sweeney Block C Liffey Valley Office Campus Dublin 22 Tel: +353 1 898 9828 Fax: +353 1 898 9833 Email: yvonne.sweeney@audi.ie www.audi.ie

B Ballsbridge Hotel

Ms Anna Durkan Pembroke Road Ballsbridge Dublin 4 Tel: +353 (0)1 6379300 Email: adurkan@ballsbridgehotel.com www.ballsbridgehotel.com

Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking Mr Derek Collins 2 Burlington Plaza Burlington Road Dublin 4 Tel: +353 (0)76 62 44595 Email: derek.collins@boi.com www.boi.ie/corporate

Barclays Bank Ireland Plc.

Mr Jasper Hanebuth 2 Park Place Hatch Street Upper Dublin 2 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 618 2617 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 662 3141 Email: jasper.hanebuth@barclays.com www.barclays.ie

Bayer Ltd.

Mrs Itziar Canamasas The Atrium Blackthorn Road Dublin 18 Tel: +353 1 216 3300 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 206 1456 Email: robyn.oconnell@bayer.com www.bayer.ie

BDO

Mr Peter Carroll Beaux Lane House Mercer Street Lower Dublin 2 Tel: +353 14700100 Email: pcarroll@bdo.ie www.bdo.ie

Beauchamps Solicitors

Ainsley Heffernan Riverside 2 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay Dublin 2 Tel: +353 01 4180600 Email: a.heffernan@beauchamps.ie

Berry Plastics GmbH

Heinz Flicker Goethe Str. 61 68753 Waghäusel Tel: +49 7254 92980 Email: heinz.flicker@pliantcorp.com

BioConstruct

Mrs Anja Schulte Willingstr. 66 49328 Melle Germany Tel: 05226 / 5932 - 0 Email: a.schulte@bioconstruct.de www.bioconstruct.de

Bluebridge Technologies

Mr Garret Coady 3015 Lake Drive Citywest Business Campus Dublin Tel: + 353 (0) 1 403 8477 Email: garretcoady@bluebridgetech. com www.bluebridgetechnologies.com

BNP Paribas

Ms Melanie Devine 5 George’s Dock IFSC Dublin 1 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 612 5163 Email: melanie.devine@bnpparibas. com www.bnpparibas.ie

Bord Bia Irish Food Board Derendorfer Allee 6 40476 Düsseldorf www.bordbia.ie

GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

BOC Gases Ireland

Mr Andreas Bieringer Bluebell Industrial Estate Dublin 12 Tel: +353 14091800 Email: Andreas.Bieringer@boc.com www.boconline.ie

Botany Weaving Mill Ltd.

Mr Jonathan Hackett Emerald Square Cork Street Dublin D08 K752 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 453 2278 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 454 4428 Email: info@botanyweaving.com www.botanyweaving.com

Brauweiler Immobilienbewertung & Beratung Kaiserstr. 39 63065 Offenbach Tel: +49 6990509840 Email: sekretariat@brauweiler.com

Bridge-it

Stefanie Langer 2 South Avenue Mount Merrion Co. Dublin +353 87 670 0300 Email: Stefanie.Langer@bridge-it.ie

Bushell Interiors

Mr Richard Crowe 12 Heaney Avenue Park West Dublin 12 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 474 9214 Email: rcrowe@bushellinteriors.com www.bushellinteriors.com

BSH Home Appliances Ltd.

Mr Herbert Sharkey M50 Business Park Ballymount Dublin 12 Tel: + 353 (0) 863 8581 18 Email: herbert.sharkey@bshg.com www.bosch-home.ie

C C&D Ölservice GmbH

Herr Jens Dreessen Gutenbergstraße 24-26 25813 Husum Germany Tel: +49 (0) 4841 87597-12 Fax: +49 (0) 4841 87597-98 Email: j.dreessen@oelservice-gmbh.de www.oelservice-gmbh.de

Canada Life Assurance Europe plc 14/15 Lower Abbey Street Dublin 1 www.canadalife.ie

Cara Partners

Mr Stephen Kenny Little Island Ind. Estate Little Island Co. Cork Tel: + 353 (0) 21 452 0500 Fax: + 353 (0) 21 452 0510 Email: skenny@carapartners.ie www.carapartners.ie

Caracavi Utility Cables Ltd. Mr Hugh Boyle 29 St Brigids Grove Killester Dublin D05 F6X8 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 831 1008 Mob: +353 (0)86 8588795 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 805 8527 Email: caracavi@eircom.net

CDM Smith Ireland Ltd.

Continental AG

Vahrenwalder Straße 9 30165 Hannover www.continental.com

Core Components Limited

Unit 1, Templemichael Business Park Ballinalee Road Longford +353 43 333 6186 www.corecomponents.ie

Cosin Scientific Software

Herr Gerald Hofmann Hans-Stützle-Str. 20 81249 München Tel.: +49-89-55288473 Fax: +49-89-55288474 Email: gerald.hofmann@cosin.eu www.cosin.eu

Mr Ruairi O’Carroll 15 Wentworth Eblana Villas Dublin 2 Tel: +353 1-2321044 Email: ocarrollr@cdmsmith.com www.cdmsmith.com

County Carlow Chamber of Commerce

Celtic Chance Ltd

CTS Core Technologie GmbH

Tim Barutta Haupstr. 14 91475 Lonnerstadt +49 16094123777 Email: timbarutta@yahoo.com

CNP Santander Insurance Services Ireland Limited Ms Evelyn Low Block 8 Harcourt Centre Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0) 1 2407 011 Email: evelyn.low@santander-insurance. com www.santander.co.uk/uk/insurance

Athy Road Carlow Tel: +353 59 913 2337 Email: info@carlowchamber.ie www.carlowchamber.com

Klinger 5 63776 Mömbris Tel: +49 (0) 6029 98 999 10 Email: info@de.coretechnologie.com www.coretechnologie.ie

D Dachser Ireland

Niall Hickey Blackchurch Business Park Rathcoole Co. Dublin +353 1 4013333 Email: Niall.hickey@dachser.com www.dachser.com

Collen Construction Ltd.

DEPFA Bank Plc.

Mr Tom O’Connor River House East Wall Road Dublin 3 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 874 5411 Email: procurement@collen.com www.collen.com

Ms Rachel Martin 1 Commons Street Dublin 1 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 792 2222 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 792 2211 Email: Rachel.martin@depfa.com www.depfa.com

Colt International GmbH

Deutsche Bank

Herr Michael Duif Briener Straße 186 47553 Kleve Tel: + 49 (0) 2821 9902 16 Fax: + 49 (0) 2821 9902 04 Email: michael.duif@de.coltgroup.com www.colt-info.de

Mr Sheamus Causer 5 Harbourmaster Place International Financial Services Centre Dublin 1 Tel: 00 353 1 18653520 Email: sheamus.causer@db.com www.db.com

Conrad Dublin Hotel

Deutsche Leasing (Ireland) Ltd.

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

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

GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

Direct Health Marketing Deutschland Limited

Christian Reinert 5 Fitzwilliam Square Dublin 2 Tel: +49 173-3402571 Email: Christian.reinert@direct.health

DLR Chamber of Commerce Kilcullen House Haigh Terrace Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin Tel: +353 284 5066 Email: info@dlrchamber.ie www.dlrchamber.ie

Dublin City University

Ronan Furlong Glasnevin Dublin 9 Tel: +353 1 7005966 Email: ronan.furlong@dcu.ie www.dcu.ie

Duncan Grehan & Partners Solicitors

Mr Conor Griffin Gainsboro House 24 Suffolk Street Dublin 2 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 677 9078 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 677 9076 Email: mail@duncangrehan.com www.duncangrehan.com

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber

Unit S32, Block A The Plaza Dungarvan Shopping Centre Dungarvan Co. Waterford Tel: +353 58 45054 Email: info@dungarvanchamber.ie www.dungarvanchamber.ie

DURA Automotive Body & Glass Systems GmbH Herr Michael Walzer Königsstraße 57 58815 Plettenberg Tel: + 49 (0) 2115 9721 17 Email: walzer.m@duraauto.com www.duraauto.com

Dussmann Group

Dr. Wolfgang Häfele Meßstetter Str. 8 70565 Stuttgart Tel: +49 49 711 2598101 www.dussmann.com

DynaEnergetics GmbH & Co. KG

Herr Achim Pabst Kaiserstraße 3 53840 Troisdorf Tel: + 49 (0) 2241 1236 713 Fax: + 49 (0) 2241 1238713 Email: achim.pabst@dynaenergetics.com www.dynaenergetics.com

E EAA Covered Bond Bank Plc. (Formerly WestLB) Mr Michael Doherty IFSC House IFSC Dublin 1 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 Tel: + 49 (0) 6181 1876 0 Fax: + 49 (0) 6181 1876 43 Email: info@ebara-pm.eu www.ebara-europe.com

ENERCON Windfarm Service Ireland

Mr Christoph Klimek Innovation Works 1 Kerry Technology Park Tralee Co. Kerry Tel: + 353 (0) 66 717 8215 Email: christoph.klimek@enercon.de www.enercon.de

Enterprise Ireland (Düsseldorf) Herr Eddie Goodwin Derendorfer Allee 6 40476 Düsseldorf Tel: + 49 (0) 2114 7059 0 Email: eddie.goodwin@enterpriseireland.com www.enterprise-ireland.com

EOS Credit Funding DAC

Mr Paul Murray Alexandra House 3 Ballsbridge Park Ballsbridge Dublin 4 Tel: +353 1 6319089 Email: P.Murray@eos-creditfunding.ie Web: www.eos-solutions.com

Eugene F. Collins

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

EURO-WINDPOWER OHG

Elena Möhring Kohlstattstraße 22 94146 Hinterschmiding Tel: +49 8551-9139404 Email: info@euro-windpower.de

F FKT Fassbender GmbH

Ms Dunja Schwarz Bonvitaweg 1-5 53424 Remagen Tel: +49 2642 907 310 Email: dunja.schwarz@fkt-gmbh.de ww.fkt-gmbh.de

Freqcon GmbH

Herr Klaus Harder Bürgerwiesenweg 5 27336 Rethem (Aller) Tel: +49 (0) 5166 - 930 59 - 0 Email: info@freqcon.de www.freqcon.de

Frey & Klein Internationale Spedition GmbH Herr Fritz Frey Weinenweg 3 55469 Ohlweiler Tel: + 49 (0) 6761 9058 0 Fax: + 49 (0) 6761 9058 14 Email: fritz.frey@frey-klein.de www.frey-klein.de

G G & G Engineering Ltd.

Mr Roland Gröpler Ballina Road Killala Co. Mayo Tel: + 353 (0) 96 322 11 Fax: + 353 (0) 96 324 00 Email: info@gandgengineering.com www.gandgengineering.com

GEBRA Nonfood Handelsgesellschaft

Sven Linberg Burgstrasse 5 48867 Bochum Tel: +49 2327999240 Email: swen.linberg@gebra.de www.gebra.de

Gebrüder Willach GmbH

Herr Dieter Kropp Stein 2 53809 Ruppichteroth Tel: + 49 (0) 2259 9208 631 Email: dieter.kropp@willach.com www.willach.com

GEFA Bank

Mr Andreas Strauch Robert-Daum-Platz 1 42117 Wuppertal Tel: +49 202382319 Email: andreas.strauch@gefa.de www.gefa-bank.de

Geodis (Ireland) Ltd.

Mr Robert Cashman Damastown Industrial Park Mulhuddart Dublin 15 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 826 3000 Email: robert.cashman@geodis.com www.geodis.ie 97

GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

GICON - Großmann Ingenieur Consult GmbH Tiergartenstr. 48 01219 Dresden Tel: +49 351 478780 Email: info@gicon.com

Glasmalerei Dr. H. Oidtmann GmbH

Rurdorfer Strabe 9-11 52441 Linnich Tel: +49 2462 - 6350 Email: info@glasmalerei-oidtmann.de Web: www.glasmalerei-oidtmann.de

Glenisk Ltd.

Mr Vincent Cleary Killeigh Tullamore Co. Offaly, R35 DP 76 Tel: +353 57 9344000 Email: vincent@glenisk.com www.glenisk.com

GMT Gummi-Metall-Technik GmbH Frau Susanne Engstler Liechtersmatten 5 77815 Bühl Tel: + 49 (0) 7223 8040 Fax: + 49 (0) 7223 2107 5 Email: info@gmt-gmbh.de www.gmt-gmbh.de

Goethe Institut

37 Merrion Square Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 680 1110 Email: info-dublin@goethe.de

GoldCore Ldt.

Mr Stephen Flood 14 Fitzwilliam Square Dublin 2 Tel: +353 16325010 Email: stephen.flood@goldcore.com www.goldcore.com

Greenman Investments

Mr John Wilkinson Crescent Hall Mount Street Crescent Dublin 2 Tel: + 353 1 652 0392 Email: john@greenman.com www.greenman.com

H Handelskammer Hamburg

Herr Prof. Hans-Jörg Schmidt-Trenz Adolphsplatz 1 20457 Hamburg Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 4036 1381 38 Fax: + 353 (0) 4036 1384 01 Email: service@hk24.de www.hk24.de

HANSA-FLEX Ireland Limited

Sven Intemann Parkwest Drive 6 New Nangor Road, Park West Business Park Dublin 12 Tel: +353 1 625 1962 Email: sven.intemann@hansa-flex.com https://ie.hansa-flex.com/

Hanse Haus GmbH

Herr Marco Hammer Buchrasen 1-3 97789 Oberleichtersbach Tel: + 49 (0) 8001 0023 09 Fax: + 49 (0) 9741 8084 79 Email: info@hanse-haus.de www.hanse-haus.com

Hartley & Marks Publishers

Beaux Lane House Lower Mercer Street Dublin 2 Tel: +353 1 4251800 Email: germancsr@hartleyandmarks. com www. www.hartleyandmarksgroup. com/C

Helaba Asset Services

Mr Patrick Smyth P.O. Box 3137 42nd Floor, Alexandra House The Sweepstakes Ballsbridge Dublin 4 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 664 1426 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 646 0999 Email: helabadublin@helaba.de www.helaba.ie

Hertz Europe Service Centre Jutta Jennings Swords Business Park Mantua Swords Co. Dublin Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 1 813 3344 Email: jjennings@hertz.com www.hertz.ie

Heyco-Werk Ireland Ltd. Mr Dieter Losleben Bunree Road Ballina Co. Mayo Tel: + 353 (0) 96 704 44 Fax: + 353 (0) 96 702 59 Email: info@heyco.ie www.heyco.de

Hibernian Recruitment GmbH

Ann Dempsey Obere Weidenstr. 5 81543 München Tel: +49 89 21538020 Email: ann.dempsey@hibernian.de www.hibernian-recruitment.com/

Hitower Investments Limited Jack Golden Tower Lodge Bray, Co. Wicklow Email: jgolden@hitower.ie

Hydrotec Technologie AG Mr Uwe Brinkschulte Düngstruper Straße 46 27793 Wildeshausen Tel: +49 4431 9355 -0 Fax: +49 4431 9355 -11 Email: cordes@hydrotec.com www.hydrotec.com

I IDA Ireland

Ms Caitriona O’Kennedy Wilton Park House Wilton Place Dublin 2 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 603 4000 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 603 4040 Email: okennedyca@ida.ie www.idaireland.com

IHK Aachen

Herr Dipl. Volksw. Frank Malis Theaterstr. 6-10 52062 Aachen Tel: + 49 (0) 2414 4600 Fax: + 49 (0) 2414 4601 49 Email: auwi@aachen.ihk.de www.aachen.ihk.de

IHK Arnsberg, Hellweg-Sauerland Herr Klaus Wälter Königsstraße 18-20 59821 Arnsberg Tel: + 49 (0) 2931 8780 Fax: + 49 (0) 2931 8781 00 Email: ihk@arnsberg.ihk.de www.ihk-arnsberg.de

IHK Bonn/Rhein-Sieg

Herr Armin Heider Bonner Talweg 17 53113 Bonn Tel +49 (0)2 28/22 84-0 Fax +49 (0)2 28/22 84-225 Email: auwi@bonn.ihk.de www.ihk-bonn.de

IHK Bremen & Bremerhaven

Frau Annabelle Girond Am Markt 13 28195 Bremen Tel: + 49 (0) 4213 6372 44 Email: girond@handelskammer-bremen. de www.handelskammer-bremen.ihk24.de

IHK Darmstadt

Axel Scheer Rheinstraße 89 64295 Darmstadt Tel: +49 61518710 Email: axel.scheer@darmstadt.ihk.de www.darmstadt.ihk.de

GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

IHK Dortmund

Herr Wulf-Christian Ehrich Märkische Straße 120 44141 Dortmund Germany Tel: + 49 (0) 2315 4170 Fax: + 49 (0) 2315 4171 09 Email: info@dortmund.ihk.de www.dortmund.ihk24.de

IHK Düsseldorf

Herr Dr. Gerhard Eschenbaum Ernst-Schneider-Platz 1 40212 Düsseldorf Tel: + 49 (0) 2113 5570 Fax: + 49 (0) 2113 5574 00 Email: ihkdus@duesseldorf.ihk.de www.duesseldorf.ihk.de

IHK Essen

Andrea Henning Am Waldthausenpark 2 45127 Essen Tel: +49 20118920 Email: andrea.henning@essen.ihk.de www.essen.ihk24.de

IHK Frankfurt am Main

Herr Dr. Jürgen Ratzinger Börsenplatz 4 60313 Frankfurt am Main Tel: +49 (0) 69 21 97 - 1211 Tel: +49 (0) 69 21 97 - 1541 Email: international@frankfurt-main. ihk.de www.frankfurt-main.ihk.de

IHK Hamburg

Michaela Oelschläger Adolphsplatz 1 20457 Hamburg Tel: +49 40 36138-138 Email: michaela.oelschlaeger@hk24.de www.hk24.de

IHK Hannover

Herr Tilman Brunner Schiffgraben 49 30175 Hannover Tel: + 49 (0) 5113 1070 Fax: + 49 (0) 5113 1073 33 Email: info@hannover.ihk.de www.hannover.ihk.de

IHK Heilbronn-Franken

Frau Elke Döring Ferdinand-Braun-Straße 20 74074 Heilbronn Tel: + 49 (0) 7131 9677 0 Fax: + 49 (0) 7131 9677 199 Email: info@heilbronn.ihk.de www.heilbronn.ihk.de

IHK Karlsruhe

Herr Dr. Hans-Jörg Drewello Lammstraße 13 76133 Karlsruhe Tel: + 49 (0) 7211 740 Fax: + 49 (0) 7211 7433 6 Email: info@karlsruhe.ihk.de www.karlsruhe.ihk.de

IHK Koblenz

IHK Offenbach am Main

IHK Köln

IHK Ostthüringen zu Gera

Frau Karina Szwede Schlossstraße 2 56068 Koblenz Tel: + 49 (0) 2611 0626 0 Fax: + 49 (0) 2611 0629 2 Email: szwede@koblenz.ihk.de www.ihk.koblenz.de Herr Dipl. Kfm. Alexander Hoeckle Unter Sachsenhausen 10-26 50667 Köln Tel: + 49 (0) 221 1640 1550 Fax: + 49 (0) 221 1640 1559 Email: service@koeln.ihk.de www.ihk-koeln.de

IHK Lippe zu Detmold

Herr Markus Weinbrenner Frankfurter Straße 90 63067 Offenbach am Main Tel: + 49 (0) 6982 070 Fax: + 49 (0) 6982 0714 9 Email: service@offenbach.ihk.de www.offenbach.ihk.de Heike Buelo Gaswerkstr. 23 07546 Gera Tel: +49 36585530 Email: buelo@gera.ihk.de www.gera.ihk.de

IHK Ostwestfalen zu Bielefeld

Leonardo-da-Vinci-Weg 2 32760 Detmold Telefon: 05231 7601-0 Fax: 05231 7601-57 Email: ihk@detmold.ihk.de www.detmold.ihk.de

Herr Harald Grefe Elsa-Brändström-Str. 1-3 33602 Bielefeld Tel: + 49 (0) 5215 5423 1 Fax: + 49 (0) 5215 5410 9 Email: info@bielefeld.ihk.de www.ostwestfalen.ihk.de

IHK Magdeburg

IHK Ostwürttemberg

Antje Frischbier Alter Markt 8 39104 Magdeburg Tel: +49 391 56930 Email: antje.frischbier@madgeburg. ihk.de www.magdeburg.ihk.de

IHK München und Oberbayern Max-Joseph-Straße 2 80333 München Tel: + 49 (0) 8951 160 Fax: + 49 (0) 8951 1629 0 Email: info@muenchen.ihk.de https://www.ihk-muenchen.de

IHK Niederbayern

Herr Walter Keilbart Nibelungenstraße 15 94032 Passau Tel: + 49 (0) 8515 070 Fax: + 49 (0) 8515 0728 0 Email: keilbart@passau.ihk.de www.ihk-niederbayern.de

IHK Nord Westfalen

Frau Evelyn Wolpert Sentmaringer Weg 61 48151 Münster Tel: + 49 (0) 2517 070 Fax: + 49 (0) 2517 0725 7 Email: international@ihknordwestfalen.de www.ihk-nordwestfalen.de

IHK Nürnberg für Mittelfranken

Herr Dipl. Volksw. Armin Siegert Ulmenstraße 52 90443 Nürnberg Tel: + 49 (0) 911 1335-0 Fax: + 49 (0) 911 1335-150488 Email: international@nuernberg.ihk.de www.ihk-nuernberg.de

Frau Katja Bierbaum Ludwig-Erhard-Str. 1 89520 Heidenheim Tel: + 49 (0) 7321 3240 Fax: + 49 (0) 7321 3241 69 Email: zentrale@ostwuerttemberg.ihk. de www.ostwuerttemberg.ihk.de

IHK Pfalz

Mr Volker Scherer Ludwigsplatz 2-4 67059 Ludwigshafen Tel: +353 62159041900 Email: volker.scherer@pfalz.ihk24.de www.pfalz.ihk24.de

IHK Regensburg für Oberpfalz / Kelheim Herr Dr. Jürgen Helmes Hauptgeschäftsführer Dr.-Martin Luther-Straße 12 93047 Regensburg Tel: + 49 (0) 941 5694-0 Fax: + 49 (0) 941 5694-279 Email: info@regensburg.ihk.de www.ihk-regensburg.de

IHK Region Stuttgart

Frau Sabine Strüver Jägerstraße 30 70174 Stuttgart Tel: + 49 (0) 7112 0050 Fax: +49 (0) 711 2005 601410 Email: auwi@stuttgart.ihk.de www.stuttgart.ihk24.de

IHK Reutlingen

Herr Martin Fahling Hindenburgstraße 54 72762 Reutlingen Tel: + 49 (0) 7121 201 186 Fax: + 49 (0) 7121 2014 186 Email: fahling@reutlingen.ihk.de www.reutlingen.ihk.de 99

GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

IHK Rhein-Neckar

Herr Matthias Kruse Haus der Wirtschaft L 1,2 68161 Mannheim Tel: + 49 (0) 6211 709-221 Fax: + 49 (0) 6211 709-5543 Email: mattias.kruse@rhein-neckar. ihk24.de www.rhein-neckar.ihk24.de

IHK Schwaben

Herr Axel Sir Stettenstraße 1 u. 3 86150 Augsburg Tel: + 49 (0) 8213 1622 51 Fax: + 49 (0) 8213 1623 23 Email: axel.sir@augsburg.ihk.de www.schwaben.ihk.de

IHK Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg Herr Jörg Hermle Romäusring 4 78050 Villingen-Schwenningen Tel: 07721 922-123 Fax: 07721 922-180 hermle@vs.ihk.de www.ihk-sbh.de

IHK Stade

Herr Hubert Bühne Am Schäferstieg 2 21680 Stade Tel: + 49 (0) 4141 5240 Fax: + 49 (0) 4141 5241 11 Email: info@stade.ihk.de www.stade.ihk24.de

IHK Südwestfalen zu Hagen Frau Petra Vormann Bahnhofstraße 18 58095 Hagen Tel: + 49 (0) 2331 3990 Fax: + 49 (0) 2331 1358 6 Email: sihk@hagen.ihk.de www.sihk.de

IHK Trier

IHK Wuppertal-SolingenRemscheid

Herr Michael Wenge Heinrich-Kamp-Platz 2 42103 Wuppertal Tel: + 49 (0) 2022 490 Fax: + 49 (0) 2022 4909 99 Email: ihk@wuppertal.ihk.de www.wuppertal.ihk24.de

Infineon Technologies Ltd.

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

init innovations in transportation Limited Mr Bernhard Smolka Block K, Unit 1B Maynooth Business Campus Maynooth Co. Kildare Tel: +353 1 904 1713 Email: bsmolka@initse.com www.initse.com/ende/contact.html

Innogy Renewables Ireland Ltd. Unit 5 Desart House Lower New Street Kilkenny Tel: +353 56 7715782 www.innogy.com

Inspiring Change Ltd

Mr Scott McInnes The Tara Building Tara Street Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0) 1 86 605 0210 Email: Scott@inspiringchange.ie www.inspiringchange.ie

Frau Susanne Martin Herzogenbuscher Straße 12 54292 Trier Tel: + 49 (0) 6519 7770 Fax: + 49 (0) 6519 7771 50 Email: infocenter@trier.ihk.de www.ihk-trier.de

INTERNSPLUS

IHK Ulm

Irish Chamber Orchestra

Margaret Purdy 8 Taylor’s Lane Guinness Enterprise House Dublin 8 Email: info@internsplus.ie

Herr Thomas Kaesemann Olgastraße 95-101 89073 Ulm Tel: + 49 (0) 7311 730 Fax: + 49 (0) 7312 92 Email: kaesemann@ulm.ihk.de www.ulm.ihk24.de

Mr Gerard Keenan University of Limerick Limerick Tel: + 353 (0) 6 120 2620 Email: gerard.keenan@ul.ie www.irishchamberorchestra.com

IHK Würzburg-Schweinfurt

Jungheinrich Lift Trucks Ltd.

Herr Kurt Treumann Mainaustraße 33-35 97082 Würzburg Tel: + 49 (0) 9314 1940 Fax: + 49 (0) 9314 1941 00 Email: info@wuerzburg.ihk.de www.wuerzburg.ihk.de

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J Mr Conrad McGonagle Unit J5 Maynooth Business Campus Maynooth Co. Kildare Tel: + 353 (0) 1 651 7100 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 651 7101 Email: conrad.mcgonagle@jungheinrich.ie www.jungheinrich.ie

K Kärcher Ltd. (Ireland)

Mr Paul Carroll Unit 4 EP Mooney Business Park Oak Road Walkinstown Avenue Dublin 12 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 409 7777 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 409 7775 Email: paul.carroll@ie.kaercher.com www.karcher.ie

Kaeser Compressors Ltd.

Mr David G. Byrne Unit 43/44 Western Parkway Business Park Ballymount Road Dublin 12 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 426 6111 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 456 7328 Email: david.byrne@kaeser.com www.kaeser.ie

Ken Kennedy & Co. Solicitors Mr Nap Keeling 12 Fitzwilliam Street Upper Dublin 2 Tel: +353 879291618 Email: nap@kenkennedy.ie http://www.kenkennedy.ie

Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce & Industry 11 Patrick Street Kilkenny Tel: +353 56 775 2767 Email: info@kilkennychamber.ie www.kilkennychamber.ie

Kirchhoff Ireland Ltd.

Mr John Smyth Lissnennan Business Park Letterkenny Co. Donegal Tel: + 353 (0) 74 912 2422 Fax: + 353 (0) 74 912 4932 Email: info@kirchhoff-automotive.com www.kirchhoff-automotive.com

Klaus Walter Unternehmensentwicklung

Herr Klaus Walter t/a SIM-PLEMENT 29 The Avenue Robswall Malahide K36NP58 Co. Dublin Tel: +353 (0)89 400 0588 Email: klaus.walter@sim-plement.com www.sim-plement.com

König & Kollegen

Herr Florian Koenig Dienerreihe 2 20457 Hamburg Tel: + 49 (0) 4030 3949 0 Fax: + 49 (0) 4030 3949 0 Email: info@net-lawyer.de www.net-lawyer.de

GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

Kokusai Semiconductor Europe GmbH

LK Shields Solicitors

Matheson Solicitors

Frau Kirsten Neumann Gruitener Straße 3 40699 Erkrath Tel: + 49 (0) 2104 -9655-17 Email: Kirsten.neumann@kokusai-se.com www.hitachi-keu.com

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

KOSTAL Ireland GmbH

LM Leinauer Müller & Partner

MC Building Chemicals Mueller & Partners

Mr Michael Genster Mountmahon Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick Tel: + 353 (0) 68 314 44 Fax: + 353 (0) 68 316 74 Email: m.genster@kostal.com www.kostal.com

KPMG

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

Kraft Curing Systems

Britta Egbers Mühlenberg 2 49699 Lindern Tel: +49 5957 9612 65 brittaegbers@kraftcuring.com www.kraftcuring.com

KVN Autokrane GmbH

Herr Kai Giesker Benzstraße 13-15 49076 Osnabrück Tel: + 49 (0) 5415 0560 0 Fax: + 49 (0) 5415 0560 44 Email: info@kvn-autokrane.de www.kvn-autokrane.de

L Landbell AG für Rückhol-Systeme Herr Dieter Arning Rheinstraße 4L 55116 Mainz Tel: + 49 (0) 6131 2356 528 00 Email: info@landbell.de www.landbell.de

Lantech IT Support

Bryan Meehan 25 Windsor Place Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 476 0030 Email: bryan.meehan@lantech.ie www.lantech.ie

Lidl Ireland

Ms Maeve McCleane Main Road Tallaght Dublin 24 Tel: +353 35314212000 Fax: +353 35345440550 Email: Maeve.McCleane@lidl.ie www.lidl.ie

Herr Robert Tille Paul-Gerhardt-Allee 50 81245 München Tel: + 49 (0) 89 8960 440 Fax: + 49 (0) 89 8960 440 Email: tille@lmpartner.de www.lmpartner.de

Local Power Limited

Block 1 Unit 1A The Green Commercial Centre Dunboyne Co. Meath Tel: +353 1 8250263 Email: patsmith@localpower.ie

Lynskey Engineering

Mr Sean McElligott Lynskey Engineering Dartmouth House Kylemore Road Dublin 10 D10 XD32 Tel: +353 1-4601556 Email: admin@lynskeyeng.ie www.lynskeyeng.ie

M M & P Mechanical

The Village Centre Blackglen, Ticknock Road Sandyford Dublin 18 Tel: (01) 518 0580 Email: info@mandp.ie www.mandpmechanical.ie

Majorel

The Majorel Building East Point Business Park Dublin 3 Tel: +353 1 8554780 Email: Madhava.Gibikote@arvato.com www.majorel.com

MAN Diesel & Turbo SE

Stadtbachstraße 1 86153 Augsburg Tel: +49 2086929482 Email: Barbara.Lopez-Gonzalez@man.eu www.man-es.com

Mason Alexander

Two Haddington Buildings Haddington Road Dublin 4 Tel: +353 1 685 4414 Email: info@masonalexander.ie

Ms Nina Cummins 70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay Dublin 2 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 232 2683 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 232 3333 Email: nina.cummins@matheson.com www.matheson.com

Killycard Industrial Estate Castleblayney Co. Monaghan Tel: +353 42 975 1520 Email: steve.mccormack@ mc-buildingchemicals.ie www.mc-bauchemie.ie/

McCann FitzGerald

Mr Barrett Chapman Riverside One Sir Rogerson’s Quay Dublin 2 Tel: +353 1 607 1480 Email: Barrett.Chapman@ mccannfitzgerald.com www.mccannfitzgerald.com

McInerney Saunders

Mr Donagh Waters FCA Tel: +353 1 8404029 38 Main Street Swords Co. Dublin Tel: + 353 (0) 1 840 4029 Email: gmcinerney@ mcinerneysaunders.ie www.mcinerneysaunders.ie

MCR Engineering Limited

1 The Capel Building Mary’s Abbey Dublin 7 Tel: +353 1 8899400 Email: gerard.kirwan@mcr.ie www.mcrindustrialengineering.ie

Mentz GmbH

Herr Martin Grund Grillparzerstraße 18 81675 München Tel: +49 (0) 89 4186 80 Email: info@mentzdv.de www.metzdv.de

Mercedes-Benz Ireland Motor Distributors Ltd Naas Road Dublin 12 Tel: +353 1 409 44 44 www.mercedes-benz.ie

Merck Millipore Ltd.

Ms Geraldine O’Flynn Tullagreen Carrigtwohill Co. Cork Tel: +353 (0) 21 4883-666 Email: IEcustomerservice@ merckgroup.com www.merckmillipore.com 101

GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

Metzler Ireland Ltd.

Mr Keith Milne Kilmore House Spencer Dock North Wall Quay Dublin 1 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 889 3200 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 889 30244 Email: metzlerireland@metzler.com www.metzler.com

MHL-Law Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH Herr RA / Solicitor Markus Ludwig Fürstenrieder Straße 5 80687 München Tel: + 49 (0) 89 5527 9777 0 Fax: + 49 (0) 89 5527 9778 0 Email: info@mhl-law.de www.mhl-law.de

Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited One Microsoft Place Leopardstown Dublin Tel: Email: www.microsoft.com

Miele Ireland Ltd.

Mr Patrick McGrath 2024 Bianconi Avenue Citywest Business Campus Dublin 24 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 461 0710 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 461 0797 Email: info@miele.ie www.miele.ie

Michael J. Walsh

65 Bellevue Road Glenageary Co. Dublin Tel: +353 12853335 Email: t2class@eircom.net

N Night Owl Discovery

The Ormond Building 31-36 Upper Ormond Quay Dublin 7 Tel: +353 (1) 525 0763 Email: sblancke@nightowldiscovery. com http://www.nightowldiscovery.com

Noble Translation & Tuition 81 Wilton Court Wilton Co. Cork Email: adelinasyms@gmail.com

Nordex Energy Ireland Ltd.

Mr Jose Villar Clonmel House Business Center, Clonmel House Forster Way Swords Co. Dublin Tel: + 353 (0) 1 897 0261 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 897 0299 Email: jvillar@nordex-online.com www.nordex-online.com 102

O O’Callaghan Collection

Hospitality House 16-20 South Cumberland Street Tel: +353 1 607 3900 Email: info@ocallaghancollection.com www.ocallaghancollection.com

O’Farrell Recruitment

Mr Brian O’Farrell Wollankstrasse 31 13359 Berlin Tel: +49 30 2808487 Email: info@ofarrellonline.de www.ofarrellonline.de

Oldenburgische IHK

Moslestraße 6 26122 Oldenburg 0441 2220-0 Email: info@oldenburg.ihk.de

Ornua Deutschland

Gisbert Kügler Kerrygoldstrasse 1 47506 Neukirchen-Vluyn Tel: +49 2841 8880 215 Email: gisbert.kuegler@ornua.com www.ornua.com

Osborn GmbH

Ringstr. 10 35099 Burgwald Tel: +49 6451 5880 Email: mtheis@osborn.de www.osborn.de

P P&I Personal & Informatik AG Kreuzberger Ring 56 65205 Wiesbaden Email: mgraupmann@pi-ag.com

Partners in Communication

9 Prince Arthur Terrace Rathmines Dublin 6 Tel: +353 166114210 Email: jhall@partnersincommunication.ie

Pattern Ireland

2nd Floor 16 Bluelion Place London UK Email: info@pattern.co.uk www.pattern.co.uk

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

Porsche International Financing dac Mr Dan Ludford 1 Exchange Place IFSC Dublin 1 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 670 1533 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 670 1550 Email: dan.ludford@pifdac.ie www.porsche.com

PPI Adhesive Products Ltd.

Mr Dermot O’Callaghan Waterford Industrial Estate Cork Road Waterford Tel: +353 51 – 590400 Email: docallaghan@ppi.ie www.ppiadhesiveproducts.com

Premier Electrics Ltd.

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

ProLeit AG

Herr Wolfgang Ebster Einsteinstrasse 8 91074 Herzogenaurach Tel: + 49 (0) 9132 7773 65 Email: info@proleit.com www.proleit.com

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

Mr Jens Gladikowski One Spencer Dock North Wall Quay Dublin 1 Tel: +353 17928455 Fax: +353 17926200 Email: jens.x.gladikowski@ie.pwc.com www.pwc.com

puzzle and play GmbH

Auf der Heide 2 92665 Altenstadt Tel: +49 9602 / 94419-0 Email: service@fotopuzzle.de www.fotopuzzle.de

Q Quayside Fund Management 38-39 Baggot Street Lower Dublin 2 Tel: +353 1 567 7580 Email: office@quayside.eu www.quayside.eu

Quality Freight Limited

Dublin Port Centre Alexandra Road Tel: +353 18366233 Email: sryan@qualityfreight.com

R Respro

78D Lagan Road Glasnevin Dublin 11 Tel: +353 18307551 Fax: +353 18304115 Email: info@respro.ie www.respro.ie

GERMAN-IRISH BUSINESS REVIEW 2020/2021 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

RICO Design

Frau Andrea Förster-Wrede Industriestraße 19-23 33034 Brakel Tel: + 49 (0) 5272 6020 Fax: + 49 (0) 5272 6021 39 Email: info@rico-design.de www.rico-design.de

Roche Ireland Limited

Pierre-Alain Delley 3004 Lake Drive Citywest Dublin 24 Tel: +353 (0)1 469 0700 Email: irl.info@roche.com www.roche.ie

Rowa Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Mrs Brigitte Wagner-Halswick Newtown, Bantry Co. Cork Tel: + 353 (0) 2 750 077 Fax: + 353 (0) 2 750 417 Email: bwagn@rowakg.de www.rowa.ie

RSM Ireland

Mr John Glennon Trinity House Charleston Road Ranelagh Dublin 6 Tel: +353 1 4965388 Email: jglennon@rsmireland.ie www.rsm.global/ireland

RT Kanzlei für Recht und Steuer Unterfeldring 2 85256 Feldkirchen Tel: +49 8139 998910 Email: RT@rt-rs.de www.rt-rs.de

S SAP Service and Support Centre Ltd.

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

SBCI

Mr Nick Ashmore Treasury Building Grand Canal St. Dublin 2 Tel: +353 12384162 Email: nashmore@sbci.gov.ie www.sbci.gov.ie

Schulte Riesenkampff Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH

Neue Mainzer Straße 28 60311 Frankfurt Tel: +49 69 900266 Email: philipp.busse@schulte-lawyer.com www.schulte-lawyers.com

SFGS – Schwanberg

Financial Governance Services Mr Werner Schwanberg

Shelbourne Hotel

Ms Sheila O’Sullivan 27 St. Stephen’s Green Dublin 2 Tel: +353 1 6650520 Email: sheila.osullivan@ renaissancehotels.com www.renaissance-hotels.marriott.com/ the-shelbourne-dublin-a-renaissancehotel

Siemens Ireland Ltd.

Gary O’Callaghan Innovation House, DCU Innovation Campus, Old Finglas Rd, Botanic, Dublin 11 Tel: +353 1 2162241 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 216 2399 Email: gary.ocallaghan@siemens.com www.siemens.ie

SIXT Rent a Car Ireland

Mr Bernard Loughran Rochestown Avenue Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin Tel: + 353 (0) 1 235 2030 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 285 7016 Email: bernard.loughran@sixt.ie www.sixt.com

Software AG Ireland Ltd The Digital Depot Building The Digital Hub Thomas Street Dublin 8 Tel: +353 15424148

Specialist Technical Services Ltd. Mr Edward Walsh Viewmount House Dunmore Road Waterford Tel: + 353 (0) 51 508 009 Email: cwalsh@spectech.ie

S.R. Travel LTD

Sabine Barry 27 Kingspark Killarney Co. Kerry Email: info@irlandspezialistin.com www.irlandspezialistin.com

Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH

St. Kilian’s German School

Signature Capital

State Street International (Ireland) Ltd.

Herr Karl-Heinz Paassen Siempelkampstraße 75 47803 Krefeld Tel: +49 2151924972 Email: karl-heinz.paassen@ siempelkamp.com www.siempelkamp.com

Ms Ciaran McNamara 76 Merrion Square Dublin 2 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 669 0700 Email: info@signaturecapital.com www.signaturecapital.com

Signature Capital GmbH Hardenbergstr. 27 10623 Berlin Tel: +49 30 318 04 92 0 www.signaturecapital.com

Simon & Reinhold, Partner

Haarstr. 15 30169 Hannover Tel: +49 511 98937 - 0 Email: buero@simon-reinhold.de www.simon-reinhold.de

Ms Alice Lynch Roebuck Road Clonskeagh Dublin 14 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 288 3323 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 288 2138 Email: admin@kilians.com www.kilians.com

Ms Susan Dargan 78A Sir John Rogerson’s Quay Dublin 2 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 776 8000 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 776 8491 Email: sdargan@statestreet.com www.statestreet.com

T The Unique Shops Magazine 5 Fitzwilliam Street Upper Dublin 2 Email: timbarutta@yahoo.com

Trinity College, Dublin

Dr John Whelan Trinity Research & Innovation, O’Reilly Institute Trinity College, College Green Dublin Tel: + 353 (0)1-896-8517 Email: john.whelan@tcd.ie www.tcd.ie/innovation

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U Ulster Bank Ireland DAC

Sheamus Causer George’s Quay Dublin 2 Tel: +353 35316084000 Email: sheamus.causer@ulsterbank.com

UTW Dienstleistungs GmbH Lilienthalstr. 1 59065 Hamm Tel: 49 2381 871250 Email: info@utw-gmbh.de www.utw-gmbh.de

V VHB Vereinigte Holzbetriebe Wilhelm Pfalzer & Hans Vogt GmbH & Co. KG

Herr Joachim Müller Schießstattstraße 16 87700 Memmingen Tel: + 49 (0) 8331 9464 0 Fax: + 49 (0) 8331 9464 49 Email: info@vhb-memmingen.de www.vhb-memmingen.de

VHI Healthcare

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

Vincent & Beatty Solicitors Mr Walter Beatty 67/68 Fitzwilliam Square Dublin 2 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 634 0000 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 634 0001 Email: reception@vblaw.ie www.vblaw.ie

Volkswagenbank GmbH

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

VOSS GmbH & Co KG

Ohrstedt-Bahnhof Nord 5 25885 Wester-Ohrstedt Tel: +49 4847 80680 www.weidezaun.info

VSB Renewable Energy Ireland Limited 77 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay Dublin 2 Tel: Dublin D02 F540 www.vsb.energy

104

W Walkers Global

The Exchange George’s Dock IFSC Dublin 1 Tel: (01) 470 6600 Email: info@walkersglobal.com

W&K GmbH

Herr Alexander Stapf Frankenstraße 1 97906 Faulbach Tel: + 49 (0) 9392 9280 0 Fax: + 49 (0) 9392 9280 70 Mail: a.stapf@wk-industrietechnik.de www.wk-industrietechnik.de

Wenski, Mirja

Howth Co. Dublin Email: Mirja@Wenski.org

Westbury Hotel

Mr John Griffin Balfe Street Tel: +353 1 679 1122 Fax: +353 1 646 3334 Email: john_griffin@doylecollection. com www.doylecollection.com

William Fry Solicitors

Mr David Fitzgibbon Fitzwilton House, Wilton Place Dublin 2 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 639 5154 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 639 5333 Email: info@williamfry.ie www.williamfry.ie

Wollmann & Partner

Meinekestr. 18 10719 Berlin Email: depel@wollmann.de

Wordshop Fachübersetzungen Ilzweg 9 82140 München Tel: +49 81426693575 Email: info@wsfach.de

Workhuman

19 Beckett Way Park West Business Park Dublin 12 Tel: (01) 968 5700

Würth Ireland Ltd.

Mr Declan Rooney Ballysimon Road Limerick Tel: + 353 (0) 61 430 200 Fax: + 353 (0) 61 412 428 Email: declan.rooney@wuerth.ie www.wuerth.ie

Y Your Self Centre

102 Red Arches Road Dublin 13 Tel: +353 877743583 www.yourselfcentre.org

Z Züblin Ireland Ltd.

Herr Michael Schrenk 5 Fitzwilliam St. Upper Dublin 2 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 642 4380 Fax: + 353 (0) 1 642 4399 Email: michael.schrenk@zueblin.at www.zueblin-systembau.de

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Investing in Ireland?

A warm Irish welcome is just a phone call away. If you’re thinking of setting up in Ireland, join Ireland’s number 1* Bank for the provision of banking services to international companies setting up in Ireland.

Derek Collins Head of Global Foreign Direct Investment +353 (0)86 259 2496 derek.collins@boi.com

IIIb+(<9=VB.:(<-b,=;o1-4 * Based on Bank of Ireland’s analysis of its banking relationships with international companies who set up operations in Republic of Ireland in 2019, (international company data sourced from the IDA Annual Report 2019). Bank of Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.