Organisations across Ireland have shown improvements of up to 10 per cent in fostering diverse and inclusive workplace cultures in the last two years, with the public sector making the most progress, showing an average sector improvement of 9.4 per cent. However, organisations need to do more to improve their workplaces for certain groups, including disabled people; people of different race, colour, nationality, ethnicity or ethnic origin; and people of different ages.*
That’s according to a new Inclusion Score metric that quantifies the sense of belonging and culture of inclusion within an organisation being launched today (17.07.24) by the Irish Centre for Diversity, a nationwide body, headquartered in Waterford, that works with public and private organisations in Ireland to help them embed diverse and inclusive workplace cultures.
An organisation’s Inclusion Score is calculated based on diversity and inclusion (D&I) benchmarking data gathered by the Irish Centre for Diversity. The details have been compiled from more than 130 organisations across Ireland that between them employ more than 120,000 people across both the public and private sectors. The data is updated every 12 months.
According to latest findings from the Irish Centre for Diversity, the national average Inclusion Score is 78 per cent, with the insurance sector having the highest average of 81.7 per cent. Other sectors showing high Inclusion Scores include IT and technology with 80.8 per cent, and construction and engineering with an average of 79.5 per cent. The average Inclusion Score for the public sector is 71.1 per cent.
The latest findings also reveal the top three groups that workers think their organisation needs to focus further on as being disabled people (17.8 per cent); people of different race, colour, nationality, ethnicity or ethnic origin (16.1 per cent); and people of different ages (11.3 per cent).
The Inclusion Score enables organisations to compare their D&I performance both at a national level and against peers in similar sectors, such as the public sector, professional services, construction and engineering, and insurance and finance, among others. It also gives them the opportunity to monitor their own D&I performance and progress, providing data and insights to report to governing boards, for corporate sustainability reporting directive (CSRD) needs, and for sharing with other stakeholders.
Tracking and Improving D&I Progress
To track and improve an organisation’s D&I progress, the Irish Centre for Diversity delivers an initial survey followed by an action plan with recommendations for improvements. A second survey is conducted 24 months later to monitor progress, with Irish Centre for Diversity records showing 100 per cent of organisations improving.
Improvement pathways can include D&I training, and according to the D&I benchmarking data, the top requested trainings over the last two years are mental health, promoting good mental health at work, unconscious bias and inclusive leadership.
The latest findings from the benchmarking data show that the number of staff who have attended D&I training has increased by 6.2 per cent in the last two years, from 55.9 per cent to 62.1 per cent.
A further finding from the latest research shows that 85 per cent of workers believe that colleagues take D&I seriously in the way that they behave and the things that they say, with line managers scoring 83.8 per cent and senior managers 71.5 per cent. It also shows that 91.5 per cent of people think those they work with are accepting of other people whatever their background.
Announcing the official launch of the Inclusion Score today, managing director of the Irish Centre for Diversity, Caroline Cummins,said: “We are in a unique position working with hundreds of companies across all sectors, and collecting data that covers both diversity of staff and the culture of Irish workplaces. Having such comprehensive and robust data on workplace diversity and inclusion culture in Ireland allows the Inclusion Scores to provide meaningful benchmarks and roadmaps to progress D&I in Ireland. The data shows valuable advances when steps are taken to address workplace challenges ─ what gets measured gets done, and we have the data that is fundamental to support this progress.
“We are seeing huge leaps in creating and fostering inclusive workplace cultures and evidence of this is that 100 per cent of organisations that we re-survey are shown to have improved Inclusion Scores by up to 10 per cent.”
For more information about the Inclusion Score, the national D&I benchmarking research data, and how the Irish Centre for Diversity can help organisations drive progress in this area, visit www.irishcentrefordiversity.ie/national-benchmarking/.
Fast-growing video conferencing manufacturer, Boom Collaboration, is enjoying a year of record sales success – as it plots a multi-million-pound pathway to become a bigger industry force.
Formed in 2020, Boom has developed a growing global footprint, spanning hardware solutions for all types of meeting rooms. The Texas-based company is headed by founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett and now operates in over 30countries where revenues have risen by more than 30% so far this year, including the UK.
New distribution deals include Colombia, India and Turkey, with a device leaving one of four worldwide logistics hubs on average every 60 seconds of each working day.
Now a new website (boom.co) aims to be the catalyst for further success based on enhanced reseller resources and more informative content. It’s created around a theme of look, sound and hear better – visually highlighting the difference between built-in webcams and Boom’s high performance cameras, for example.
Record Revenue
Boom’s platform agnostic portfolio is available from UK distributor Westcoast and encompasses videobars, all-in-one solutions, high performance cameras plus a multi-camera mixing desk controller. A new HALO videobar, MAGNA Pro high performance camera and GOJO multi-camera mixer are firing further sales success throughout this year.
“It’s a fast moving industry that never stands still and we keep moving forward too,” explained Hörnkvist as he hailed a record revenue rise of 32% for the first six months of 2024.
“The HALO videobar with expandable audio was launched at the start of this year and has been a huge success! It’s captured the imagination of the whole market.”
Cornerstone
Hulett highlighted: “A lot of what we’ve been focusing on over the last couple of years is introducing ourselves to the market, highlighting how we are not only a viable but an innovative and interesting partner that stands out from the crowd across all meeting spaces.
“We’ve built the business by listening to our customers and identifying what they need and what they were lacking. Being attentive and creating quick solutions. This is one of the cornerstones of who we are what we will continue to be.”
She added. “The new website is another tangible example of how we continue to move forward and build stronger relationships with existing as well as new customers. In general we’ve been very well received and are very excited about what the future holds.”
Hörnkvist concluded: “Relationships are growing and will become even stronger on a global stage. We’re now seen as a serious international player with a strong platform to reach new heights of success. We have invested in more marketing resources and the new website gives us a dynamic digital edge as we enter an exciting new phase of development.
“Controlled sustainable growth across all four corners of the globe is set to continue. An expanding and dynamic team together with new product innovations underpin our aggressive growth ambitions.”
He concluded: “We are determined to remain the friendly face of video conferencing, based on a personal touch and a passion for long lasting partnerships through the distribution channel. Boom is all about creating better meetings, simply. Our new-look website is an inherent part of this process.”
Bank of Ireland Finance has been announced as the exclusive finance partner of the all-electric motor franchise Smart – with two new Smart electric vehicles (EVs) now available on the Irish market.
Both new cars, the Smart#1 and Smart#3, feature a premium design fitted with advanced technology, with a range of both four-door and five-seater models available. The new Smart cars are exclusively distributed in Ireland by Motor Distributors Limited (MDL) and sold nationwide through their Smart dealer network.
Following a period of steady rather than spectacular EV sales performance over the past couple of years during market reconfiguration, interest in EVs and applications for EV financing are trending higher again with the latest Bank of Ireland figures revealing;
Used EV purchase applications up 125% in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023
New EV purchase applications up 41% in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023
Overall, 56% increase in EV purchase funding in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023
9 out of 10 EV drivers move into another EV after their original PCP contract ends
Bank of Ireland Finance, which works with 23 motor franchises nationwide to provide low-rate APR offers for EVs, is the largest provider of wholesale finance for both battery electric and plug-in hybrid EV purchases. The EV market continues to evolve as the number of owners with range anxiety falls due to improved charging infrastructure, and awareness levels surrounding EV choice and value rise as motorists become more environmentally conscious.
John Feeney, Head of Property, Project and Asset-backed Finance, Bank of Ireland said: “It’s an exciting time for Smart to introduce these two new models to the Irish market, and Bank of Ireland Finance has an extensive range of flexible finance options available to customers looking to purchase a Smart car.”
“The switch to EVs is an important part of Ireland’s overall green transition, and with more than €11 billion in sustainable lending already extended, and a target to reach €30 billion by the end of the decade, our focus is on helping consumers and businesses on their green journey. We look forward to supporting customers in making a plug-in or hybrid EV purchase as the market develops further and the sustainable motoring transition gathers speed.”
Irish businesses continue to face challenges in complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), six years on from its introduction, according to new research. The findings were presented by Forvis Mazars and McCann FitzGerald LLP in their latest joint survey, “GDPR and Digital Legislation: A Survey of the Impact and Effect on Organisations in Ireland”.
The research, which was conducted by Ipsos B&A, found that just 15% of businesses consider their organisation to be ‘fully compliant’ with the legislation, which is billed as the toughest privacy and security law in the world. A further 58% of respondents indicated their organisation was ‘materially compliant’, and 25% say their organisation was ‘somewhat compliant’. In order to achieve their compliance targets, half of the businesses surveyed believe they need more resourcing, financial investments or further expertise in this space.
The research also found that 82% of respondents believe the risks associated with GDPR non-compliance are increasing, with respondents citing ‘reputational risk’ as the most important factor in determining an organisation’s data protection risk appetite, followed by ‘fear of fines’. Eight in 10 (81%) of the businesses surveyed say they intend to improve their compliance status.
This is the eighth edition of the Forvis Mazars and McCann FitzGerald LLP annual survey on the impact of GDPR on organisations in Ireland. As well as examining the latest perceptions among Irish businesses regarding GDPR compliance, the report also assesses awareness and readiness for a wave of new legislative developments from the European Union in response to rapid technological changes.
Findings show that 60% of those surveyed are concerned about the impact of new digital legislation on their organisation, which includes DORA (the Digital Operational Resilience Act), the AI Act, the Data Act, the Data Governance Act, the Digital Services Act, the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, the Digital Markets Act, the Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2) and the Cyber Resilience Act. There is also a high degree of uncertainty regarding the new legislation with many respondents being unsure of their applicability to their business, which suggests further education and awareness is required within organisations.
Key Findings:
82% of respondents agree that the risks associated with GDPR non-compliance are increasing, up from 70% in last year’s survey.
81% of respondents intend on improving their compliance status.
59% of respondents are concerned about the prospect of being fined for GDPR non-compliance, compared to 58% in last year’s survey.
47% of respondents agree that working to comply with GDPR has delivered many benefits for their organisation, up from 34% last year.
Over half of the respondents (52%) say that the CEO of their organisation is strongly engaged in GDPR compliance and data privacy, compared to 50% in 2023.
Six out of 10 respondents are concerned about upcoming digital legislation.
63% of respondents indicated that the AI Act will apply to their organisation.
Liam McKenna, Partner in Consulting Services at Forvis Mazars, said: “This survey underscores the essential need for organisations to remain up to date with both current and forthcoming regulations in the digital space. Irish businesses must diligently maintain their compliance initiatives, particularly amid the significant financial and reputational risks at stake.
“Although GDPR regulations were implemented in 2018, that only 15% of Irish companies are fully compliant is a concern for Irish business, particularly in light of further digital legislation coming down the tracks including the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), AI Act, Data Act, and Digital Services Act, among others. Irish companies therefore need to urgently focus on GDPR adherence, while actively gearing up for new legislative requirements.”
Paul Lavery, Partner at McCann FitzGerald LLP, added: “The effectiveness of the GDPR as one of the toughest data privacy laws in the word is perhaps evidenced by the fact that organisations are still actively working on improving their compliance six years on. It is much more than a tick the box exercise and staying on the right side of these complex requirements will require ongoing attention and focus by Irish organisations.
“The good news is that this experience will serve businesses well as they prepare for new legislation coming down the track from the European Union. Legislating for rapidly changing technologies such as AI is no easy task, and we can expect regulations around data, AI, cyber resilience, information security and digital services to continue to evolve in the coming years.”
The report was launched this morning by Forvis Mazars and McCann FitzGerald LLP, joined by Graham Doyle, Deputy Commissioner, Data Protection Commission, at the offices of McCann FitzGerald LLP. It can be read in full here.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced its all-new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, along with Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro at Galaxy Unpacked in Paris.
Earlier this year, Samsung ushered in the era of mobile AI through the power of Galaxy AI. With the introduction of the new Galaxy Z series, Samsung is opening the next chapter of Galaxy AI by leveraging its most versatile and flexible form factor perfectly designed to enable a range of unique mobile experiences. Whether using Galaxy Z Fold’s large screen, Galaxy Z Flip’s FlexWindow or making the most of the iconic FlexMode, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 will provide more opportunities to maximise AI capabilities. Built on the foundation of Samsung’s history of form factor innovation, Galaxy AI uses powerful, intelligent, and durable foldable experience to accelerate a new era of communication, productivity, and creativity.
“Samsung is driven by a relentless focus on innovation. It’s embedded in our DNA, and this launch is a testament to that, bringing to our customers the next generation of foldables – our slimmest, lightest and most durable yet,” said James Kitto, Vice President and Head of MX, Samsung UK & Ireland. “This is the next frontier of Galaxy AI, supercharging this unique form factor with enhancements across features such as Circle to Search with Google – optimised for the ultimate user experience. Another great example of this is Galaxy AI’s Interpreter feature, which uses the dual screen of our foldables to show translation for a real-time conversation. Underpinning all of this is also our commitment to bring the best to our customers, so we’re pleased to also provide seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates.”
Samsung’s continued innovation for foldables has created the slimmest and lightest Galaxy Z series ever, optimised for portability. The perfectly symmetrical design with straight edge provides an aesthetically sleek finish while a new cover screen ratio on Galaxy Z Fold6 provides a more natural bar-type viewing experience. Along with design refinements, the new Galaxy Z series is engineered to provide even more durability, offering you greater peace of mind. The dual rail hinge structure is further supported by a strengthened folding edge, better distributing the shock of external impacts. Plus, enhanced layers on the main screen help to improve the crease while maintaining strength. The latest Galaxy Z series is also equipped with enhanced Armour Aluminium and Corning® Gorilla®Glass Victus® 2, making this the most durable Galaxy Z series yet.
In addition to being reliable, every element of the Galaxy Z series is also powerful. Both the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 are equipped with the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, the most advanced Snapdragon mobile processor yet, combining best-in-class CPU, GPU, and NPU performance. The processor is optimised for AI processing and offers enhanced graphics along with improved overall performance. The upgraded cooling system maximises performance with a larger vapor chamber on Galaxy Z Fold6 and, for the first time ever, a vapor chamber on Galaxy Z Flip.
Galaxy Z Fold6: Large Screen Productivity Elevated by AI
The Galaxy Z Fold6 offers a range of AI-powered features and tools that maximise the large screen and significantly enhance productivity.
Note Assist on Samsung Notes offers translation, summaries, and auto formatting for simple and easy meeting notes. Plus, a newly embedded transcript feature enables transcription, translation and summarising of voice recordings directly in Notes. Texts in PDF files can be translated and overlaid perfectly through PDF overlay translation feature in Notes[vi]- and it even supports text in images and graphs. A newly added Composer from Samsung Keyboard generates suggested text based on simple keywords for email and supported social media apps. For social media in particular, the Composer creates text that reflects your tone by analysing previous posts. Additionally, the S Pen[viii] experience is expanded further meeting with Galaxy AI on the Galaxy Z Fold6’s screen. All-new Sketch to image allows you to create more sophisticated art pieces by generating image options when you simply sketch or draw on the photos in Gallery or Note Screen.
The Galaxy Z Fold6 enables you to evolve the way you work, play, and stay informed thanks to Samsung’s longstanding partnership with Google. The latest Google Gemini app is fully integrated on the new Galaxy Z series, providing your own AI-powered assistant right on your phone. By simply swiping the corner of the screen or saying “Hey Google”, you can bring up Gemini’s overlay and get help with writing, learning, or planning. Gemini is integrated with some of your favorite Google apps, making it easy to organise a perfect travel itinerary by getting real-time flight and hotel booking information – and explore famous landmarks and the best routes to get there using Google Maps. When you want detailed information about a K-pop music video while watching YouTube on Galaxy Z Fold6’s large screen, you can access Gemini overlay in the multi-window split screen to ask questions. If you’re curious about who the artist is in the video, just long press the home button and circle, highlight, or tap on screen – and Circle to Search will offer instant search results.
Galaxy AI has also enhanced barrier-free communication on Galaxy Z Fold6. Maximising its unique dual screen form factor, Interpreter comes with a new conversation mode that enables both parties to conveniently view translations on the main and cover screens for more natural interactions. It also offers one-way translation, so you can easily understand when listening during lectures or any other type of presentation. Live Translate, which translates phone calls directly on your device in real-time, is also now being extended beyond Samsung’s own native calling app to a selection of popular third-party apps.
From capturing to editing to viewing, AI-powered ProVisual Engine on the Galaxy Z Fold6 takes your creativity to the next level. The advanced editing experience with Photo Assist on the large-screen helps to effortlessly create professional-grade content. Portrait Studio creates a variety of different portrait styles such as 3D cartoon or watercolour for more creative possibilities. And if you want to enjoy every second with a more detailed view, Instant Slow-mo allows you to instantly slow a video by generating additional frames while maintaining a smooth viewing experience. You also have the option of saving or directly sharing your videos with friends and family so they can enjoy them as well.
Not only does Galaxy Z Fold6 allow you to create content, it allows you to enjoy it, too. Galaxy Z Fold6 offers an upgraded gaming experience, anchored by its powerful chipset and 1.6x larger vapor chamber for the ability to game for longer, while still maintaining performance. Vivid, life-like graphics are supported by Ray Tracing and are brought to life on a 7.6-inch screen[xvii] that offers a brighter display of up to 2,600nit to deliver more immersive gaming.
Galaxy Z Flip6: Creating Unique Experiences, Customised to You
The Galaxy Z Flip6 is not just optimised for portability, but it offers a range of new customisation and creativity features so you can make the most of every moment.
The 3.4-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow has been enhanced yet again, enabling AI-assisted functions without even needing to open the device. And for those communications on-the-go, you can reply to texts with Suggested replies which analyses your latest messages to suggest a tailored response. With Galaxy AI, you can get the most out of your pocket-sized device, and many of these convenient features exist on FlexWindow. FlexWindow provides access to Samsung Health[xx] updates and notifications and also allows you to select the next track you want to listen to on your music widget. Plus, FlexWindow offers more Widgets than ever, and allows you to check information from multiple Widgets simultaneously.
It wouldn’t be Galaxy Z Flip without a variety of ways for you to customise your device either. With the AI-powered Photo Ambient, a wallpaper can change in real-time, based on the time and weather. You can also easily create a unified look and feel with suggested screen layout options by analysing your wallpaper — such as moving the clock and changing the frame colour to ensure the background image stands.
Creativity also goes beyond FlexWindow. FlexCam continues to offer the most versatile camera experience and unlocks new creative options. With the new Auto Zoom,FlexCam automatically finds the best framing for your shot by detecting the subject and zooming in and out before making any necessary adjustments. That way, you don’t have to choose between your friends or an incredible backdrop being in the shot – and it’s all hands-free.
New 50MP Wide and 12MP Ultra-wide sensors provide an upgraded camera experience with clear and crisp details in pictures. The new 50MP sensor supports 2x optical zoom for noise-free photos, while offering AI zoom for an advanced shooting experience with up to 10x zoom. Nightography, enhanced with video HDR allows you to capture more brilliant videos — even in dim lighting — and goes further by partnering with popular social apps as well. The night capturing feature is now available in-app on Instagram, so you can take amazing photos at night and message or share them directly from within the app.
You can continue using all the creative and customisable features of Galaxy Z Flip6 without worrying about battery life either, with longer usage time[xxiii] made possible by hardware and software optimisation.
Security You Can Trust, Controlled by You
Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 are secured by Samsung Knox, Samsung Galaxy’s defense-grade, multi-layer security platform built to safeguard critical information and protect against vulnerabilities with end-to-end hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection. In the era of AI, Samsung’s commitment to empowering you with choice over your device settings is stronger than ever, which is why you have full control over how you allow your data to enhance AI experiences through Galaxy AI settings[xxiv]. As an added layer of protection, Enhanced Data Protection offers end-to-end encryption when you backup, sync or restore your data with Samsung Cloud. The new Galaxy Z series is also backed by Samsung’s expansive list of security and privacy features including Knox Vault, Security & Privacy Dashboard, Auto Blocker, passkeys, Secure Wi-Fi, and Private sharing in Quick Share.
Ongoing Design Journey
The latest Galaxy Z series reinforces Samsung’s commitment to reimagining how mobile technology is designed and packaged. Samsung continues to scale its use of recycled materials with the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6[xxv] by featuring recycled gold and copper for the first time.
Earlier this year, Samsung introduced recycled minerals like cobalt and rare earth elements[xxvii] in the Galaxy S24 series, all of which can be found in components of the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6, along with recycled plastics, aluminium and glass. The Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 alsocome in a packaging box made from 100% recycled paper material, and they provide seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates.
Galaxy Buds3 Series: Expanding the Connected Experience through Galaxy AI
With the power of Galaxy AI, the Galaxy Buds3 series brings a new communication experience. If you’re attending a class in a foreign language, you can turn on Interpreter in Listening mode on Galaxy Z Fold6 or Flip6 with Galaxy Buds3 series plugged into your ears. This will allow you to hear the lecture translated directly through your Galaxy Buds, removing language barriers that may exist in your studies. Also, simply saying two words through Voice Command allows you to control functions like playing or stopping music without manually touching the earbuds or your connected smartphone.
Sound can also be intelligently optimised, regardless of how you wear your Galaxy Buds. The microphones in the Buds3 series analyse both internal and external sound in real time to enhance sound and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) quality through Adaptive EQ and Adaptive ANC. And if you are listening to music, your Buds3 Pro will constantly collect and identify surrounding sound and automatically adjust the optimal level of noise and sound without manual adjustment through Adaptive Noise Control, Siren Detect, and Voice Detect, all for your convenience.
Built upon a variety of collected statistical data, the Galaxy Buds3 series comes with a new computational design boasting a comfortable fit. The premium blade design also targets style-centric consumers with an ultra-sleek and modern style complemented with Blade Lights. This new design enables a more intuitive physical experience by allowing you to control the device by simply pinching or swiping up or down on the blade, thereby offering convenience and tasteful aesthetics at the same time. Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro offer two purpose-built design options. Galaxy Buds3 Pro is Canal Type for those looking for immersive sound, while Galaxy Buds3 is Open Type for people who prefer to use the device in a variety of situations for an extended period of time.
To deliver a premium audio experience, Galaxy Buds3 Pro is equipped with advanced hardware. Galaxy Buds 3 Pro come with enhanced2-way speakers with a planar tweeter for sophisticated, precise high-range sound production, and Dual Amplifiers for a crystal-clear sound experience on the go. And now, thanks to Ultra High Quality Audio that supports a doubled sampling rate with SSC codec, you can listen to a high-resolution audio source as it was intended and enjoy every sound in superb detail. This level of sound quality extends to phone calls, too. With a pre-trained model based on machine learning, the Galaxy Buds3 series is now able to restore the original voice of the speaker in various noise environments while also providing a rich and natural call — similar to the high-quality calls of smartphones — with the Super-Wideband Call feature.
Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro feature several components in the cradle and earbuds that use recycled plastics sourced from discarded fishing nets or water barrels. Every Galaxy Buds3 series is packaged in a packaging box made with 100% recycled paper material.
Availability
The Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6 and Galaxy Buds3 series will be available for pre-order starting today, July 10, with general availability starting July 24.
Galaxy Z Fold6 is available in Silver Shadow, Pink and Navy, while Galaxy Z Flip6 is also available in Silver Shadow, Yellow, Blue and Mint colour options so you can choose a colour that best suits your style.
The Galaxy Buds3 series offers an ultra-sleek, modern and comfortable design available in two colours, Silver and White.
Global voices have united in concern about the “hate speech” bill pending before Irish parliament, as 1 in 4 Irish say they are worried about the erosion of free speech.
Speaking at the Irish parliament this month, “Twitter Files” journalist Michael Shellenberger stated clearly that “there is no hate crisis in Ireland” and that the case for censorship was brought about by “elite panic” trying to stifle open conversation and discourse among the Irish people.
The bill would make it an offence to possess (for distribution) material that could lead to “hatred” in Ireland, with punishment of up to 5 years in prison.
The bill would also impact the right to share views on social media across much of the world, with directors and executives of social media platforms with international HQs in Ireland (X, Facebook, and more) held accountable to the Irish government if found to be platforming undefined “hate speech”.
“The world is watching Ireland. As the home of various international social media headquarters, the bill would have a global impact on what we can all discuss online.”
“The world is watching Ireland. The censorial “hate speech bill”, if passed, would not only shut down conversation nationally – as the home of various international social media headquarters, it would have a global impact on what we can all discuss online.
“A sweeping ban on undefined “hate” gives authorities the power to determine which viewpoints are acceptable to voice. World history warns us that such power can be easily abused,” said Michael Shellenberger, international bestselling author and journalist behind the “Twitter Files”.
Far-reaching consequences
On the same day, giving the keynote address at the Ireland Free Speech Summit, which sold out amongst members of the public, Shellenberger suggested the goal of the bill may be to “censor the entire internet”.
The bill offers no clear definition of what “hate” entails. Experts warn this could pave the way for the criminal prosecution of a wide range of expression considered unfavorable by authorities.
The bill would further make refusal to give a password to an electronic device a crime, which would allow authorities to search and possibly find materials that are “hateful”.
1 in 4 Irish concerned about right to free speech being eroded
New national polling commissioned by ADF International reveals a deep-seated concern amongst the Irish for the erosion of free speech, with a quarter revealing they already feel restricted in expressing their views and opinions in social settings like a pub, or in their place of work or study.
In the survey, conducted by Whitestone Insight*, 90% confirmed that free speech was “very important” to them – while the Irish parliament debates new and wide-ranging “hate speech” legislation, with egregious implications for the basic human right to free speech.
“The proposed “hate speech” legislation would be one of the worst examples of censorship in the modern West. The bill purports to stamp out ‘hate speech,’ but fails to define what ‘hate’” is – allowing authorities to censor any speech the state opposes.
That’s why voices from around the world are speaking up for the right to debate and discuss ideas – here in Ireland, and everywhere,” said Lorcan Price, Irish Barrister and Legal Counsel for ADF International.
Global voices speak out against censorship
At the 2024 Free Speech Summit in Dublin on 18th June, international free speech champions gatheredwith politicians to highlight the issues at stake under the bill.
“Father Ted” screenwriter Graham Linehan was among the famous faces gathered, challenging attempts to censor Ireland:
“We’re all coming together with different viewpoints, beliefs, and perspectives – but we agree on one thing. We should be allowed to freely discuss and debate ideas in Ireland. Our free speech must not be curtailed by a censorial government. It’s essential that the parliament consider the draconian impact that the hate speech bill could have on Irish society – and keep the public square open for all,” said Graham Linehan, screenwriter of “Father Ted”, who is billed to speak at the Summit.
Independent Senators Rónán Mullen and Sharon Keogan spoke out against the bill, with Mullen highlighting that this bill is “far too vague”:
“When it comes to democracy, I believe in it. When it comes to the right to test each other’s ideas, I believe in it. And we can’t do that if we’re operating under the chilling fear of giving offence to somebody who wraps that up as hatred, claims that it’s against the law, attacks you as a mob online, causes social media companies to take down your stuff so that you’ve failed to communicate before you even begin to try…If nobody was ever prosecuted under this law, the process itself would become the punishment,” said Mullen in his address.
Also speaking up at the event were cleric and broadcaster Fr Calvin Robinson; Cambridge academic Dr. James Orr; Irish journalist Laura Perrins; Philosophy Professor Gerard Casey; feminist campaigner Laoise de Brún; GB News host Andrew Doyle; psychotherapist and Director of Genspect, Stella O’Malley; and international bestselling author Andy Ngo.
Speaking to censorship within the gender debate specifically, Genspect director and psychotherapist Stella O’Malley said:
“I am finding the gender world increasingly hardline, and there is a lack of understanding about the importance of free speech, which is a cornerstone and a fundamental to a civilisation. We need to be able to speak about this freely rather than stumbling over what is the fashionable phrase to use right now.”
*Methodology note: Whitestone Insight surveyed 1,027 Republic of Ireland adults online from 15th-20th March 2024. Whitestone Insight is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Full tables are available at whitestoneinsight.com.
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, hiring the right talent is more critical than ever. Companies are not just looking for individuals with the right technical skills, but also those who fit well within their organizational culture and possess the cognitive abilities to adapt and grow. This is where psychometric assessments come into play. These scientifically validated tests provide a comprehensive understanding of a candidate’s capabilities beyond what is evident on their resume or during an interview.
Understanding Psychometric Assessments
Psychometric assessments are standardized tests designed to measure individuals’ mental capabilities and behavioural styles. These assessments can evaluate a variety of attributes, including cognitive abilities, personality traits, and emotional intelligence. Unlike traditional interviews, which can be influenced by biases and subjective judgment, psychometric tests offer an objective method to gauge a candidate’s potential and fit for a specific role.
Cognitive Abilities: Predicting Job Performance
One of the primary components of psychometric assessments is the evaluation of cognitive abilities. In tech jobs, where problem-solving and critical thinking are essential, understanding a candidate’s cognitive strengths can be highly predictive of their job performance. Cognitive ability tests typically measure skills such as logical reasoning, numerical aptitude, and verbal comprehension. These skills are crucial for tech professionals who need to analyse complex data, develop algorithms, and create innovative solutions.
For instance, a software developer might need to understand and debug a piece of code efficiently. A cognitive ability test can help identify candidates who possess the sharp analytical skills required for such tasks. By incorporating these assessments into the recruitment agency process, companies can ensure they are selecting candidates who have the intellectual capacity to excel in their roles.
Personality Traits: Ensuring Cultural Fit
While technical skills and cognitive abilities are important, they are not the only factors that determine a candidate’s success in a tech job. Personality traits also play a significant role. Psychometric assessments often include personality tests that help employers understand a candidate’s behavioural tendencies, motivations, and interpersonal skills.
For example, in a collaborative work environment, it is essential to have team members who can communicate effectively, work well under pressure, and adapt to changing circumstances. Personality tests can reveal whether a candidate is a good fit for such an environment. Traits such as openness to experience, conscientiousness, and emotional stability are indicators of how well an individual might integrate into a company’s culture and contribute positively to the team dynamic.
Emotional Intelligence: Navigating the Tech Industry
Emotional intelligence (EI) is another critical factor that psychometric assessments can measure. In the tech industry, where professionals often work in high-stress and fast-paced environments, the ability to manage one’s emotions and understand others’ emotions is invaluable. High EI enables individuals to handle pressure, resolve conflicts, and build strong working relationships.
Assessing EI during the recruitment process can help employers identify candidates who are not only technically proficient, but also capable of navigating the emotional complexities of the workplace. This is particularly important for leadership positions, where managing teams and fostering a positive work environment are crucial responsibilities.
Reducing Bias and Enhancing Diversity
One of the significant advantages of using psychometric assessments in tech job recruitment is their ability to reduce hiring biases. Traditional recruitment methods, such as interviews and resume reviews, are susceptible to conscious and unconscious biases that can influence decision-making. Factors such as a candidate’s appearance, gender, or educational background might inadvertently sway an interviewer’s judgment.
Psychometric assessments provide a more objective evaluation, focusing solely on a candidate’s abilities and traits. This objectivity helps create a fairer hiring process, enabling companies to select the best candidates based on merit. Additionally, by reducing biases, psychometric assessments can enhance diversity within tech teams, leading to a more inclusive and innovative workplace.
Improving Retention and Reducing Turnover
Hiring the right candidates is not only about filling immediate vacancies, but also about ensuring long-term success. High employee turnover can be costly and disruptive for tech companies. Psychometric assessments contribute to better hiring decisions, which in turn can improve employee retention.
When candidates are well-matched to their roles and the company culture, they are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and stay with the organization longer. This alignment leads to increased job satisfaction, higher productivity, and a stronger commitment to the company’s goals. By investing in psychometric assessments, tech companies can build a stable and dedicated workforce.
Implementing Psychometric Assessments in Recruitment
Integrating psychometric assessments into the recruitment process involves several steps. First, companies need to identify the specific skills and traits that are essential for success in the roles they are hiring for. This involves working with experts to develop customized psychometric assessment tools that align with the company’s needs.
Next, it is crucial to train hiring managers and recruiters on how to interpret and use the results of these assessments effectively. The insights gained from psychometric tests should complement other recruitment methods, such as technical assessments and interviews, to provide a holistic view of each candidate.
Finally, companies should continuously evaluate the effectiveness of their psychometric assessments and make necessary adjustments. This ongoing process ensures that the assessments remain relevant and continue to provide valuable insights into candidates’ potential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, psychometric assessments are an invaluable tool for tech job recruitment. They offer a scientifically validated and objective method to evaluate candidates’ cognitive abilities, personality traits, and emotional intelligence. By incorporating these assessments into the hiring process, tech companies can reduce biases, enhance diversity, improve retention, and ultimately select the best talent for their teams. As the tech industry continues to evolve, leveraging psychometric assessments will be crucial for building a capable and dynamic workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the future.
We have been busy in Paris lately at the latest smartphone launch from HONOR and their all new 200 series and the event was something else and there was many new devices on offer that will certainly get any mobile interested. The HONOR 200 Pro is the flagship model coming in at a really good price too which is good for competition and the consumer.
We are now checking out the HONOR 200 Pro over the next few weeks and so far I am impressed at what is on offer here and i you like portrait this is a game change make no mistake about it. With a great build quality fabulous screen great battery and a portrait mode like no other this looks like it is going to be a good one.
We are very busy so will keep this one quick and you can check out more about the launch event in Paris here and see what was on show and in the interim if you have any questions feel free to comment on our social media and YouTube where we will gladly answer any questions.
Recognizing the most important tools in portrait photography are light and shadow, the HONOR 200 Series has been equipped with advanced hardware and meticulously co-engineered AI-powered software that recognizes even the most subtle nuances of lighting. The HONOR 200 Pro features a 50MP Portrait Main Camera with a Super Dynamic H9000 Sensor enabling users to capture compelling images with the perfect balance of light and shadow in even challenging lighting scenarios. With support for 4-in-1 pixel binning technology with a pixel size of 2.4μm, users can capture intricate details in their images even in low light scenarios. Additionally, the HONOR 200 Pro features a 50MP Portrait Telephoto Camera and a customized telephoto sensor from Sony. The HONOR 200 Pro also provides better light sensing capabilities, ensuring clear and true captures of distant objects with exceptional details.
Irish-owned office supplies specialist Codex has conducted research uncovering the daily habits of Irish workers, celebrating an office stationery product that is often overlooked – the humble pen.
The survey of over 600 Irish office workers found that even in the digital age, Irish workers still rely on a trusty pen and paper for taking notes. In fact, 65% of survey respondents still have up to five pens on their desk, while 30% have more than six pens to hand, showing that pens are still essential office supplies.
The survey went on to find that 85% of workers have a favourite pen, opting for models that write smoothly (51%), fit perfectly in their hand (22%) or are branded/company pens (13%). When it comes to ink colour, black is the top choice for two-thirds of respondents (62%), followed by blue ink for less than 30%. Many employees still take pride in their pens, with 1 in 4 workers willing to spend over €10 on a good writing pen.
The Codex survey revealed that ‘pen pinching’ is a common occurrence in Irish offices, with 85% of workers reporting that colleagues have swiped a pen from their desk and over 70% confessing that they have taken a pen from co-workers. The survey explored other items that employees have pinched from their offices including staplers, calculators, plants, toasters, and even a Christmas tree! However, certain items are seen as un-pinchable, with 1 in 2 respondents agreeing that personal food is off-limits, followed by favourite mugs (1 in 4).
“We had a lot of fun with this survey, but it also shows the enduring value of the humble pen, even in our digitally-dominated office lives,” says Emily McKenzie, Head of Marketing at Codex. “From light-hearted pen pinching to taking notes and signing important documents, there’s a reason pens are still one of our best-selling stationary items.
“This week, the Codex team will be out and about in Dublin city centre, handing out pens to busy worker bees,” says Emily. “We’re also hosting a great competition on local Dublin radio that gives Irish workers the chance to win lots of cool prizes so make sure you tune in – and keep a close eye on your favourite pen”
