Governor Makhlouf meets with Cork businesses and students

Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland Gabriel Makhlouf met with local businesses, educators and students in Cork yesterday during his day-long visit.

Governor Makhlouf met with Cork Chamber, where he asked about the experience of business representatives in the current economy, the challenges facing them, and discussed the Bank’s ongoing review of the Consumer Protection Code.

At a meeting and a question and answer session with the President, the Dean of Business School and students of UCC, the Governor explained the work of the Central Bank, and asked students about their views on the current economic landscape.  

The Governor discussed the labour market at a meeting with Network Ireland Cork, part of a nationwide organisation which drives the personal and professional development of women.  He also asked for views on the banking sector and the level of support for business.  

Commenting after the meetings, Governor Makhlouf said: “It is extremely important to me that I get to visit and hear from all parts of Ireland.

“I enjoyed meeting owners and representatives of so many businesses in Cork today. It’s important that the Central Bank listens to and engages with people all around Ireland and that our work is informed by real-life experiences and viewpoints. We want to listen to local businesses and people about what they are experiencing in the current economy, how inflation is impacting their lives, and talking about why we have raised interest rates. 

“Our job is to maintain financial stability, and to do that, we need to understand the impact of our policies on people’s lives. We are acutely aware of that impact and today’s discussion with diverse businesses and sectors will be invaluable to us.

“I particularly enjoyed the opportunity today to meet students from UCC and answer their questions about the work of the Bank and the wider economy. I hope to see some of them join the Bank as colleagues in the future.”