Opening Remarks by Governor Makhlouf at the Civil Society Roundtable

Good morning everyone, and welcome to North Wall Quay. It is good to see you all here. These roundtables have become an important part of how we work at the Central Bank.  You all bring perspectives that help us understand how the financial system works for people in practice, and where it may be falling short.  Colm will say more about our engagement with civil society shortly, but I want to say at the outset how much I value the contribution you make. I recently completed something I set out to do when I became Governor, visiting all 26 counties. Those visits reinforced for me that the economy is rooted in communities, and in the decisions that people, families and businesses make every day. I saw the variety of economic activity that takes place across the country, from advanced manufacturing to creative industries. I heard common concerns too, particularly about housing and infrastructure, and the effect these have on businesses’ ability to recruit and retain people. Above all, I was struck by the skills and commitment of the people I met. Ireland’s economic success rests on that foundation. We cannot take it for granted. This month, I began a new term as Governor,...