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PayPal has announced the launch of PayPal Complete Payments for small and medium enterprises in Ireland. The solution - which has been rolled out across the UK, Canada and more than 20 European markets - enables enterprises in Ireland to accept a range of payments including PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit and debit cards, and alternative payment methods from around the world.
Forrester and PayPal research found that 63 per cent of online shoppers would not purchase from a brand if it had a poor checkout experience - with 43 per cent of customers likely to buy if the checkout offers their preferred payment type.
Businesses across Ireland face a variety of challenges every day, from finding new customers and managing cashflow to driving sales.Expanding the choice of payment methods for shoppers can help turn potential customers into actual customers and help increase sales.
A Censuswide survey of enterprises revealed that diverse payment options that cater to customer preferences (27%), fast and reliable processing to minimise transaction delays (26%) and dispute resolution services (25%) - are crucial factors that enablebusiness growth.
"We're bringing our latest innovation to Ireland with PayPal Complete Payments, that enables small and medium-sized enterprises to offer their customers the same level of service and user experience as large enterprises," said Jonas Breding, General Manager, Northern Europe, PayPal. "With PayPal Complete Payments businesses are seeing on average 4.2 per cent lift in credit and debit card acceptance for neighbouring markets like the UK.
This demonstrates we are delivering greater value for our customers by boosting customer conversions and helping drive revenue."
PayPal has integrations with several ecommerce platforms - including BigCommerce and WooCommerce - which make it easier for their customers to quickly take advantage of this new solution.
This new solution enables eligible enterprises to allow their customers to securely store their payment methods in the PayPal vault for future purchases. This provides a seamless shopping experience for consumers, and helps Irish enterprises drive conversions and repeat buyers.
Businesses can sync order and tracking information with a new feature-Package Tracking. For businesses, sharing tracking data with PayPal can mean fewer customer disputes, and a streamlined resolution process that eliminates manual responses, which can reduce costs. Transactions with tracking details often see 80 per cent lower "item not received" dispute claims.
To help keep small businesses secure in an environment where fraud is on the rise, PayPal Complete Payments will continue to offer Fraud Protection, Chargeback Protection and Seller Protection on eligible transactions.
This solution is available at competitive rates for accepting credit cards and other payment methods online. Small businesses can now choose between flat-rate pricing and flexible pricing, which helps them get paid the full amount up-front and gives them a transparent view into processing costs.
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Widespread adoption of generative AI has the potential to boost Ireland's GDP by up to €45 billion (8%) in ten years, according to a report conducted by Implement Consulting Group and commissioned by Google. The increase is predominantly driven by a productivity boost to two-thirds of Ireland's workers.
The report is part of a comprehensive study carried out between November 2023 and March 2024 that unveils the transformative economic potential of generative AI in the EU. Several countries, including Ireland, were analysed across the following areas:
1. The economic impact of AI
2. The impact of AI on jobs
3. Key sectors benefiting from AI adoption
4. AI readiness
5. AI and societal challenges
Economic impact
The 8% increase in GDP is largely attributed to a productivity boost to the majority of workers (66%) by augmenting their capabilities and enhancing efficiencies. The calculation takes into account the impact of re-employment of a small share of workers.
At its peak, the productivity effect of generative AI in Ireland is estimated to be equivalent to 1.4% of GDP annually. A five-year delay in capturing the benefits of generative AI is estimated to reduce the GDP growth potential from 8% (€40-45 billion) to only 2% (€8-10 billion).
Peter Burke T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment:
"AI offers the potential to deliver a step change in productivity and growth in business, including for our SMEs. Our goal is for Ireland to be a leader in adoption of human-centric, trustworthy AI, as set out in our National AI Strategy, 'AI - Here for Good'.
AI technology is clearly an enormous opportunity, and we must act now to seize the opportunity in order to harness AI technology for the good of both our economy and society. I welcome the publication of this research and Google's engagement to support Ireland's small businesses."
Job implications
Most jobs in Ireland (66%) are expected to be assisted by generative AI - automating a limited share of tasks and helping to create content including text, code and images, and collaborating with workers on complex problems. Unlike previous waves of automation that mainly impacted manual workers, generative AI is expected to primarily affect office-based professionals.
An estimated 28% of jobs in Ireland are likely to remain largely unaffected by generative AI. These jobs include manual labour, outdoor tasks, such as construction and cleaning, and human-to-human tasks, such as personal care and food services. A small share of jobs (6%) are expected to have over half of their activities exposed to automation by generative AI.
Key sectors benefiting from AI adoption
The complementary role of generative AI means it can boost productivity across all sectors. Due to the vast size of Ireland's manufacturing sector (45% of Irish GVA), this is the area that holds the largest economic potential, where generative AI is estimated to boost annual productivity growth by 1.2% at peak, representing an increase of €15-16 billion.
In contrast to past automation, such as robots, generative AI has the ability to boost productivity in the service sector, and many other countries are expected to see the greatest economic gains there.
AI Readiness
When it comes to AI adoption in Irish enterprises, Ireland is on par with the EU average level of adoption at 8%, but lags behind Northern European frontrunners such as Denmark (15%), Finland (15%), and Belgium (14%). In terms of research and development, Ireland cannot compete with large economies, such as the United States, and will therefore be dependent on EU-wide initiatives.
Current gaps suggest that Ireland needs to focus on strengthening AI-related innovation drivers, such as the build-up of AI-related talent and research.
Google has today announced a new AI education training pillar for SMEs in Ireland. 'Get ahead with AI' is a module offered as part of You're the Business, Google's digital upskilling programme delivered in partnership with

Fraudsters stole almost €100 million (€98.6m) through frauds and scams in 2023, an increase of over 16% (16.4%) on 2022, according to a new report published today by FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI).
The Payment Fraud Report, based on data from FraudSMART members, reveals that card fraud accounted for 95% of fraudulent transactions and 36% (€35.2 million) of gross fraud losses in 2023. Card usage by consumers and businesses rose significantly overall, with the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) reporting a 28.8% increase in debit and credit card payments in 2023. In contrast, fraudulent card payments increased by 8.2%, according to FraudSMART data.
The report also notes that other types of fraud had lower volumes but higher average losses. Unauthorised electronic transfers accounted for only 3% of the volume but 34% (€33.8 million) of losses. This type of fraud occurs when someone makes a payment through mobile or online banking without the account holder's authorisation or permission, often called 'account takeover'. It usually results from the loss or theft of sensitive payment data such as a victim's account number or PIN.
Additionally, the report shows that consumers and businesses were scammed out of €18.1 million through authorised push payment (APP fraud). This occurs when a fraudster tricks a consumer into sending money directly to an account controlled by the criminal, for example, through an investment or romance scam.
While APP Fraud makes up just 1% of fraudulent transactions and 18% of losses, it represents a significant increase compared to 2022 in both volume and value terms (42.5% and 82.2%, respectively).
On foot of today's report and the dominance of card fraud highlighted, FraudSMART is today issuing a warning to holidaymakers to be extra vigilant over the summer period at home and abroad when they may be using their debit or credit cards more frequently for booking travel or accommodation, as well as other holiday-related purchases, and is calling on consumers to familiarise themselves of the simple steps they can take to prevent falling victim to fraud.
Speaking about the latest figures and the importance of being alert this summer, Niamh Davenport, Head of Financial Crime, BPFI, said: "As many people look forward to the summer holidays ahead, today's figures are a timely reminder to be on alert for credit and debit card fraud. We can all be at risk of being enticed by 'unbelievable' holiday deals and letting down our guard when out of our regular routines and environments.
While it is important to recognise that cards remain one of the safest forms of payment, as they come with extensive fraud protections and offer many conveniences, especially when planning holidays and travelling, fraudsters are increasingly targeting consumers using complex and deceptive methods."
"FraudSMART is urging holidaymakers to take extra caution when booking travel, accommodation and other holiday-related purchases such as eating out. Watch out for copycat websites offering holiday accommodation and packages which closely mimic a legitimate site or well-known company brand but may have subtle differences in the website name and often have spelling errors. These sites aim to steal your card details and personal information for fraudulent activities.
Also, be alert for fake emails and social media ads offering holiday deals which appear to be offering bargain prices but are, in reality, too good to be true. When paying in person, never let your card out of sight, such as at a restaurant, and don't share or write down your card PIN. If you think you have fallen victim to fraud, report it to your bank and the Gardaí immediately."
Top FraudSMART tips and checks for protecting your card details this summer:
Book through reputable sources; always use trusted and well-known booking websites or travel agents.
Be cautious of unsolicited emails or social media ads off

AWS GetIT is a fully funded education programme and competition designed to inspire 12-14-year-old students, especially girls, to consider a future in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). The programme gives them access to curriculum designed to help build foundational skills, learn about cloud tech, and design app ideas to solve real-life problems.
Schools are paired with a dedicated AWS GetIT Ambassador who supports the school and educator and acts as a role model for students.
After completing the programme curriculum, schools can submit a student app idea for consideration in a countrywide AWS GetIT competition.
This year, three schools were brought to the AWS GetIT final, which took place at the AWS offices in Dublin. The teams in the final presented their ideas to a judging panel of people working in the tech industry.
The finalists were invited to present their App ideas on the day and answer questions surrounding their design thinking cycle, teamwork, the issue they are tackling and the technology they will use.
The AWS GetIT finalists were:
1.
1. Fit Quick by Coláiste Abhainn Rí, Callan, Co. Kilkenny - App aimed at tackling young people dropping out of sporting activity, particularly during the transition from primary to secondary school. The app is aimed at 11-19 year olds with the overall goal of encouraging maintaining interest in sport and physical activity during their teenage years.
2. Job Box Celbridge Community School, Co Kildare - App aimed at helping young people aged 18-25 find accommodation and employment. The team acknowledged how homeless is a huge social issue and the app aims to support young people with resource information on housing, as well as assist them on their job search journeys.
3. Puzzled by Sandford Park School, Ranelagh, Dublin - App focused on providing support resources for secondary school students with learning difficulties. The app contains resources aimed at helping students overcome challenges they are having with schoolwork and includes a fun mascot called 'Pablo' to guide app users on their journey.
Mark Dunleavy, General Manager, AWS Ireland and Northern Ireland, said:
"On behalf of AWS, I'd like to congratulate the contestants in this year's AWS GetIT competition; each year, we are completely blown away by the high level of innovation and creativity shown by secondary students across Ireland. AWS GetIT empowers and inspires 12-14-year-olds to consider a future in STEM and learn other key skills such as problem-solving and teamwork.
It is also an opportunity for them to get face-to-face time with AWS ambassadors and gain real insight into what it is like to work in tech. At AWS, we hope that taking part in this competition is their first step in a journey towards an exciting and rewarding career in STEM."
Jane Dawson Howe, Country Manager Ireland, Slalom and AWS GetIT judge, said: "I was thrilled to be involved with AWS GetIT 2024. I was so impressed with the quality of the finalists' projects and their determination to solve real-world problems.
I was also amazed at their confidence and how they communicated the impact of their ideas. Congratulations to all the students (and their teachers) on developing such compelling solutions. The future of technology for societal good is in the right hands!"
Frances Abeton, CEO and Co-Founder of Whyze Health and AWS GetIT judge, said: "I was truly captivated by the calibre of projects presented at the AWS GetIT competition. The students' work was not just impressive, but it also showcased their exceptional talent and creativity. This experience has reinforced my belief in the significant impact of integrating technology education in schools.
It was a true privilege to witness such potential and support an initiative that empowers young people to excel in the tech industry."
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May marks Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Awareness Month and this year's focused theme is Resilient. CF is a genetic disease which affects the lungs and the digestive system and is caused by mutations in the CFFTR gene which leads to the production of a thick sticky mucus in the lungs and it can also affect other organs.
New digital health app "I Know Me" set to empower CF patients to become the "CEO" of their own bodies with more control over personal health data
According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation approximately 1,000 new cases of CF are diagnosed each year. More than 75 percent of people with CF are diagnosed by age 2. More than half of the CF population is age 18 or older. Resilience certainly applies to Dr. Michael Twomey a Cork native who is living with CF. Michael as well as being the founder of the I Know Me app also works as a Senior Clinical Research Manager at Health Innovation Hub Ireland which connects innovators with healthcare.
Michael's own research and innovation journey is a very personal one, motivated by the death of his sister from CF in 1997. Based on his own life and patient journey he strove to address the problem faced by fellow CF patients and carers, the challenge of recalling medical history at medical appointments.
He was concerned about providing accurate information to his own clinicians and he decided to do something about it, as poor quality information imparted by patients or their carers is known to affect patient outcomes.
For patients with CF, there are a number of medical appointments necessary to manage the disease and improve or maintain the CF's patient's condition. The aim of the appointment is to arrive at correct diagnosis and make decisions regarding appropriate treatment plans. One of the key data facets required by the clinician in the diagnostic process is accurate medical history supplied by the patient or carer.
This information is a complex tapestry of illnesses, medications, symptoms and procedures peppered with medical appointments. which can be difficult to recall accurately. Memory recall requires the patient to pull data from their long-term declarative memory, a process that is made more difficult by the nature of the medical encounter itself, which can be stressful and require a medical literacy that many struggle with.
With this in mind, Michael came up a number of solutions to this problem, first a paper-based checklist booklet which was sent out to every CF patient in Ireland, and then following the learning from same he designed and developed the I Know Me app. This was again done with the help of fellow CF patients and caregivers which basically means it's designed by CF patients or carers for CF patients or carers.
The app was specifically built and evaluated to address the above problem of poor CF patient/carer memory recall.
The I Know Me design is based on current CF medical appointment workflows, CF patient / carer experiences, and helps the patient/carer record, track and report on key aspects of their medical history. These reports can then be shared with a patient's clinical team if and when required. Additionally, the app allows for the capture of multiple health profiles on one device, where switching between profiles is easy. This component of the app is vital for families with more than one CF patient.
Some of the app features are the ability to provide the CF patient with a valuable health management tool, tracking symptoms, key metrics, vaccines, nutrition, physiotherapy, medications and other treatments and procedures (including the results of same). Furthermore, it allows patient and carers to bring their or their child's health autobiography with them to the medical appointment, reducing the stress of having to recall and providing the clinician with better quality data.
Not only that it also allows for the capture of data regarding what happened within the medical appointment itself, this is vital later when the patient or carer need to remember t

New data published today by LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network, has revealed that the role of software engineer is the top job for new graduates in Ireland, showing the strong demand for highly-skilled workers across the tech industry.
This reflects a broader trend, with previous LinkedIn research revealing that demand for software engineers in Ireland outstrips supply, with a steady flow of talent coming into the country from places such as India, the UK, Brazil, Turkey and the Netherlands.
The top three jobs for graduates are completed by audit associate in second place and quality control analyst in third spot. Accounting professionals remain highly in-demand with a raft of firms across the industry including the Big Four - KPMG, PwC, EY and Deloitte - hiring for these roles.
The influence of Pharma, another of Ireland's big employers, can be seen in the rankings in the form of third-placed quality control analyst. Over the past 50 years, Ireland has become the EU's largest exporter of pharmaceuticals. The sector's impact on the Irish economy is also evident in the recent LinkedIn Top Companies Ireland list - 13 of the 25 featured are pharmaceutical companies, including BioMarin Pharmaceutical and AstraZeneca in the top two spots.
Two-tier access to flexible work opportunities
Another key highlight from LinkedIn's data highlights a two-tier system for the availability of flexible working for graduates compared to established professionals. Just over a quarter (26.7%) of entry-level job postings at the start of the year had hybrid/remote availability, but that contrasts to almost half (47.5%) for mid-senior level jobs.
Some positions offer more flexibility for new grads, with software engineer (64.8%) coming out on top again with the most remote availability for hybrid or remote opportunities.
Commenting on the data, Sue Duke, LinkedIn Ireland Country Manager, said: "Demand for highly-skilled software engineers in Ireland is sky high, and graduates with these specialist skills are experiencing a hiring boom. Our data and the IDA's recent Labour Market Pulse underscore the need to continue to cultivate a pipeline of tech talent to meet industry needs, accelerated by the growth of Generative AI.
"Our analysis also shows a high level of competition among employers for these professionals, with greater work flexibility for entry-level software engineers compared to their graduate peers - where we see an overall trend towards significantly lower hybrid and remote work flexibility for entry-level jobs.
This often reflects employers' desire to bolster their workplace culture and ensure that junior staff develop strong relationships with more senior colleagues, but it also poses the question about how companies should support the next generation of professionals in balancing work and life from the outset of their careers."
Learning Opportunities
LinkedIn is unlocking a range of LinkedIn Learning courses globally to help graduate job seekers gain skills to find their next opportunity. These include:
Turning an internship into a job
Job hunting for college grads
Professional networking for career starters
How to land job interviews without applying online
The step-by-step guide to rock your job interview
Negotiating your job offer and salary
These courses are available for free from 29 May to 30 June.
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