(1) Additional Notes

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Interest Groups: are organisations representing a group of people who share a common interest or goal.

They try to influence the decisions of other stakeholders by promoting their views.

Use radio, TV, print media and the internet to do this.

Lobbying: a deliberate effort to influence decision-makers by promoting a particular point of view.

Business Associations and interest groups:

IBEC (Irish Business and Emloyers Confederation): the main organisation representing large and medium sized businesses in Ireland. It tries to influence trade unions, the government, EU on issues with its members like legislation, taxation and employee pay and conditions. Also gives advice to its members on economic and business matters.

ISME (Irish Small and Medium Enterprises): speaks for and advises small and medium sized enterprises.

Stakeholder interest groups:

ICTU (The Irish Congress of Trade Unions): represents the interests of trade unions and their members. Most trade unions in the country are members of the ICTU as it is fair fair important, discussions with IBECm, the government and EU.

N.B. read page 8 in business book (Relationships between stakeholders)

National Consumer Agency (Office of Director of Consumer Affairs): is a state agency set up to represent the interests of consumers.

Aims to make sure that consumers are aware of their rights

Ensure that legislation protecting consumers is obeyed

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