Ms Una Fitzpatrick:

To echo the points expressed by Ms Buckley, the vast majority of our members, whom we poll quite regularly, have adopted some form of hybrid working, where possible. Every business is different so the mix will be different.

As to whether there a need for hubs, we can definitely see there is a supply of hubs and they are being utilised. I do not mean to caution against them because I believe they are very appropriate, but the only issue that has come up for some members is the nature of work that some people do. There is, therefore, a need for data protection and very secure lines from a cybersecurity point of view. Unfortunately, hubs are not a panacea for everything because for some people working from home may mean working from a very dedicated terminal at their home location so as to ensure there is cybersecurity.

On energy supply and the increasing cost of energy, the sector is very broad. There are manufacturing elements and software is a service element, which are different cost bases entirely. For the more energy intensive parts of the sector, the number one priority is a guaranteed energy supply although cost is a major issue. For industry and companies in the manufacturing sphere, security of supply is the most important aspect.