Central Bank Governor Gabriel Makhlouf visits TU Dublin to explore the changing economy
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TU Dublin’s Aungier Street Campus welcomed Gabriel Makhlouf, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, for a special visit that brought students and staff together to explore the economic forces shaping Ireland, Europe and the wider world.
During his visit, the Governor delivered a talk entitled Making Sense of a Changing Economy, offering students valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing policymakers, businesses and individuals in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving economic landscape.
Addressing students from across the Faculty of Business, including those studying the BSc in Economics and Finance, MSc Finance and BSc in Business and Management programmes, the Governor explored major developments shaping the Irish and European economies.
From inflation and the cost of living to geopolitical developments and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), his talk examined how the economy is changing and what these developments mean for economic policy, business decision-making and the labour market. He also reflected on the implications for those preparing to enter the workforce and the importance of economic thinking in navigating a changing world.
The visit provided students with a valuable opportunity to hear directly from one of Ireland’s most senior economic policymakers, connecting the theories and concepts explored in the classroom with the realities of economic decision-making.
Speaking about his visit to Aungier Street, Gabriel Makhlouf, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, said:
“It is a pleasure to visit TU Dublin and speak with students about Ireland's changing economy. This is a generation that will be shaped by the economy and will help to shape it, so I look forward to hearing what they have to say about studying, working and living in Ireland today. Conversations like these help the Central Bank understand what people are experiencing and keep our analysis and advice close to the principle set out in our founding legislation: serving 'the welfare of the people as a whole.”
Dr Etain Kidney, Director and Dean of the Faculty of Business at TU Dublin, welcomed the Governor and highlighted how the visit exemplifies the University's distinctive practice-based approach to education.
Dr Kidney said: “We are delighted to welcome Governor Gabriel Makhlouf to TU Dublin. This visit is a great example of our practice-based educational ethos in action, bringing the classroom and the real world together. By connecting our students directly with leading policymakers, we give them the opportunity to hear first-hand how economic theory translates into policy and practice, and how the issues they study shape businesses, society and the wider economy. These experiences are invaluable in developing informed, confident graduates who are ready to engage with the challenges of the world of work.”
Dr Emma Howard, a Senior Lecturer in Economics at TU Dublin and a leading Economic Affairs Commentator, said:
“The Governor’s visit is just one example of our commitment in the School of Accounting, Economics & Finance and the Faculty of Business to enriching the student experience through engagement with leading economists and policymakers. These opportunities allow students to connect what they learn in the classroom with real-world experience, bring their studies to life and gain valuable insights into potential career paths. Governor Makhlouf is the third senior economic figure to engage with our students, following visits last year from Philip Lane, Chief Economist of the European Central Bank, and Vas Madouros, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland. We are delighted to continue providing our students with access to such influential voices in economics and public policy.”
Main Photo Caption: L-R: Dr Brian Murphy, Government and Community Advocacy Lead, Dr Emma Howard, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Gabriel Makhlouf, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland and Dr Etain Kidney, Dean and Director of the Faculty of Business