IDA CHAIRMAN APPOINTMENT

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment announced today (Monday, 14th December, 1998) that Mr. Denis Hanrahan has been re-appointed Chairman of the Board of IDA Ireland and will hold office until 30 June 2000.

"I am delighted that he has accepted re-appointment as Chairman, at a time of significant change in IDA Ireland, with the departure of Kieran McGowan and with Sean Dorgan taking up the position of Chief Executive on 1 January," the Tánaiste said.

The Tánaiste acknowledged the commitment, dedication and time devoted by Mr. Hanrahan to the work of the agency. "Since his appointment as Chairman of the Board in 1993 he has unselfishly provided strong leadership, direction and focus to the organisation, and has been a key figure in the IDA's delivery of an outstanding performance in every aspect of its work."

Mr. Hanrahan is Head of Group Corporate Development in the Bank of Ireland. He was a member of the Culliton Group that made wide-ranging recommendations on Industrial Policy in 1992.