New Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of Labour Court

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, today (Monday, 27th July 1998) announced that she has appointed Mr Finbarr Flood as Chairperson of the Labour Court. The appointment will take effect on the 21st August, 1998 following the retirement of the current Chairperson, Ms Evelyn Owens.

The Tánaiste also announced the appointment of Ms Caroline Jenkinson as Deputy Chairperson of the Court to fill the vacancy arising from Mr Flood's appointment as Chairperson.

In making the announcement the Tánaiste expressed her appreciation of the contribution made to the work of the Court, and to industrial relations generally, by Ms Evelyn Owens both as Chairperson since 1994 and Deputy Chairperson of the Court in the period 1984 to 1994. The Tánaiste also thanked Ms Owens for her contribution to public life as member of Seanad Eireann from 1969 to 1977, including Leas Cathaoirleach from 1973 to 1977.

Mr Finbarr Flood has been Deputy Chairperson of the Labour Court since 1994. Prior to that he was managing director of Arthur Guinness Son & Co (Dublin) Ltd.

Ms Caroline Jenkinson is Head of Employee Relations Information Unit of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation. She is a member of:

• The Pensions Board
• The National Economic and Social Forum
• Social Welfare Appeals Board
• a number of EU and International Labour Organisation committees.