TÁNAISTE WELCOMES THE APPOINTMENT OF RODY MOLLOY AS THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF FÁS The Training and Employment Authority

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Thursday 10th August, 2000) welcomed the appointment of Mr. Rody Molloy, as Director-General of FAS. Mr Molloy will be replacing Dr. John Lynch.

Commenting on Mr. Molloy’s appointment the Tánaiste said "I look forward to working closely with Mr. Molloy in his new role. This is a time of great change and development in the Irish labour market. FAS, in the next decade, will have to adapt to meet these changes. The sourcing of highly skilled workers from abroad, increasing the number of persons taking up apprenticeship, the encouragement of greater participation by women in the workplace, and making more career opportunities available to those with disabilities, are the key challenges facing the organisation."

Mr. Molloy has a long experience in the civil service and has worked in a number of Government Departments including the former Department of Industry and Commerce, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of the Taoiseach. He has been an Assistant Secretary in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with responsibility for the Corporate Services and Economic Policy division since 1997. Mr Molloy has been involved in industrial policy, trade policy, science and technology and the development of labour market policies.

The Tánaiste paid tribute to the outgoing Director-General, Dr. John Lynch and wished him every success in his new position. "John Lynch was appointed Director-General of FAS at a time of high unemployment where over 17% of the Irish workforce could not find a job. Today unemployment is at a record low of 4.4%. Job opportunities are available in larger numbers than ever before, including for many emigrants who left Ireland in the early 90’s and are now returning in record numbers. I know John takes particular pride with his contribution to this success. I would like to on behalf of the Government put on record our appreciation of Dr. Lynch’s contribution over the years to the Irish Labour market."