Tánaiste Appoints Brian Geoghegan as New Chairman of FAS

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Tuesday 21st November 2000) announced that Mr. Brian Geoghegan will replace Mr. Patrick Lynch as the new Chairman of FAS. Mr. Geoghegan is Director of Economic Affairs, Research and Information with the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC).

Making the announcement the Tánaiste said "I am delighted that Mr. Geoghegan has accepted my invitation to become Chairman of FAS. He fills this important post at a time of great change in the Irish Labour Market and I have no doubt that his vast experience within the Irish Business community will be of great assistance to the organisation".

The Tánaiste pointed out "that not so long ago the challenge was to reduce our unemployment rate of 17%. With the rate now at 3.7% we can certainly say we have met that challenge and I must acknowledge the role FAS has played in achieving this. The task now facing FAS is to promptly adapt and change to the new circumstances facing Irish business. Through its Jobs Ireland Campaign, greater number taking up apprenticeship, increasing the participation of women and people with disabilities, I believe FAS can respond to these changed circumstances".

The Tánaiste paid tribute to the outgoing Chairman Mr. Patrick Lynch who will retire at the end of the year. The Tánaiste thanked him for his hard work and dedication and said "he had made a great contribution to the organization over the last 3 years".