Interim chairman of Competition Authority appointed

Declan Purcell has been appointed as the interim chairperson of the Competition Authority.

Current director of the Authority's Advocacy Division, Mr Purcell will carry out his new role on a temporary basis during which time a recruitment process for a full-time chairperson will be held.

It comes as the Government says it will push ahead with the publication of the Competition Bill 2010 - which allows for the appointment of temporary members to the Competition Authority to fill vacancies.

Announcing Mr Purcell’s appointment, Enterprise Minister Batt O’Keeffe said: ‘Mr Purcell is exceptionally well qualified for this position and his long career in the public service and extensive economic expertise will continue to serve him well in his new position.

"I know that he will advance the competition agenda and ensure that the message of the benefits of competition for consumers, businesses and Government is delivered."