The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD and the Minister for Business and Employment, Pat Breen TD, today (Tuesday) have announced the outcome of the competitive processes to fill the critical leadership positions of Chairman of the Labour Court and Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The announcement follows two separate Public Appointments Service selection processes conducted over recent months.

Mr Kevin Foley, currently a Deputy Chairman in the Labour Court, has been selected as Chairman of the Court and Ms. Oonagh Buckley, currently Assistant Secretary on Pay and Pensions Policy in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, has been selected as Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission.  

Minister Mitchell O’Connor said: “I wish both Oonagh Buckley and  Kevin Foley every success in their new roles. I know they will make an invaluable contribution in the years ahead to ensuring our industrial relations machinery operates effectively and that employment rights of workers are fully respected.”  

“Following the reforms completed in 2015, Ms Buckley and Mr Foley will lead a new era in delivery of workplace relations in Ireland.”

The reforms saw the creation of the WRC as the single point of access at first instance for industrial relations and employment rights issues and the expansion and positioning of the Labour Court as the single appellate body.

 Minister Breen said “The Labour Court has earned the trust and confidence of users of its services since its establishment and I believe Mr. Foley will continue with that sound tradition. The WRC has a broad expanse of functions that are critical to ensuring harmonious industrial relations and the protection of workers’ rights. I believe Ms. Buckley will provide the leadership and vision to ensure the WRC, as a new body, successfully delivers on its very challenging mandate.”  
Shannon Chamber looks forward to linking with both incumbents in the months ahead.