Northern Ireland Labour Relations Agency chairman appointed

The Northern Ireland Labour Relations Agency has announced Patrick McCartan as their new chairman.

Mr McCartan succeeds the retiring Chairman, Professor Desmond Rea OBE, who currently presides over the 19-member Policing Board which supervises the new Police Service of Northern Ireland.

The Minister for Employment and Learning, Carmel Hanna, announced the three-year contract on Monday January 28.

The Minister said: “The Labour Relations Agency (LRA) is a key player in the economic life of Northern Ireland. Our companies, large and small, and in all sectors, need good relations in the workplace if they are to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. By providing expert advice and spreading good practice, the LRA has a major contribution to make in this area. When disputes or individual difficulties do arise, the Agency’s conciliation services have a vital role in tackling the issues and getting them resolved quickly, to the benefit of everyone involved.

“Mr McCartan has the skills and experience to provide sound and innovative leadership for the Agency. I wish him every success in this important role.”

Mr McCartan, who is 56 years old, has been a senior lecturer at the University of Ulster for the past seven years. He lectures in Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, Management Development and Business Improvement.

Mr McCartan has held a number of public appointments and positions in the voluntary sector and in the Trade Union movement. He is currently Chairman of the North & West Belfast H&SS Trust. (AMcE)