28/01/2002

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)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

18 July 2024
Good Relation Plans Needed After Broadway Unrest - Alliance
Alliance Executive Office Spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw, has warned that unrest in South Belfast highlights the urgency of reviewing Good Relations programmes and delivering an enhanced Good Relations Strategy.
15 January 2004
Belfast City Council launches 'good relations' strategy
Belfast City Council has launched a strategy aimed at helping stamp out racism and sectarianism in the city.
14 June 2010
Top Journalism Awards Presented
Three veterans of the NI media have been recognised for their years of service to the sector, including Deric Henderson of the Press Association (pictured) who has been awarded the Journalist of the Year title.
17 October 2003
Racial attacks condemned by Good Relations chairman
The Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Steering Panel has condemned the recent upsurge in racial attacks across Northern Ireland. Councillor Tom Ekin said the attacks demonstrated how much work needed to be done to change attitudes across the province.
13 October 2003
Conference focuses on employment law
A half-day conference focusing on recent developments in employment law could help reduce the number of small and medium sized companies (SME’s) in the north-west that fall foul of employment legislation.