Seamus Coffey appointed as chair of Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

Cork-based economist was previously chairman of the budgetary body between 2017 and 2019

Seamus Coffey replaces Prof Michael McMahon who has been acting chair since the departure of former chairman Sebastian Barnes last July. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Economist Seamus Coffey has returned for a second stint as chairman of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (Ifac).

Mr Coffey, a lecturer in economics at University College Cork, was previously chairman of the budgetary body between 2017 and 2019.

Minister for Finance Jack Chambers said he had been appointed from a shortlist of candidates following an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service.

His four-year term of office will begin with immediate effect with the possibility of reappointment for up to two further terms.

READ MORE

Mr Coffey was appointed by the then government to undertake a review of Ireland’s corporation tax code in 2016. He also served on the Commission on Pensions and is a member of the National Economic and Social Council and current president of the Irish Economic Association.

In his role as chair of the council, Mr Coffey will receive a daily income of €684 for a maximum of 96 days a year.

He replaces Prof Michael McMahon who has been acting chair since the departure of former chairman Sebastian Barnes last July.

“I am keenly aware of the important role that the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council plays in our budgetary process,” Mr Chambers said.

“Mr Coffey brings a wealth of experience to the role of chair and I know he will continue to ensure that the council continues to make an important contribution to the public discourse around the many fiscal and economic challenges facing the State,” he said.

Eoin Burke-Kennedy

Eoin Burke-Kennedy

Eoin Burke-Kennedy is Economics Correspondent of The Irish Times