The positions of chairman and director of the Competition Authority are to be advertised shortly, following the departures of Mr Paddy McNutt and Mr Bill Prasifka. The authority's chairman, Mr McNutt, confirmed yesterday he was leaving to work for Indecon, a Dublin-based firm of economic consultants. Mr Prasifka was appointed airports regulator last week.
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney, could appoint replacements without advertising the positions but has decided the posts should be advertised.
Mr McNutt, who was chairman of the authority for three years of a five-year term, said yesterday he had been offered a great opportunity to work in the private sector. Once he leaves his current £70,000 a year post, he will be advising private clients on competition and regulation.
Indecon, established in 1988, also advises Government departments on economic strategy.
Mr McNutt shrugged off suggestions that the authority's remit had been eroded recently, with the appointments of various regulators. He said competition acts took primacy under EU law. He added that there was enough work in the competition area for everybody.
