Minister Burke announces appointment of new Chair of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council

The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, is pleased to confirm the appointment of Professor Alan Barrett as the new Chair of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC), effective 1 January 2026.

Professor Barrett succeeds Dr Frances Ruane, whose term as Chair has now concluded.

Professor Barrett currently serves as a Research Professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and previously held the position of ESRI CEO from 2015 to 2025.

Commenting on the appointment, Minister Burke said,

“I welcome the appointment of Professor Barrett and look forward to working with him through the Council. The NCPC has played a vital role in shaping the national conversation on Ireland’s competitiveness and productivity, particularly through its annual Competitiveness Challenge reports. I wish Professor Barrett every success in his new role.”

The Minister also expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Chair,

“I would like to sincerely thank Dr Frances Ruane for her leadership, expertise and dedication throughout her six-year term. Her contribution to the Council’s work has been significant and greatly valued."