30th May 2023
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney TD, has announced the appointment of Declan Hughes as Secretary General of the Department following government approval earlier today.
Declan is currently serving as an Assistant Secretary at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with responsibility for Inward Investment and Enterprise Innovation. Declan has led on the development and implementation of a range of national and regional enterprise policies, sectoral strategies, and funding programmes. He is a Board member of IDA Ireland and of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and previously served on the Board of Enterprise Ireland, on the National Competitiveness Council, the Interim Public Procurement Reform Board and Food Wise Implementation Committee. Declan was formerly a member of the Executive Committee of the enterprise and science and technology policy agency, Forfás.
Minister Coveney said:
“I am delighted to welcome the appointment of Declan Hughes to the role of Secretary General here at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
“I have worked with Declan since my own arrival here at the Department in December on key issues in enterprise innovation and look forward to working with Declan now on the wider departmental brief.
“This is a vitally important role in terms of Ireland’s economy as we continue to implement the White Paper on Enterprise which will see the transition to a climate-neutral, sustainable and digitally connected Ireland.
“The Department has a key role in job creation, international trade, safeguarding workers and consumers and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace. The Secretary General’s leadership is crucial in ensuring the delivery of our ambitions across this large economic remit and I am confident that Declan will excel in this role and deliver for businesses, workers and consumers.
“I wish Declan every success in this role and look forward to working closely with him in achieving our goals and realising our ambitious vision for enterprise as set out in the White Paper.
“I would like to take this opportunity to also acknowledge the significant contribution of the outgoing Secretary General, Dr Orlaigh Quinn, and wish her well for the future.”
ENDS
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