NCA Board
The members of the board of the National Consumer Agency are:
Steven Costello (chair)
Steven Costello was appointed chairperson of the NCA in May 2007. He is a former chief executive of Marks & Spencer in Ireland, having started his career with the company in 1972. He was appointed chairman of the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland in January 2003. Previously, he chaired a range of other bodies including Business in the Community Ireland. He is also a past executive and council member of Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
Ann Fitzgerald
Ann Fitzgerald is the chief executive, having previously chaired the NCA on an interim basis. She is a former chief executive of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. She was Chair of the Consumer Strategy Group.
Inez Bailey: Director, National Adult Literacy Agency
Inez Bailey, a graduate of NUI Maynooth, is director of the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA). She has worked extensively in the area of adult and community education, in which area she holds a higher diploma, as well as a masters degree in history. She is co-author of Access and Participation in Adult Literacy Schemes.
Fergus J. Gallagher, Solicitor
Fergus has been in self-employed practice as a partner in Fitzpatrick, Gallagher, McEvoy Solicitors since 1996. He holds a BA Degree from University College Galway (1988) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from UCG (1990).
Deirdre McDonnell, Busineswoman
Deirdre McDonnell is managing director of OTS Ltd, which specialises in the provision of health and safety training to public bodies, semi-state bodies and multinationals. She is active in the Limerick Chamber of Commerce and local charities.
Neilus Moriarty, Consumer Representative and Community Activist
Neilus is involved in many community and voluntary organisations in the Killarney area and currently manages direct provision accommodation centres for asylum seekers and refugees in Killarney. He is a past chairman of the South West Regional Tourism Board.
David J. Pierce, Businessman
David is a qualified Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and has worked with Ulster Bank for 32 years most recently as Director Corporate Markets - Sales. He is a former President of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce (2004) and a former President of Chambers Ireland (2007/2008)
Dr Edward Shinnick, Academic
Edward Shinnick received his PhD from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow and is now a senior lecturer in Economics at University College Cork. His research areas include competition in markets and industries, competition policy and regulation. He has also conducted consultancy work and economic studies for both industry and policy bodies.
Robin O'Sullivan, Businessman
Robin is Chairman of O'Sullivan PR and has been a public relations practitioner since l969, following twelve years as a journalist and broadcaster with The Cork Examiner and RTE.
He has served as a board member of the Irish Film Board; director of the Cork Film Festival; and is a member of the Cork group of the Institute of Personnel Management. He is a past president of Chambers Ireland. In December 2003 he was made an Honorary Life Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland.
Patrick Desmond, Consumer Representative
Patrick Desmond has been employed in the private sector, health care industry for 21 years. He is an active member of the Cork Lions Club and is also involved with the Cork County Board of the GAA on a voluntary basis.
Marie Dalton
Marie is a full time chiropodist/podiatrist with over 20 years' experience. She was Administration Secretary to the Irish Chiropodists/Podiatrists Organisation from 1989-2009. She was then appointed General Secretary of the organisation.
Georgina Conroy
Georgina is a qualified Management Accountant (ACMA), who also holds a BA degree in Accounting and Finance. She works as an accountant with Enable Ireland and previously worked in the healthcare packaging industry.