Mr Paddy Teahon, secretary general of the Department of The Taoiseach, was presented with the Institute of Management Consultants in Ireland (IMCI)/Irish Times annual medal at a breakfast in Dublin yesterday. The award recognises distinguished service to industry and business. Previous recipients include former IDA Ireland chief executive Mr Kieran McGowan and former EU commissioner Mr Peter Sutherland.

The award to Mr Teahon, who retires next month from his position at the Department where he has been secretary general for seven years, was in recognition of his contribution to the public sector and his ability to keep open the links between the public service and industry, according to IMCI executive chairman Mr Robert Grier.

Mr Teahon has been an important contributor to the social partnership agreements and to the Northern Ireland peace talks. He is chairman of the co-ordinating group for the strategic management initiative in the public service, chairman of the National Economic and Social Council and of the International Financial Services Centre committee.