Dr John Fingleton has been reappointed chairman of the Competition Authority.
Announcing the reappointment, the Minister for Enterprise Micheál Martin said he was "delighted" that Dr Fingleton has decided to stay at the post.
Since taking up the post in May, 2000, Dr Fingleton has presided over a period of significant change and development at the authority. The watchdog's powers were beefed up by the Competition Act of 2002; since then it has taken a number of legal actions against ant-competitive practices.
"These legislative changes, allied to substantially increased staffing and funding levels in recent years, are reflective of a modern and dynamic economy," the Minister said.
"Better competition and more rigorous enforcement of competition law, benefits business and consumers alike. I look forward to working with Dr. Fingleton in developing this agenda over the coming years."