The first chief executive of the National Consumer Agency (NCA), whose appointment was announced yesterday, says her main aim will be to redress the balance in favour of consumers.
A former novice nun, Ann Fitzgerald says the new agency will focus on the main areas of consumer harm in society, and will use new legislation to ensure that consumers get a fair deal.
Ms Fitzgerald (56) has been centrally involved in the creation of consumer structures over the past three years. In 2004, she chaired the Consumer Strategy Agency which recommended the setting up of a consumer agency with stronger powers, and she was then given the role of chairing the new body. Since May, when the NCA was put on a statutory footing, she has served as acting chief executive.
From Sneem, Co Kerry, she was appointed following an open competition which attracted 25 applicants.
Minister for Enterprise Michael Martin welcomed Ms Fitzgerald's appointment, and expressed the hope the NCA would act as a strong voice for consumers.
NCA chairman Stephen Costello said Ms Fitzgerald had worked tirelessly as a consumer champion in recent years.
Ms Fitzgerald is a director of the Irish Takeover Panel, the National Development Finance Agency and the Personal Injuries Assessment Board.
