Prof Peter Clinch, who was economic adviser to former taoiseach Brian Cowen, has been appointed chairman of the National Competitiveness Council.

Announcing the appointment, Minister for Jobs and Enterprise Richard Bruton described Prof Clinch as “a highly-regarded economist with both national and international experience in providing economic analysis and policy advice to a wide range of bodies”.

Mr Bruton said he had discussed with Prof Clinch how he could add to the work of the council by providing advice on productivity as well as competitiveness issues.

Prof Clinch holds the Jean Monnet Chair of European Economic Integration and is also Professor of Public Policy at UCD.

He will replace Dr Don Thornhill who has completed his term as chairman. Martin Shanahan, chief executive of IDA Ireland, will fill the vacant position created by Dr Thornhill’s retirement from the council.

Other appointments to the board include Micheál Collins of the Nevin Economic Research Institute, and Kevin Callinan, deputy general secretary of Impact trade union.