Competition Authority Chairperson Announces Departure to be Financial Services Ombudsman

15 February 2010

The Competition Authority has today announced the decision by its Chairperson, William Prasifka, to resign from his position to take up the role of Financial Services Ombudsman.

According to William Prasifka, “I’m looking forward to my new role as the Financial Services Ombudsman. I would like to pay particular tribute to the staff of the Competition Authority; it has been a privilege working with such a professional and dedicated team over the past four years. I’m really proud of what the Competition Authority has achieved in these years.

“The Competition Authority has secured over 30 successful prosecutions of cartels in home heating oil, Ford cars and Citroen cars. In addition, the Competition Authority has moved decisively to protect consumers in the High Court case against the Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) and Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) December 2008 recommendation on prices.

“The review of the Competition Act provides a great opportunity to adopt tougher penalties and build on this success in the fight against anti-competitive conduct.

“Competition policy has a vital role to play in the future direction of our economy. The Government’s commitment to respond to Competition Authority recommendations is yet another positive step for consumers. Indeed a large number of recommendations have been implemented over my years at the Authority.”

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

William Prasifka was appointed by The Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment to the position of Chairperson of the Competition Authority in April 2006. During his time at the Competition Authority he also served as a Board Member of the National Consumer Agency and the National Competitiveness Council.

He is a graduate of Columbia University School of Law and previously worked as the Irish Commissioner for Aviation Regulation, and was also a former Member of the Irish Competition Authority.

Prior to these appointments Mr. Prasifka was in the private practice of law, first in New York and then in Dublin, advising in the areas of Irish, European and American competition law.

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Contact Information

Janet McCoy,         Press Officer,                     The Competition Authority
Tel: 01 8045455       Mobile: 087 915 5406          email: jmcc@tca.ie

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