Minister Donohoe reappoints Chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

The Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD, has reappointed Mr. Sebastian Barnes to the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, with effect from 1 January 2021. Mr. Barnes will continue to serve in his current role as Chairperson of the Council for the duration of his term, having been first appointed to role of full Chair of the Council in July this year. Mr. Barnes’ reappointment will ensure continuity of experience on the Council.

Minister Donohoe said:

‘I congratulate Mr. Barnes on his reappointment to the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council. His contribution to the work of the Council has enhanced the public debate and scrutiny that now takes place around complex fiscal and economic issues in Ireland. I wish Mr. Barnes continued success in his role as Chair’.

Biography

Mr. Sebastian Barnes is a Head of Division at the OECD Economics Department and former Counsellor to the Chief Economist. He joined the OECD in 2005 from the Bank of England. He holds a MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics, a Master’s Degree in European Political Economy from the College of Europe (Bruges), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford. Mr. Barnes was a founding member of the Council and he is now appointed Chair with immediate effect.