November 12th 2006

Public Bodies Eye Awards Glory [Brian Carey,Sunday Times]

TWO public-sector organisations, the Pensions Board and Dublin Port, rank among the five finalists shortlisted for the PA Consulting Management Awards, in association with The Sunday Times, writes Brian Carey.

The shortlist also includes Netwatch, the Carlow security company that monitors premises using the internet, the magazine and online publisher Autotrader Ireland and Symantec, the American software company. Winners of the two awards will be announced by Bertie Ahern this week.

The presence of the two public bodies on the list is "a reflection on the quality and depth of management within Ireland's public sector", said Colm Reilly, managing director of PA Consulting. "This is an important indicator of how Ireland is becoming more competitive in all aspects of our economy". The Pensions Board was shortlisted partly for its work in pushing pension provision to the top of the agenda in Irish public life.

Dublin Port's efforts in restructuring its operations and retraining its staff was recognised in its nomination. Autotrader was shortlisted for its strategic approach to the successful relaunch of the motor magazine in the Irish market.