MR Paul Haran has been appointed Secretary of the Department of Enterprise and Employment with effect from July 1st, 1997. He succeeds Mr Kevin Bonner, who is retiring to pursue a career in the private sector.

Mr Haran (39) is one of the youngest ever Department secretaries. He has been assistant secretary in the Department since 1994 in charge of the corporate services and economic policy divisions. His appointment was confirmed by the Government yesterday following a recommendation from the Top Level Appointments Committee.

Most of Mr Haran's career in the civil service was spent in the Revenue Commissioners in information technology and policy analysis roles. He was special adviser to the former Minister for Industry and Commerce, Mr Des O'Malley, from 1989 to 1992. He is married with four children.

Mr Bonner retires after a lengthy career in the public service. He has completed his seven-year term as Department secretary, first of the Department of Labour and then the Department of Enterprise and Employment.