Businessman Michael Carey has resigned as Chair of Enterprise Ireland and Chair of the Housing Agency.
Mr Carey is co-founder and Executive Chairman of biscuit producer ‘East Coast Bakehouse’.
In a statement, Mr Carey said it was with regret that he was announcing his resignation from the two voluntary unpaid/un-expensed state board positions.
“Recent media reports have highlighted late account filings with the CRO for our business East Coast Bakehouse, where I’m a major shareholder and executive chairman,” Mr Carey said.
“This has occurred due to management administrative errors.”
“The delay has been exacerbated by an unanticipated need for a decision by our board to change our auditors.”
“There is no suggestion of any financial issues at the company; the accounts for these periods are completed and the fully audited accounts are expected to be filed in the CRO by early July,” he added.
Mr Carey said that the issue of the late filing has received particular media attention due to his role as chairman of two state agencies.
“I accept personal responsibility for the failure of the business to comply with this corporate governance requirement and the heightened requirement to fully comply, as chairman of a number of state boards. A late filing fee will be paid as appropriate and actions have been taken to avoid any future reoccurrence.”
“In order to avoid embarrassment to the Ministers and any distraction from the crucially important jobs undertaken by these two agencies, I will step aside from these roles with immediate effect.”
“I will work with the board and CEOs of these agencies as/if required to facilitate a smooth transition,” Mr Carey said.
In a statement, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said a process will now commence through PublicJobs, the public appointments service, to appoint a new Chair.
Jim Woulfe, who currently sits on the board of Enterprise Ireland, is to act as interim Chair in advance of the formal process concluding.
“I would like to thank Michael Carey for his work and dedication to Irish enterprises over the last two years as Chair of Enterprise Ireland and wish him all the best in the future,” Mr Burke said.
Kevin Sherry, Interim CEO, Enterprise Ireland, thanked Mr Carey.
“Michael gave huge time and commitment as Chairman and was dedicated to supporting Irish exporting businesses at all stages of their development,” Mr Sherry said.
“Throughout his time as Chairman, he constantly focused on how our organisation can better support Irish businesses.”
“He brought the voice of the client and the insights of an entrepreneur to the table ensuring that clients were at the heart of every conversation,” he added.
The Housing Agency issued a statement thanking Mr Carey for his leadership.
“Michael has been a committed leader whose extensive experience and skills have been greatly appreciated by the Agency,” said Housing Agency CEO Martin Whelan.
“We thank him for his many years of service,” Mr Whelan said.
