Former minister of state for children and youth affairs Barry Andrews has been appointed head of the international aid agency Goal. The announcement follows the recent retirement of former chief executive John O’Shea, who had founded the organisation and administered it for 35 years.
Mr O’Shea’s departure was precipitated by a High Court action he pursued to prevent the agency’s board from removing or suspending him. That action was settled last July, paving the way for his retirement at the end of August.
In a statement following the conclusion of those proceedings, it was announced that a mutually acceptable arrangement was agreed between the parties.
Goal chairman Pat O’Mahony last night welcomed the appointment of Mr Andrews who, the agency said, had a “wealth of experience in public policy, education and law”.
“I want to offer the warmest welcome to our new CEO Barry Andrews, as the organisation grows and remains true to its ethos to deliver aid to the poorest of the poor,” he said.
Mr Andrews, a barrister and father of three, served as minister of state between 2008 and 2011. “I am delighted to take up this new challenge with Ireland’s best and most effective humanitarian aid agency,” he said.
It is not the first high- profile involvement with humanitarian groups associated with the Andrews family. In 2009, his father David – a former minister for foreign affairs – stood down from his voluntary role as Irish Red Cross chairman after almost 10 years.
His decision corresponded with an internal governance report which recommended those holding the chair should step down after two consecutive terms.
Since its foundation in 1977, Goal has spent more than €720 million on across 50 countries.
