Workplace Relations Commission Appointments

Ireland WRC News

Published February 27th, 2026

Detected March 26th, 2026

Summary

Minister Alan Dillon announced the appointment of Kevin Foley as Chairperson and Rachael Ryan as a Board Member of Ireland's Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). These appointments, made under the Workplace Relations Act 2015, follow open recruitment processes and are for five and two years respectively, commencing March 2, 2026.

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What changed

Minister Alan Dillon has announced the appointment of Kevin Foley as the new Chairperson and Rachael Ryan as an Ordinary Member of the Board of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in Ireland. These appointments, effective March 2, 2026, were made under the Workplace Relations Act 2015 following open recruitment processes. Kevin Foley's term as Chairperson will last five years, while Rachael Ryan's term as a Board Member will be for two years.

These appointments are administrative and do not introduce new regulatory obligations for employers or employees. Compliance officers should note the new leadership at the WRC, which oversees industrial relations and dispute resolution in Ireland. The appointments are part of the normal functioning of the WRC and do not require any immediate action from regulated entities.

Source document (simplified)

Press Release

Friday, 27 February 2026

Minister of State for Employment, Small Business & Retail, Alan Dillon, has announced the appointment of Kevin Foley as Chairperson of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

Mr Foley becomes the third person to hold the position of Chairperson since the WRC was established on 1 October 2015. The appointment follows an open recruitment process conducted by the Public Appointments Service.

Mr Foley’s appointment is made under the Workplace Relations Act 2015. The term will run for five years, from 2 March 2026 to 1 March 2031.

Minister Dillon has also appointed Rachael Ryan as an Ordinary Member of the Board of the WRC, under the Workplace Relations Act 2015. The appointment is also as a result of an open recruitment process conducted by the Public Appointment Service. Her appointment will be for two years, from 2 March 2026 until 1 March 2028.

Speaking today, Minister Dillon said:

“I am very pleased to appoint Kevin Foley as Chairperson of the Workplace Relations Commission. Kevin brings a wealth of experience in industrial relations, dispute resolution and public service, built over many years at the highest levels of the State’s employment relations institutions. His leadership will be invaluable as the WRC continues its vital work in promoting fair, compliant and productive workplaces across the economy. I want to wish him every success in this important role.”

Minister Dillon added:

“I am also pleased to appoint Rachael Ryan to the Board of the WRC. Rachael brings significant expertise and understanding of workers’ rights and employment law. I wish her every success as a member of the Board.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Kevin Foley

Kevin Foley is an Irish industrial relations expert best known for serving as Chairman of the Labour Court, a role he held from July 2016 until his retirement in March 2025. During nearly a decade in the position, he was centrally involved in resolving major national disputes and several public and private sector industrial conflicts. His career in dispute resolution spans three decades, including work with the Labour Relations Commission—predecessor to the Workplace Relations Commission

Rachael Ryan

Rachael Ryan is the Head of the Legal Rights Unit at SIPTU, where she plays a leading role in advancing workers’ rights and shaping national policy on employment protections. Rachael is also a member of the Employment Law Review Group (ELRG).

ENDS