Orlaith Traynor

Ms Traynor’s appointment was announced by Children’s Minister Dr Roderic O’Gorman following a public appointments process.

A practising solicitor, Ms Traynor has extensive experience in adoption and family law. She previously served as deputy chairperson of the Board.

Sean O’Brien, who also has significant experience of family law, has been appointed as deputy chair. Professor Sheila Greene, an expert in child psychology, has been appointed as an ordinary board member.

Commenting on the appointments, Dr O’Gorman said: “I am very pleased to appoint Ms Traynor to be the next chairperson of the Adoption Authority of Ireland.

“When these posts were advertised by the Public Appointments Service we received a number of extremely strong applications, and I am confident that Ms Traynor will be an excellent chair of the Authority, at a time of great change in the complex and sensitive area of adoption.

“I am also very pleased to be appointing Mr O’Brien and Professor Green to the Board of the Authority. They bring a range of skills and expertise to the Board which will ensure the best outcomes for children and families.”

He added: “I am truly grateful to the outgoing chairperson, Dr Geoffrey Shannon, who has served as chair since the foundation of the Authority in 2010.

“During his time as chair, Dr Shannon has shown great commitment to the Authority, and to ensuring that the best interests of children are paramount in all of its work. I would like to wish him all the best for the future.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Ms Anne O’Flaherty, who served on the Board of the Authority since 2013. Her commitment to the work of the Authority, along with her experience and expertise in psychology, were much appreciated. I would also like to wish her the best with her future endeavours.”