The chief executive of the industrial development agency Forfás, Mr John Travers, is to step down step down from his position early next year.
Tributes were paid today to Mr Travers eight-year tenure during which industrial policy evolved to encompass a far greater focus on technology and science.
The Chairman of Forfás, Mr Peter Cassells, said the Board of Forfás had accepted Mr Travers decision to step down with reluctance.
"He is one of the most able and dynamic public servants I have met and has played a crucial role in the economic development and industrialisation of this country," Mr Cassells said.
The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, said Mr Travers had made an "extraordinary contribution" to the development and implementation of Ireland's economic science, technology and industrial policies.
"John Travers has made an enormous contribution to Ireland's economic progress over his many years of public service," she said.
In 1987, Mr Travers was a member of the team involved in the negotiation and writing of the Programme for National Recovery.
In his role as Chief Executive of Forfás, he presided over the preparation and publication in 1996 of the State’s first medium term enterprise strategy.
He also acted as Director-General of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) during in its first year. The initial composition of the SFI board, which will distribute over £500 million over a six-year period was announced today.
The agencies within Forfás include the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, the National Competitiveness Council, the Irish Council for Science Technology and Innovation, Science Foundation Ireland and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs.
Mr Travers said he felt that the time was right "to pass the baton" and that he expects to take up advisory positions in business strategy formulation and research and & development.
Mr Cassells said Forfás would start a wide-ranging search for a new Chief Executive.