DAA boss Kenny Jacobs says he 'wants to stay' in role and work with board

"Speaking exclusively to the Irish Independent, Mr Jacobs confirmed that he is willing to enter further mediation with a view to staying on as chief executive of the semi-state airport operator. The DAA board and CEO had previously agreed an exit deal, reached following mediation, that would see Mr Jacobs leave his contract early and receive a €1m exit package. While the deal was struck weeks ago but Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien has not yet signed off on it."

""The Minister is not signing and that is his prerogative," said Mr Jacobs following an aviation event in Dublin. He added: "I respect the Minister's decision. I'm more than happy to continue in the role and I'm more than happy to engage with board to work things out." Mr O'Brien has also told the DAA board that he would prefer that the board and Mr Jacobs to reconcile. However, the board has told the Minister that its position regarding Mr Jacobs has not changed."

"It had been anticipated that Mr Jacobs leave his role in January and receive a near €1m payment, once the package was approved by Mr O'Brien and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers. It's believed that Mr O'Brien does not want to set a precedent of a Minister having to intervene in board disputes, however. Mr Jacobs and the DAA board, whose chair is Basil Geoghegan, have been at odds after two complaints were made about the CEO via protected disclosures."

DAA chief executive Mr Jacobs said he is willing to enter further mediation and is willing to continue in the role. The DAA board and Mr Jacobs previously agreed an exit deal after mediation that would let him leave early with a €1m exit package, but Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien has not signed off. The Minister prefers reconciliation, yet the board maintains its position. The exit package anticipated approval by Mr O'Brien and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers. Two protected-disclosure complaints were investigated and dismissed. A further complaint has been lodged through a board member. Mr Jacobs declined to comment on the latest complaint.

Read at Irish Independent