Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2023
85. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the establishment of the office of the agrifood regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46848/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary legislation required to establish An Rialálaí Agraibhia, the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act was signed into law by President Higgins on 11th of July. This is a true delivery for me having spearheaded this initiative while in opposition, securing its inclusion in the programme for Government, advancing it through all stages of the legislative process and now into law.
This was a huge achievement and our focus since then has been on undertaking the necessary steps to formally establish the Office.
Concurrently with the legislative process a competition for the Chief Executive Officer of the regulator was carried out and Niamh Lenehan became CEO designate in May 2023. Ms Lenehan commenced her position on an interim basis as head of the Unfair Trading Practices Enforcement Authority (UTP EA). She shall become CEO on establishment day of the new regulator and all enforcement functions shall transfer from the UTP EA on this day.
In addition to taking over the UTP enforcement functions, the regulator will also provide a price and market analysis and reporting function to bring greater transparency all along the agri-food supply chain with a view to strengthening the position of primary producers and small businesses operating in the chain.
The next stage that must be completed before establishment is the appointment of the Board of An Rialálaí Agraibhia. A competition for the Chairperson and ordinary board members was advertised by State Boards on 25th of July. This competition is now closed and applications are currently being assessed and I expect to be able to announce the appointments in the near future.
In addition, work is well underway drafting the secondary legislation for the formal establishment of the office as well as the necessary logistics for the new regulator's accommodation, HR, ICT and Finance needs. Recruitment of additional staff is also underway. All of these are necessary steps so that the Office of the Regulator can be effective from its first day of establishment.
I want to assure the Deputy that the establishment of An Rialálaí Agraibhia is a priority for my Department and it is expected the office will be operational before the end of the year.
This will fulfil a major ambition set out in the Programme for Government.
