Staff at the Department of Agriculture were informed of the decision today.

Mr. Moran has overseen a number of issues during his term including CAP Health Check, the pork meat dioxin crisis in 2008, the horse meat scandal and the fodder crisis in 2013.

He served under several ministers, always providing them with well-informed briefs.

He leaves behind a formidable team who no doubt will have careers aspirations to Mr Moran’s soon-to-be-vacant position.

Assistant Secretary Aidan O'Driscoll is thought to be the frontrunner for the position. However, he will face strong competition from fellow Assistant Secretary Brendan Gleeson, who’s put in a strong performance in recent years, along with newcomer Paul Dillon who was appointed Assistant Secretary in late 2013.