The Agri-Food Regulator has announced the establishment of a new legal and research unit as the organisation continues to expand its capabilities and statutory functions.

The announcement marks a further step in the development of the Agri-Food Regulator, strengthening its in-house expertise as its regulatory, enforcement, research and policy responsibilities continue to evolve.

With 20 years’ experience working across regulated industries in private practice, as in-house counsel and in public service, Ciara O’Gorman, a solicitor, will lead the provision of comprehensive legal advice across the regulator while overseeing legal and policy research relating to its enforcement powers, data collection and transparency objectives.

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Delighted

Prior to joining the Agri-Food Regulator, she worked with the Data Protection Commission as part of its large-scale inquiries team.

“I’m delighted to take on this new role at an important stage in the regulator’s development," she said. "A strong legal and research function will be central to supporting the organisation as its work continues to evolve, and to advancing greater transparency and fairness across Ireland’s agri-food supply chain.”

Bringing with her a strong research background in Irish agriculture and agricultural policy, Anne Hayden has been appointed as policy and research officer within the new legal and research unit.

Hayden is the ninth generation of her family to be involved in agriculture and brings a deep-rooted understanding of the sector to her role, alongside a longstanding interest in the wider agri-food supply chain.

Growth and delivery

Commenting on the appointments, Niamh Lenehan, chief executive officer of the Agri-Food Regulator, said: “The establishment of the legal and research unit is a significant development in the Agri-Food Regulator’s current stage of growth.

"Together, these appointments will supplement the specialist expertise in the organisation as we continue to grow and deliver on the regulator’s statutory remit. I look forward to working with them both.”