Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Ireland)

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food ( _ga. Aire Talmhaíochta, Iascach agus Bia) is the senior minister at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in the Government of Ireland.

The current Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is Brendan Smith, TD. He is assisted by:
*Tony Killeen, TD – Minister of State for Fisheries and Forestry.
*Trevor Sargent, TD – Minister of State for Food and Horticulture.

Historically, the agriculture portfolio has gone under a number of different names; the holder has often borne the title of simply Minister for Agriculture.

Overview

The Department's functions include:
*Policy advice and development on all areas of departmental responsibility
*Representation in international especially European Union and national negotiations;
*Development and implementation of national and EU schemes in support of agriculture, food, rural development and the rural environment.
*Monitoring and controlling aspects of food safety.
*Control and audit of public expenditure under its control.
*Regulation of the agriculture and food industries through national and EU law.
*Monitoring and controlling animal and plant health and animal welfare.
*Monitoring and direction of state bodies engaged in the following areas:
**Research training and advice.
**Market development and promotion.
**Industry regulation and development.
**Commercial activities.
*Direct provision of support services to agriculture and food.

List of office-holders

Footnotes

ee also

*Irish cabinets since 1919

External links

* [http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food]