“Forestry and horticulture are hugely important sectors for our economy and for our society and, of course, farm safety rightly permeates all the work we do. My Department is committed to developing and maintaining vibrant forestry and horticulture sectors in support of the achievement of our national climate and biodiversity goals and food security, while also addressing the social, environmental and economic needs of communities and the wider rural economy. I look forward to working with Minister Collins as he takes up this challenging but vital brief.”

“Since becoming Minister, I have had the privilege of working collaboratively with the Ministers of State in my Department and look forward to continuing this with Minister Collins as we work together to achieve the goals set out in the Department’s statement of strategy.”

“I am delighted to take up this role, and I look forward to working with my new Ministerial colleagues as I continue the momentum to achieve the ambitious objectives set out in the Department’s forestry and horticulture strategies. I am particularly looking forward to working to foster a positive culture in relation to farm safety and promoting the physical health and mental wellbeing of the farming community, an area of huge importance.”

“I congratulate the new Minister and am keen to support him through my work in the areas of research and development and food promotion, in particular.”

“Minister Collins’ previous position as Minister of State at the Department of Justice, and prior to that at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, ensures that he brings invaluable experience to his new position. I am fortunate to know the new Minister well and am delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside him now in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.”