Appointment of Sinéad McPhillips as Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- Foilsithe: 17 Meán Fómhair 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 17 Meán Fómhair 2025
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has today announced the appointment of Sinéad McPhillips as the new Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, following approval by the Government.
Minister Heydon said:
“I am delighted to welcome Sinéad as Secretary General of my Department. Sinéad has been a senior leader in the Department for the last decade, and I am confident that under her leadership the Department can continue to deliver for the Irish agriculture, food, forestry and fisheries sectors. I look forward to working closely with Sinéad as we deliver on our commitments in the Programme for Government – ‘Securing Ireland’s Future’."
Sinéad McPhillips is currently Assistant Secretary General for EU, UK and International Affairs in the Department, with responsibilities including leading on agri-food negotiations at EU level, implementing Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan; and managing the Department’s overseas network. Sinéad previously served as Assistant Secretary General with responsibility for agri-food strategy and sectoral development and as the Department’s Chief Economist. Her qualifications include Masters degrees in International Human Rights Law and in Economic Science.
The period ahead will be characterised by profound developments in policy at EU level, including through new Common Fisheries and Agriculture Policies. Ireland will hold the Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2026, and the preparations for and execution of this responsibility will be a significant focus.
The Department and its agencies have an extraordinarily broad remit that extends to the negotiation of policy at EU and international level, the provision of economic and environmental supports, the provision of public good laboratory services, and the implementation of regulatory functions in relation to food safety, animal and plant health, animal welfare, forestry, fisheries management, and the environment.
Minister Heydon said:
"I am confident that under the skilful leadership of Sinéad McPhillips, and through the development and effective implementation of appropriate policy, the Department can provide a platform for a sector that delivers for the Irish economy, for rural and coastal communities, and for economic, environmental and social sustainability.
The Minister continued:
"I wish to acknowledge the leadership and dedication shown by Brendan Gleeson over his seven years as Secretary General of my Department and I wish him well in his retirement. Brendan leaves a remarkable legacy - he has supported a culture of positive engagement and teamwork amongst the Department’s 4,000 people, and has worked collaboratively with the wider agri-food and fisheries sector to advance sustainability in all its dimensions. I wish him all the best for his retirement, and hope that he will enjoy having more time to spend on the beautiful Beara peninsula where his family originally comes from."
Notes for editors
The appointment follows a competition undertaken by the Public Appointments Service on behalf the Top Level Appointments Commission (TLAC).
In accordance with TLAC arrangements for Secretaries General the appointment is for a seven-year term.
