A local TD has called for the new Agri-Food Regulator to be operational as soon as possible.
Legislation to establish the new Regulator was passed in July, but the office is not yet up and running.
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said that the new Regulator will be operational by the end of this year, in a response to a query in the Dáil from Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane last week.
Deputy Kerrane said that she understands applications are also being considered for the Board of An Rialálaí Agraibhia, which the Minister stated will be announced ‘in the near future’.
While Deputy Kerrane welcomed the Minister’s confirmation that these key stages are underway, she said that it is crucial that the new Agri-Food Regulator is operational as soon as possible.
“Farmers and producers have waited long enough for the establishment of a long-promised Regulator. Its need was particularly highlighted during protests by producers at factory gates in 2019 – four years ago,” said the Sinn Féin TD.
“There is no more room for shifting timelines on this, we now need to see the office up and running as a priority for the Minister and his Department.”
