New secretary-general appointed at Department of Agriculture
Sinéad McPhillips, the newly appointed secretary-general at the Department of Agriculture.
Sinéad McPhillips has been appointed the new secretary-general at the Department of Agriculture, following approval by the Government.
Ms McPhillips is currently assistant secretary-general for EU, UK and International Affairs in the department, with responsibilities including leading on agri-food negotiations at the EU level, implementing Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan, and managing the department’s overseas network.
Speaking on the appointment, agriculture minister Martin 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’."
Ms McPhillips previously served as assistant secretary-general with responsibility for agri-food strategy and sectoral development, and as the department's chief economist.
Ms McPhillips holds a masters degree in international human rights law and in economic science.
The period ahead will be characterised by major developments in policy at an 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 focus.
The department plans to cover a wide range of topics that extend to the negotiation of policy at the 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.
