Teagasc Authority Appointments

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mary Coughlan T.D., has appointed Martin Heraghty to the Teagasc Authority for a five-year term. Martin is assistant secretary general at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, with responsibility for food, crops policy and corporate affairs. During his career with the Department he has worked in several divisions, including the beef policy unit, and the press office. His appointment to the Teagasc Authority, effective from 26 September 2007 is for a five-year period. Teagasc Chairman, Dr Tom O' Dwyer, welcomed and congratulated Martin on his appointment to the Board.

Jim Beecher, assistant secretary general at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has completed two terms on the Teagasc Board. Teagasc Chairman Dr O Dwyer paid tribute to Jim, who was first appointed to the Authority in August 1996, for his excellent and dedicated service during his 11 years on the Teagasc Board. He said: "I would like to thank Jim for his loyalty and commitment to Teagasc during his time on the Board. He made an excellent contribution and constructive input to the organisation over the years."

Dr O' Dwyer congratulated Professor Patrick Fottrell and Derek Deane on their reappointments to the Teagasc Authority. Professor Fottrell is chairman of Science Foundation Ireland and former president of National University of Ireland, Galway. He has been appointed for a further five-year term on the Board, effective from 28 September 2007. Derek Deane, deputy president of IFA, joined the Teagasc Authority in May 2006 and has been reappointed for a further five-year term, effective from 24 September last.