The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Irish: An tAire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara) is a senior minister in the Government of Ireland and leads the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Historically, the agriculture portfolio has gone under a number of different names; the holder has often borne the title of simply Minister for Agriculture.

The current Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is Charlie McConalogue. He is assisted by two Ministers of State:

• Senator Pippa Hackett – Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity
• Martin Heydon, TD – Minister of State for Research & Development, Farm Safety and New Market Development^[1][2]

The department's functions include:

• Policy advice and development on all areas of departmental responsibility
• Representation in international especially European Union and national negotiations;
• Development and implementation of national and EU schemes in support of agriculture, fisheries, forestry and rural development.
• Monitoring and controlling aspects of food safety.
• Control and audit of public expenditure under its control.
• Regulation of the agriculture, fisheries and food industries through national and EU law.
• Monitoring and controlling animal and plant health and animal welfare.
• Monitoring and direction of state bodies engaged in the following areas:
  • Research training and advice.
  • Market development and promotion.
  • Industry regulation and development.
  • Commercial activities.
• Direct provision of support services to agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

Note