The Agri-Food Regulator is strengthening its capabilities with a new legal and research unit as it expands its statutory role.

The regulator says the move will bolster in-house expertise as its regulatory, enforcement, research and policy role expands.

The agency investigates unfair trading practices, conducts unannounced inspections, and enforces supply chain laws.

Legal and research

Ciara O’Gorman has joined the organisation as head of legal and research, while Anne Hayden has been appointed as policy and research officer.

In her new role, O’Gorman will lead the provision of in-house legal advice across the regulator, while overseeing legal and policy research relating to its enforcement powers, data collection and transparency objectives.

O’Gorman is a solicitor with 20 years’ experience working across regulated industries in private practice, as in-house counsel and in public service.

She has held senior legal and compliance roles with international insurance firms.

Prior to joining the Agri-Food Regulator, she worked with the Data Protection Commission as part of its large-scale inquiries team.

O’Gorman said: “I’m delighted to take on this new role at an important stage in the regulator’s development.

“A strong legal and research function will be central to supporting the organisation as its work continues to evolve, and to advancing greater transparency and fairness across Ireland’s agri-food supply chain.”

Policy and research

Anne Hayden, who has been appointed policy and research officer within the new legal and research unit, brings a research background in Irish agriculture and agricultural policy, with expertise in the regional impacts of climate mitigation measures.

She is the ninth generation of her family to be involved in agriculture.

Niamh Lenehan, CEO of the Agri-Food Regulator, said the establishment of the legal and research unit is "a significant development" for the Agri-Food Regulator.

“Ciara O’Gorman brings extensive legal and regulatory experience that strengthens our in-house legal and research capacity and will enhance organisational resilience, responsiveness and capacity to meet evolving legislative and stakeholder expectations.

“Anne Heydon’s expertise in agricultural research and policy will further strengthen the unit’s evidence and research base," she said.