Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has appointed Jackie Cahill as chair designate of the National Milk Agency.

Cahill, who is from Co. Tipperary, is a former Fianna Fáil TD and chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture.

In October 2024, he announced that he would not seek re-election in the general election on personal grounds following health advice.

He had served as a TD in Tipperary from 2016 to 2024.

Cahill is a former president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA).

He is also a former chair of the National Dairy Council (NDC), along with being a former member of Bord Bia and the European Milk Board (EMB).

National Milk Agency

The National Milk Agency was established under the Milk (Regulation of Supply) Act, 1994 to regulate the supply of milk for liquid consumption throughout the state.

Denis Murphy confirmed in the organisation's 2024 annual report that it would be his last as chair of the National Milk Agency. He had held the role since 1994.

Following an assessment process by the Public Service Appointment Service (PAS), a shortlist of candidates for the position was presented to Minister Heydon.

The minister selected Jackie Cahill as chair designate of the National Milk Agency.

The term of office is for an initial period of 3 years with an option to extend for one further term of 5 years.

People who are proposed for appointment as chairperson of a body or agency under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), may be invited to appear before Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food.

Jackie Cahill is due to appear before the committee tomorrow afternoon. He will be joined by Dr. Muiris Ó Céide, chief executive officer of the National Milk Agency.

In a separate session, members of the committee will hear from chair designate of the Irish National Stud, David Mongey.

Speaking ahead of the meeting Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Aindrias Moynihan said:

"Our committee looks forward to this initial engagement with both chairpersons designate Mr. Cahill and Mr. David Mongey and to our future meetings with the National Milk Agency and the Irish National Stud in order to continue to foster our well-established relationships with both organisations".

"We will take this opportunity to discuss with those attending, the plans and strategies that they intend to bring to their positions, once appointed and we will welcome their perspectives on the challenges they see facing them in the roles in the future," he added.