NEW EXECUTIVE CHAIRPERSON OF IRISH FISHERIES PROTECTION AGENCY

New executive chairperson of Irish fisheries protection agency. Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has announced the appointment of Mr Paschal Hayes as Executive Chairperson and member of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). The appointment follows the recent Public Appointments Service (PAS) open recruitment process.

The Executive Chair of the independent Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) will lead and guide the SFPA organisation over the coming years and will be responsible for securing efficient and effective enforcement of sea fisheries and food safety law; promoting compliance while detecting and deterring contraventions.

Paschal Hayes has most recently worked as Principal Officer in the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine and led the Irish Managing Authority for the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF). In this role he has facilitated the sustainable development of the Irish seafood sector through delivery of Ireland’s European Maritime & Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Operational Programme and management of sustainable inshore fisheries in compliance with the Common Fisheries Policy and environmental law. He also led the successful multiannual project to remediate Haulbowline Island. His previous responsibilities included licensing and registration of Ireland’s Fishing Fleet and management of the six-state owned Fishery Harbour Centres (FHCs) at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Dingle, Killybegs and Ros an Mhíl. Paschal holds a BSc and a Diploma in Information Technology from Dublin City University and a Master’s degree in Government and Public Policy from University College Cork.

Announcing the appointment, the Minister stated:

“I am pleased to appoint Paschal Hayes as Executive Chairperson of the SFPA. I am confident that Paschal will meet the exacting standards of public sector leadership required for this complex and evolving regulatory sector and that he will manage and lead the SFPA over the coming years to ensure a sustainable and compliant industry that supports coastal communities dependant on fishing and secures our fish stocks for future generations of fishers.”

Mr Hayes will take up his new post on 14th January.