Gildernew appoints new Livestock and Meat Commission chair

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has announced the appointment of a new Chairman to the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC).

Mr Patrick O’Rourke has been appointed as Chairman for three years effective from 7 May 2009 to 6 May 2012.

Confirming the new appointment the Minister said: “The Livestock and Meat Commission has an important role to fulfil as it develops a strategy to ensure the future sustainability of the livestock industry, including that of many beef and sheep farmers.

“Patrick will bring a fresh perspective to this work and provide impetus to the good work progressed by the outgoing Chairman in relation to the Red Meat Task Force. The new Chairman has a vital role to play, is ready to do so, and I would encourage producers and processors to engage with him on the challenges which they face.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Mr Pat O’Rourke has worked as Marketing and Public Relations Manager with the Irish Concrete Federation. He is a past Chairman of Longford Community Resources and past President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association. He has also been a Board Member of both An Bord Bia and the Irish Dairy Board. In these positions he gained experience in contributing to the strategic direction of an organisation and engaging with stakeholders, government and political representatives. Mr O’Rourke holds no other public appointments and is an active member of the Fianna Fail Political Party.

2. The above appointment is based on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

3. The Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC), which was established in 1967, has the general duty of assisting the development of the livestock (cattle and sheep) and livestock products sectors of the Northern Ireland agri-food industry. It provides a range of services to producers and meat traders including market intelligence and promotion and beef and lamb carcase classification. It also administers the Farm Quality Assurance Scheme and market support arrangements for beef and lamb in Northern Ireland (the latter as agent of the Rural Payments Agency). It is currently spear-heading the work of the Red Meat Task Force.

4. The appointment is made under section one of the Livestock Marketing Commission Act (Northern Ireland) 1967. The appointment has been made in accordance with the Commissioner of Public Appointments for Northern Ireland Code of Practice.

5. The post attracts a remuneration of £17,315 per annum.

6. All media queries to DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619.