The aim of the review is to improve the way in which the two departments regulate the agri-food sector so that the cost of compliance is reduced.
The panel will comprise Mr Michael Dowling (Chair), Mr David Graham, and Dr Brian Jack.
Commenting on the launch of the review, Agriculture Minister Gildernew said: “I am determined to reduce the burden of red tape on the agri-food sector here, and to that end I have worked closely with my executive colleague Arlene Foster to set up this review group. We have tasked the panel to report back in six months with a package of practical proposals which will deliver a 25% reduction in the burden of regulation over the next five years.”
Environment Minister Arlene Foster said: “I am conscious that much of the burden on the sector arises from environmental as well as farming and food-related regulations and I have already taken steps to reduce the bureaucracy imposed on farmers by allowing agricultural waste exemptions to be included on next year's IACS forms.
"To further reduce burdens on the agri-food sector a joined-up approach is essential and this review is a good example of two departments collaborating under devolution to tackle a common problem.”
The objective of cutting the administrative burden on farmers and agri-food business by 25% is a commitment in the draft Programme for Government.
Annex 1 Review Panel Pen Pictures
Mr Michael Dowling (Chair)
Michael Dowling is currently the Head of Agri Strategy, Allied Irish Banks. He is also a Non-executive Director of Kerry Group plc and Chairman of the Group Audit Committee, the Chairman of the Conciliation Body of the European Commission and a visiting Professor in the Faculty of Food Science and Technology, National University of Ireland, Cork.
From 1989 to 1997 Michael was Secretary General of the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and had previously held a number of posts in the Department, which included Assistant Secretary responsible for EU and international trade policy, Head of Milk Policy Division, and Head of Agri-monetary Unit.
Michael is a graduate of University College Dublin (BA and Diploma in Public Administration).
Mr David Graham OBE
David Graham was educated at Portoro Royal School and Loughry College and later obtained a BA in Business Studies from Jordanstown. After joining Fane Valley Co-op Society Ltd in 1968 he held various positions before becoming Chief Executive in 1989. He retired from that position in March 2007. During his career he held many industry positions including Chairman of the Northern Ireland Dairy Association, President of the British Oat and Barley Millers Association, and Chairman of various co-operative bodies. He was also a member of the Vision Group set up by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2000. He is currently a member of the Board of One51 plc, and a member of the audit committee. In addition he is Treasurer of Rural Support, and a member of the Action MS CAP Committee.
Dr Brian Jack
Dr Brian Jack graduated in law from the University of East Anglia in 1986. In 1988 he was admitted as a solicitor to the Law Society of Northern Ireland. The University of Exeter awarded him the degree of LLM in European Legal Studies in 1994 and in 2000 he completed PhD research, into environmental regulation within the Common Agricultural Policy, at the University of Wales. Having initially worked in Northern Ireland as a solicitor in private practice, he spent one year as a lecturer in law at the University of Derby and five years as first a tutor and subsequently a lecturer in law at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth before being appointed to the post of lecturer in law at Queen’s University in 2001. His principal teaching and research interests lie in the areas of European Community law and environmental law. He is member of the management board of the Environmental and Planning Law Association and of the editorial board of the Environmental Law Review. He is also a member of the United Kingdom Environmental Law Association and of the Agricultural Law Association.
Notes to Editors:
Pen pictures of the Panels members are appended. The full terms of reference of the Review are available on the DARD and DOE websites at: www.dardni.gov.uk/index/strategies-reports-accounts/better-regulation.htm or www.doeni.gov.uk
All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
