New Secretary General at Department of Agriculture named

Brendan Gleeson has been named as the new Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture, by Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Michael Creed, following approval by the Government.

Minister Creed said: “I am delighted to welcome Brendan Gleeson as Secretary General of my department; he has been an important part of the department’s senior management team for a number of  years and I am confident that under his stewardship the department can continue to deliver for the Irish agriculture, food and fisheries sectors. 

In his most recent role as Assistant Secretary, Brendan Gleeson had responsibility for EU and International Affairs, and Brexit; previously he has been responsible for the development of the livestock  and food sectors, and he played a prominent role in delivering a significant reform of the Common Agricultural Policy during Ireland’s presidency of the European Union in 2013.  

"While this is a time of some uncertainty, I am confident that, under his leadership, and given his vast experience the department will overcome the challenges facing it and capitalise on the opportunities ahead. I wish to acknowledge the leadership and ambition shown by Aidan O’Driscoll while he was Secretary General of my Department and I wish him well in his new appointment. I would also like to thank Kevin Smyth for running the Department in the interim period to today.”

Brendan Gleeson has served in a number of Government Departments and in the European Commission. Currently responsible for  International Trade, EU Affairs, Brexit and Dairy Controls , he has also had responsibility as Assistant Secretary General for the development of the food and livestock sectors, Horse and Greyhound Racing Development and is a member of the Teagasc Authority.