Organisational structure of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Michelle O’Neill MLA was appointed as Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Stormont Executive in May 2011.

The Department is headed by its Permanent Secretary, Mr Gerry Lavery who is also the Departmental Accounting Officer.  The Permanent Secretary is supported by four Deputy Secretaries and by the Chief Executives of the Rivers Agency and Forest Service.  

The work of the Department is co-ordinated and monitored by the Departmental Board.  The Board meet at least eight times a year to discuss Departmental business at a strategic level.  The Board consists of the Permanent Secretary, as Chair, plus 6 executive members and 2 independent, non-executive members.  

For more information on the membership and meetings of the Departmental Board follow the link below.