The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) announced the appointment of its new chair today. Martin Higgins, who led Safefood from 1998 to 2014, has been appointed to the role.

Mr Higgins has qualifications in accountancy, international regulation and governance and is a fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. He is also a qualified mediator and executive and leadership coach.

He has worked with the FSAI previously as the first director of corporate services. After retiring from Safefood in 2014, he was appointed to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland in 2015. Currently with An Bord Pleanála, he is also a member of the audit and risk committee of the Central Statistics Office.

Minister for Health Simon Harris stated he is confident Mr Higgins will make a substantial and valuable contribution to the work of the authority. Dr Pamela Byrne, CEO of the FSAI, welcomed the appointment of Mr Higgins, stating his experience will prove significant in continuing to promote food safety in Ireland.

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