Taoiseach Micheál Martin today (Thursday, April 24) confirmed that the new chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food is the TD for Cork North West, Aindrias Moynihan.

Deputy Moynihan has been a TD for Cork North West since the 2016 general election and was also previously a local councillor since 2003. 

The TD for Cork North West has previously stated that he is a strong supporter of rural communities. 

The Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food will shadow the work of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Chairpersons of committees are appointed by Dáil Éireann using the d’Hondt system, a formula that results in the chairs proportionately reflecting each party’s representation in the Dáil Chamber.

The membership of each committee usually reflects the proportion of the seats held by each of the political parties in the houses.

As chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food Deputy Moynihan will play a key role, together with members of the committee, in scrutinising the work of DAFM and its ministers.

Oireachtas committees have the power to "invite submissions, hold hearings with stakeholders including ministers, and draft and publish reports".

Deputy Deputy Moynihan will also lead the committee in the scrutiny of draft legislation in advance of its publication or before committee stage, consideration and amending of bills on committee stage and consideration of draft EU legislative proposals. 

Government ministers regularly appear before Oireachtas committees to answer questions concerning all "policy, expenditure and governance matters regarding their departments".

One other key function of an Oireachtas committee is to advise on policy issues – seeking submissions from and holding hearings with third parties and conducting off-site visits and drafting reports outlining the committee’s findings and recommendations with a view to influencing policy decisions or legislation.