Ireland

The Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine plays a pivotal role in shaping the national and EU policies that underpin the strategic development of the agri-food sector. As regulators, it is committed to ensuring that the sector operates at the highest standards. In collaboration with stakeholders, it designs schemes and provide supports to bolster the sector.

At the core of its approach is a commitment to innovation and adaptability in service delivery. The mission is to serve the government and people of Ireland by taking a leading role in developing and regulating the agri-food sector. This involves safeguarding public health and optimizing the social, economic, and environmental benefits derived from this vital industry.

The Health Research Board (HRB) operates as a State Agency under the Department of Health, focusing on supporting and funding health and social care research while providing crucial evidence to inform policy and practice.

With an annual budget of €52 million, the HRB manages an investment portfolio totaling approximately €200 million. Oversight of the organization's activities is carried out by a ten-member Board, with members appointed by the Minister for Health for a five-year term.

The HRB's primary areas of activity include the funding of research proposals and the management of grants, conducting evidence reviews to underpin decision-making in health, and overseeing data collections in critical areas such as alcohol and drug treatment, deaths, disability, and psychiatric admissions and discharges.