Paschal Hayes has most recently worked as Principal Officer in the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine and led the Irish Managing Authority for the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF). In this role he has facilitated the sustainable development of the Irish seafood sector through delivery of Ireland’s European Maritime & Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Operational Programme and management of sustainable inshore fisheries in compliance with the Common Fisheries Policy and environmental law. He also led the successful multiannual project to remediate Haulbowline Island. His previous responsibilities included licensing and registration of Ireland’s Fishing Fleet and management of the six-state owned Fishery Harbour Centres (FHCs) at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Dingle, Killybegs and Ros an Mhíl. Paschal holds a BSc and a Diploma in Information Technology from Dublin City University and a Master’s degree in Government and Public Policy from University College Cork.