HPRA announces retirement of Dr Gabriel Beechinor, Director of Veterinary Sciences

The HPRA today announced the retirement of Dr Gabriel Beechinor, Director of Veterinary Sciences, after more than 37 years of dedicated service to the organisation.

In the initial stage of his career, following his appointment, Dr Beechinor was intrinsically involved in the establishment of the system for the authorisation of veterinary medicines in Ireland. He has subsequently held the position of Director of the HPRA’s Veterinary Sciences department for more than 26 years. During this period, under the leadership of Dr Beechinor, the HPRA became the highest performing agency in Europe for the authorisation of veterinary medicines in terms of contribution to EU centralised, decentralised and mutual recognition procedures. Nationally, he has also overseen the successful expansion of the remit of his department to include the protection of animals used in scientific studies.

Collaboration and partnership have been fundamental to Dr Beechinor’s approach to leading the Veterinary Sciences team at the HPRA and the positive relationships that have been built with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and other state bodies nationally are a testament to this.

Dr Beechinor has also been a steadfast participant within the European Medicines Regulatory Network and an advocate for veterinary medicines regulation in many fora. Highlights include his membership of the Heads of Medicines Agency management group, past vice-chairmanship of the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) as well as previously chairing roles for many of its working parties. Gabriel is also the longest serving member of the CVMP serving as a delegate for over 30 years.

In announcing the retirement today, Lorraine Nolan, Chief Executive said "the HPRA is deeply indebted to Gabriel for his outstanding contributions to our organisation over many years. His enduring legacy has established the HPRA's eminent reputation as a leading authority in the regulation of veterinary medicines. On behalf of all his colleagues and friends at the HPRA we wish Gabriel, his wife Eileen and their extended family happiness and fulfilment in this exciting next chapter.”

Dr Beechinor will retire at the end of the summer and the HPRA’s recruitment process for the Director of Veterinary Sciences will commence shortly.

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