James Lawless of Kildare North has been appointed Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Lawless is a Fianna Fáil TD, having served in the Dáil since 2016 for the Kildare North constituency.
He replaces Fine Gael’s Patrick O’Donovan, who will now serve as Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport.
Lawless is a Trinity alumnus, having graduated with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. He is also a qualified barrister, with a Barrister-at-Law degree from King’s Inn.
This is Lawless’ first time holding the position of a Senior Government Minister, or a position of cabinet rank.
He previously served as Minister of State at the Department of Transport and Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in 2024.
The cabinet was appointed by Taoiseach of the 34th Dáil, Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin.
Lawless’s fellow Trinity alumni Paschal Donohoe, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Jack Chambers and Dara Calleary will serve as ministers for finance, health, public expenditure, and social protection respectively.
Fine Gael’s Helen McEntee was named Minister for Education. This position was previously held by Norma Foley, who will now serve as the Minister for Children and Disability.
Notably, McEntee, Foley and Carroll MacNeil are the only women appointed as Ministers by Martin. This marks a decrease from the previous cabinet, which included four women.
The lack of female representation among the appointees was heavily criticised by members of the opposition with Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore accusing the government of “creating a cosy boys’ club”.
Following the vote on ministerial nominations on Thursday evening, the Dáil entered recess and is set to reconvene at 2 pm on February 5.
