Fine Gael's Neale Richmond will replace Damien English as Minister of State after he resigned over his second home controversy.
English resigned over his failure to declare ownership of a property in 2008 when applying for planning permission to build another home. The Dublin Rathdown TD will have special responsibility for Employment Affairs and Retail Business and the Department of Social Protection.
Speaking following the Cabinet decision, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “I was very happy to nominate Neale Richmond for this important position. Neale is an exceptionally capable politician and parliamentarian who has been to the forefront of issues arising from Brexit, including its impact on Irish business and trade. He is a first time TD but has also served a full term in the Seanad.
Read more: Fine Gael TD Damien English resigns over failure to declare ownership of a property
“I have asked Neale to work closely with Ministers Simon Coveney and Heather Humphreys on maintaining Ireland’s strong employment base in the face of challenging global conditions, and to aim for ongoing growth in all of Ireland’s main employment sectors.
"I have also asked him to continue his focus on ensuring that the work permits system is operating effectively and allowing essential staff to come to Ireland. He will also be responsible for seeing through the reforms I initiated as Minister including sick pay and the move to a National Living Wage.
“Neale has worked closely with Irish industry on preparing for Brexit and dealing with its impact on supply chains. As a Senator, he helped to steer the important Brexit Omnibus Bill through the Oireachtas. I know that he will be an excellent Minister of State in both of these important Departments.”
Mr Richmond was elected as a TD for Dublin Rathdown in the 2020 General Election. He was previously elected to Seanad Eireann in April 2016, and served on Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for seven years before that. He also worked as a Projects Manager for the European Movement Ireland, and in the European Parliament.
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