Dara Calleary

Mr Calleary, the Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo since 2007, has served in a number of government roles in the past, including a brief stint as agriculture minister from July to August 2020.

He was previously a minister of state at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment from 2009 to 2011, as well as minister of state at the Department of Taoiseach.

He has also served as chief whip and minister of state for the Gaeltacht, the Irish language and sport.

Mr Calleary stepped down from his government roles two years ago after he was implicated in the ‘golfgate’ scandal, but returns to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Robert Troy over a property-related controversy.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “Dara brings considerable experience to this role, having already served in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

“A professional and diligent worker, I have no doubt Dara will hit the ground running, in helping indigenous Irish companies face the significant challenges and opportunities ahead, as well as overseeing important legislative reforms of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board.”