Minister Roderic O'Gorman
I believe that we can have a thriving economy and reinvest back into our communities, supporting education, health and childcare services and providing a safe and clean environment for everyone.
I joined the Green Party more than twenty years ago because I believed in protecting our environment, achieving sustainable communities, and a fairer, more inclusive and equal Ireland for everyone. In government, we are delivering on those objectives and are working to ensure Ireland is a place where children and young people, and their families are supported to succeed in life.
The past decade has shown what can be achieved when we work together and campaign for change. Now, through my work with the Green Party as a Government Minister, I am working to provide services for children and young people, further improve the lives of LGBTI+ people, tackle racism in our society, advance the rights of Travellers and migrants, and tackle domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence in Ireland.
Led Ireland’s humanitarian response to the many thousands of Ukrainians displaced by the Russian invasion, ensuring accommodation could be provided to over 80,000 Ukrainians seeking refuge in Ireland
Passed the Work Life Balance Act, which introduces flexible working arrangements for caring purposes, 5 days unpaid Carer’s Leave, paid Domestic Violence leave, and expanded breastfeeding breaks. A 25% reduction in childcare costs and expanding entitlement to Parental Leave from 2 weeks to 7 will further support parents and carers
Published proposals for an €800m redress scheme for survivors and former residents of Mother and Baby Homes and County Home Institutions
Passed the Birth Information and Tracing Bill, 2022 which for the first time provides a clear and full right of access to all information about the birth and origins of adopted people, people affected by illegal birth registration and people who had been boarded out as children
Advance key equality legislation to ensure Adoptive Leave is available to male same-sex couples, to address the Gender Pay Gap and to work on introducing a ban on so-called ‘conversion therapy’
Improve local schools and ensure sufficient places are available for the growing population of children and young people in our community.
Make public transport cheap and effective by improving bus services and completing the DART+ West upgrade, and encourage active travel with improved walking and cycling routes.
Prioritise the provision of affordable and social homes for people in Dublin West, keep rents at affordable rates and provide legal protection for renters.
Protect local green spaces and advance climate action and environmentally friendly measures within our community.
Support families in how they choose to get childcare, and in particular, improve supports for children who have special education needs.
Reduce the cost of childcare significantly for families, and ensure those working in the childcare sector receive improved pay and conditions commensurate with their commitment to deliver quality education and care to children.
End the system of Direct Provision, and introduce a new human rights model of accommodation and support, for those who flee to Ireland for protection and a chance to rebuild their lives.
Invest in youth services and organisations to improve the experiences and outcomes of young people.
Improve services for people with disabilities, including shorter waiting lists, better access to therapies and implementation of the Assisted Decision Making Capacity Bill.
Support individuals and families to achieve a better work-life balance through the introduction of statutory leave entitlements.
Experience
I grew up in Dublin 15 and I live in Blanchardstown village with my fiancé Ray. I was elected as TD for Dublin West in February 2020, and appointed as Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the coalition government was formed. Prior to my Dáil Éireann election, I served on Fingal County Council representing the Castleknock LEA for six years, having been first elected in 2014 and re-elected in the 2019 Local Elections. During this time I served on the Board of Management of five schools: Coolmine, Scoil Choilm, Danu Special School, Pobail Setanta and Castleknock Community College.
Before being elected as a TD I worked as a law lecturer; firstly in Griffith College and later in Dublin City University, where I lectured in EU Law, Constitutional Law and Climate Change Law.
Locally, I led the Yes Equality campaign in Dublin West for the equal marriage referendum and was actively involved in the campaign to repeal the 8th Amendment.
