‘I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to take up the role’

DUBLIN Mid-West TD Emer Higgins is ‘thrilled and honoured’ to be appointed Minister of State for Enterprise.

The appointment is part of a wider cabinet reshuffle by new Taoiseach Simon Harris, who also made several appointments to the Cabinet yesterday.

Deputy Higgins will replace Neale Richmond in her new role.

Deputy Higgins previously served as a councillor on South Dublin County Council for the Lucan LEA.

“I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to take up the role of Minister of State at Enterprise. I came into politics from business and have used my platform as a TD to champion businesses and women in business,” said Minister Higgins.

“I’ve worked closely with Chambers of commerce, employer representative groups, trade unions as well as so many SMEs in our vibrant local economies of Palmerstown, Lucan, Clondalkin, Newcastle, Saggart, Rathcoole, Brittas and Citywest”.

“I know there are many challenges ahead, but I want to make a positive impact for businesses and the economy. We need to balance progress for employees with the right support for businesses and I know this is something our new Taoiseach Simon Harris is actively supporting.

“Businesses and workers are the fabric and back bone of our community. We need to protect that, and we need to support them. Together, Minister Peter Burke and I will develop practical measures to help alleviate the challenges faced by small businesses and I look forward to working with Minister Burke and the Department.

“I’ve worked very hard to get here and I’m committed to working hard for businesses of all sizes right across the country. I have the experience; I have the passion and I’m very excited to make a positive difference in this role”.