Minister of State appointment as Calleary replaces Troy

TAOISEACH Micheál Martin has appointed Dara Calleary as Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

He replaces Robert Troy who resigned last week.

Minister Calleary has represented Mayo in Dail Éireann since the 2007 general election and served in a number of roles in government in the past.

Having previously been a Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment from 2009 to '11, he brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Calleary worked with Chambers Ireland from 1999 to 2006 and brings vast experience of Irish enterprise which will be a valuable asset to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Speaking after this appointment, a 'delighted' Minister Calleary said: “I look forward to getting stuck in straight away and continuing to build on the great work my colleague Robert Troy TD has done in the department.

“The department is full of hard-working and talented people and I’m looking forward to working alongside them.

“This is a great personal honour and I am very grateful to my family, my colleagues, my supporters and my constituents for their ongoing support.”

One of the first colleagues to congratulate him was Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers who, in a tweet, described the appointment as 'a good day for Mayo'.

Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon has extended his best wishes to Deputy Calleary following the appointment.

Deputy Dillon said: “I wish Dara the very best of luck and every success on his new role and look forward to working with Minister of State Calleary in helping Irish business and families navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead at both national and local level."

In wishing the Ballina TD well on his appointment, Deputy Michael Ring stated: “I take this opportunity to congratulate Dara on his new appointment. I am delighted that Dara has been promoted in such a manner.

“I am colleague of Dara’s for a long number of years and I wish Dara every success in this role."