Pat Carey is new Minister for Communications | The Irish Film & Television Network

Minister Carey’s new role is one of the TD’s three official titles. He was appointed as Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs on March 23rd 2010 and on January 20th 2011 he took on the role of Minister for Transport, following the resignation of Noel Dempsey.

Former Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan resigned on Sunday, January 23rd as part of a Green Party withdrawal from government. Green Party leader John Gormley made an announcement during a press conference Dublin over the weekend where he said the ongoing saga over the question of the Fianna Fáil leadership as well as a breakdown in communication over cabinet promotions were the key reasons behind his party’s decision.

Minister Pat Carey was born in Castlemaine, Co. Kerry in November 1947. He was first elected to Dáil Eireann in 1997 and re-elected in 2002 and 2007. He was appointed Minister of State at the Departments of an Taoiseach and Defence as Government Chief Whip in May 2008 and Appointed Minister Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs in March 2010, as outlined above.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen announced on January 20th that a general election in the Republic of Ireland will take place on Friday, March 11th and that after the 2011 budget had been passed he would seek a dissolution of the 30th Dáil by the President. Following the move by the green party this election date may now be brought forward.

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