Richard Bruton TD - Dublin Bay North

Richard Bruton, TD

Richard Bruton is a TD for Dublin Bay North and is the former Chairperson of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party. He is the Fine Gael spokesperson for the Environment, Climate and Communications. He was Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment from 11 October 2018 to 27 June 2020. He previously served as Minister of Education and Skills from May 2016 to October 2018.

In 2012 Richard launched our first annual Action Plan for Jobs. Hundreds of measures right across government have been delivered according to tight timetables. These actions have helped enterprise create sustainable jobs.

Since we launched our Action Plan for Jobs over 135,000 additional new jobs have been created. This success is putting lives back on track, is lifting communities and is providing the state with resources to start repairing some of the damage caused by the crash.

Richard was first elected to Dáil Éireann for Dublin North Central in 1982. He has served a number of terms as a member of Dublin City Council.

He previously served as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation from 2011-2016.

Richard was Minister for Enterprise and Employment from 1994-1997 when 1,000 jobs a week were being created in Ireland.

He previously served as Minister of State at the Department of Industry and Commerce, 1986-87.

Richard worked as an economist before entering politics in the private sector and with the ESRI. He acted as Policy Director for Fine Gael and authored numerous policy papers on finance, education, employment, and the public service, including Fine Gael’s “Reinventing Government” to reform politics and reinvent the public service.

Richard is married to Susan Meehan and they have four children. In his spare time, Richard enjoys running, swimming, cycling, cooking and music. His signature dish is Chicken Balti. His favourite musician is Leonard Cohen.

News & Statements

Budget 2024 must continue to put more money back in workers’ pockets – Bruton

It is vital that there is a package that relieves the tax burden on workers in Tuesday’s Budget, building on progress made by Fine Gael in government over the past eight years in particular, a Fine Gael TD has said.

8th October 2023

Labour party objects to supply of more than 10,000 homes across Dublin city - Bruton

Labour party representatives - from their leader down - have objected to or expressed concerns regarding more than 10,000 planned homes in Dublin City since 2020.

25th March 2023

Preventing property owners from selling or housing a family member will only suppress supply - Bruton

Increasing supply is the only way to solve housing crisis

22nd March 2023

Smarter choices required to reduce waste generated by fast fashion and excessive use of white goods

If Ireland evaluated the goods which we import, our Climate Emissions would be 75% higher. Making better choices in our consumption patterns is vital if we are to tackle the global environmental crisis. A Circular Economy strategy can show us how, the Fine Gael Policy Lab has said.

8th February 2023

Budget 2023 will ease the cost of living burden and put more money back in your pocket– Bruton and Seery-Kearney

Today’s cost of living budget will give individuals and families more disposable income and help them meet rising household and energy costs, according to a Fine Gael TD and Senator

27th September 2022

Sinn Féin are the party of climate inaction with no vision or policies on achieving targets – Bruton

Sinn Féin are the party of climate inaction with no vision or coherent policies on one of the greatest challenges of our times, according to Fine Gael TD Richard Bruton.

14th July 2022

All opportunities must be explored to tackle energy costs

Untapped opportunities must be explored and acted upon to protect people from rising energy prices, the Chairman of Fine Gael’s Parliamentary Party has said.

5th April 2022

Circular Economy Bill must trigger immediate action to create resilient communities - Bruton

The Circular Economy Bill must trigger immediate action to create resilient communities, according to Fine Gael Parliamentary Party Chair, Richard Bruton.

28th March 2022

Consumers should receive notification of end of contract for utility bills - Bruton

Measures making it easier for consumers to switch providers for utilities and other services should be considered by Government and companies themselves, according to Fine Gael TD Richard Bruton.

9th February 2022

Fine Gael wants to hear your views on how we can remove environmental damage from supply chains

Fine Gael’s Policy Lab wants to hear from you to better understand how we can make changes to help take the environmental damage out of the supply chain of our lives.

4th January 2022

More News

Connect With Richard

Contact Details

Address:

Dáil Éireann
Leinster House
Kildare Street
Dublin 2

Phone:

01-6183103

Email:

richard.bruton@oir.ie

Web: