Simon Harris

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Biography

Simon Harris was appointed Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in June 2020.

Prior to this appointment, Simon served Minister for Health from 2016 to 2020 managing the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. During his time in health, he introduced a new all-party agreement on reforming the health service, steered new contracts for nurses, doctors and GPs. He introduced laws modernising Ireland’s laws on abortion, introduced a new law curbing the sale of alcohol for children and secured agreement on a life-saving drug for people with cystic fibrosis.

He has served as Minister of State in the Departments of Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of the Taoiseach with Special Responsibility for OPW, Public Procurement and International Banking (including IFSC). During his time here, he drove a new strategy for financial services in Ireland and managed Ireland’s worst floods.

In his present role as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon has prioritised reform of the third level system driving changes in apprenticeships and further education. He has made cross-border collaboration a key commitment including introducing a €40 million fund for North-South Research programme. This significant investment has supported the deepening of links between higher education institutions, researchers and research communities on the island of Ireland.