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I R E L A N D

(Republic of Ireland)

NEW GOVERNMENT SINCE 24 JANUARY 2001
The government is formed by the FF and PD.

Ireland is a member of the European Union.

MINISTERS

Bertie Ahern - Prime Minister

Born : 12th September, 1951, Dublin

Education/Profession : St. Patrick's National School, Drumcondra. St. Aidan's Christian Brothers, Whitehall. Rathmines College of Commerce. University College Dublin.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Elected to Dáil Éireann in 1977. Assistant Whip 1980 - 1981. Appointed Party Spokesman on youth 1981. Opposition Chief Whip and Leader of the House for Fianna Fáil 1982. Minister of State at the Department of Taoiseach and Defence and Government Chief Whip 1982. Vice-President of Fianna Fáil 1983-94. Lord Mayor of Dublin 1986-87. Chairman of Party Constituency and Organisation Committee 1987-92. Minister for Labour 1987 and again in 1989. President of EU Council of Ministers for Social Affairs 1990. Minister for Finance three times, firstly in 1991. Member of ECOFIN Council of Ministers. Chaired OECD Ministerial Meeting in June 1994. Negotiated on behalf of the Government for the Programme for National Recovery in 1987, the Programme for Economic and Social Progress in 1990, and was involved in the Programme for Competitiveness and Work in 1994. Elected Prime Minister (Taoiseach) on Thursday 26th June, 1997.

Mary Harney - Deputy Prime Minister

Born : March 1953, Ballinasloe, Co Galway

Education/Profession : Convent of Mercy, Inchicore, Dublin. Presentation Convent, Clondalkin, Co Dublin. Trinity College, Dublin (BA(Mod). Full time public representative. First Lady Auditor of the College Historical Society in Trinity College. 1993 Elected Irish Independent Woman of the Year.

Party : PD (Progressive Democrats / An Páirtí Daonlathach)

Political experience : 1977-1981 Nominated to Seanad Éireann by the Taoiseach, Jack Lynch. 1979-1991 Member of Dublin County Council. 1981 First elected to Dáil Éireann. 1985 (October) Fianna Fàil whip removed after voting for Anglo-Irish Agreement. 1985 (December) Co-founded the Progressive Democrats with Des O'Malley. 1989 Appointed Minister for Environmental Protection. 1993 (February) Appointed Deputy Leader of the Progressive Democrats and Spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Law Reform. 1993 (October) Elected Leader of the Progressive Democrats. 1997 First woman in Ireland to lead a Party into a Coaliton Governemnt. 1997 (July). Appointed Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste) and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Also : Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Joe Walsh - Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

Born : Ballineen, West Cork 1943

Education/Profession : St. Finbarr's College, Farranferris Cork. University College Cork. Public Representative. Formerly Dairy Manager

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Member of Cork County Committee of Agriculture from 1974 - 1988. Member of Cork County Council from 1974 until 1991. Chairman Cork County Committee of Agriculture 1976 - 77, 1985 - 86. Member of Dáil Éireann since 1977 with exception of period June 1981 - February 1982. Member Cork County Vocational Education Committee from 1979 - 1991. Member of Seanad Eireann, August 1981 - February 1982 Minister of State at Department of Agriculture and Food from March 1987 until his appointment to Cabinet as Minister for Agriculture and Food on 11 February, 1992. Re-appointed as Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry from 12 January 1993 to 14 December 1994. Re-appointed as Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry on 26 June 1997 and, due to change of Ministerial titles and responsibilities, renamed Minister for Agriculture and Food from July 12 1997.

Síle de Valera - Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands

Born :

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Michael Smith - Minister of Defense

Born : Roscrea, Co. Tipperary November 1940

Education/Profession : Educated CBS Templemore, Co. Tipperary and UCC (DPA). Vocational Education Committee (Chairman 1985/1987). Mid Western Health Board.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Committee of Agriculture 1967 - 1974. Government Minister, former Farmer. First elected 1969. Lost his seat 1973 but regained it 1977. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture 1980 - 1981. Lost it again February 1982. Former member Tipperary North Riding County Council (Chairman 1986/1987). Re-elected 1987 and at each subsequent Election. Senator 1982 - 1983, 1983 - 1987. Minister of State at the Department of Energy with special responsibility for Forestry 1987 - 1988. Minister for Energy 1988 - 1989. Minister of State for Science and Technology 1989 - 1991. Minister for the Environment 1992 - 1994. He was Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and Employment and at the Department of Education with special responsibility for Science and Technology July - October 1997. Appointed Minister for Defence in October 1997.

Mary O'Rourke - Minister for Public Enterprise

Born : in Athlone in 1937

Education/Profession : Educated in St. Peter's Convent, Athlone, Loreto Convent, Bray, University College Dublin and Maynooth College. She qualified with a B.A. and a H.Dip.Ed. Formerly a secondary school teacher.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : She was also a Senator (August 1981 - November 1982), and was first elected to the Dáil in 1982. Minister for Education (March 1987 - November 1991) ; and Frontbench Spokesperson on Education (1982 - March 1987). Minister for Health (November 1991 - February 1992). Minister for Trade and Marketing (February 1992 - January 1993). Minister for Labour Affairs (January 1993 - December 1994). Was previously Frontbench Spokesperson on Enterprise and Employment (January 1995 - June 1997). Minister for Public Enterprise since June, 1997.

Dr.Michael Woods - Education and Science

Born : Bray, Co. Wicklow

Education/Profession : Synge Street Christian Brothers' School, Dublin. University College Dublin BAgrSc, MAgrSc, PhD, DSc. Institute of Public Administration, Dublin. Diploma in Central Administration and Fellowship in Public Administration. Harvard Business School, USA. Diploma in Marketing. Full-time Public Representative (T.D.). 1958 to 1959 Lecturer Franciscan College of Agriculture, Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath. 1960 to 1970 Head of Department and Principal Officer Agriculture Research Institute. 1970 to 1973 Managing Director F11 Produce Ltd. 1974 to 1979 Managing Director Associated Producer Groups Ltd.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : 1977 Elected to Dáil Éireann, re-elected in June 1989 and November 1992. 1979 Minister of State at Departments of An Taoiseach and Defence, and Government Chief Whip. December 1979 to June 1981 Minister for Health. March 1982 to Decmember 1982 and Social Welfare. 1983 to 1987 Opposition Spokesperson on Justice. March 1987 to May 1989 Minister for Social Welfare. June 1989 to November 1991 Minister for Social Welfare. November 1991 to February 1992 Minister for Agriculture and Food. February 1992 to November 1992 Minister for the Marine. January 1993 to December 1994 Minister for Social Welfare.November 1994 to December 1994 Minister for Health. December 1994 to February 1997 Opposition Spokesperson on Equality and Law Reform. February 1997 to June 1997 Opposition Spokesperson on Social Welfare. June 1997 to January 2000 Minister for Marine & Natural Resources. From January 26th 2000 Minister for Education and Science.

Noel Dempsey - Minister for the Environment and Local Government

Born : Trim, Co. Meath, January 1953

Education/Profession : St. Michael's CBS, Trim, University College Dublin ; St.Patrick's College, Maynooth, (BA, HDipEd); Diploma in Career Guidance ; Diploma in Youth Leadership. Mr. Dempsey played an important role in the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation as Fianna Fáil convenor. Former Member of Trim Urban District Council. Former Member Meath Vocational Education Committee. Former Director of Dublin and Eastern Regional Tourism Organisation. Former National Secretary, Local Authority Members'Association. He has also been actively involved in the GAA and many local voluntary and community organisations.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Member Meath County Council 1977-92 ; (Chairman: 1986/87). Has been a Dail Deputy since 1987. Government Chief Whip, 1992-'94. Minister of State in the Departments of An Taoiseach, Defence and Finance 1992-'94. Fianna Fail Spokesman on the Environment 1994-'97. Minister of the Environment and Local Government.

Charlie McCreevy - Minister for Finance

Born : September 1949 in Sallins, Co Kildare

Education/Profession : Naas Christian Brothers' School. Franciscan College, Gormanston. University College Dublin (BComm). Institute of Chartered Accountants (F.C.A). Public Representative. Chartered Accountant. Partner in the firm of Chartered Accountants : Tynan, Dillon and Company. Naas, Co Kildare and Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Elected to Dáil for Kildare Constituency in 1977. Member of Kildare County Council from 1979 to 1985. Minister for Social Welfare, February 1992 - January 1993. Minister for Tourism and Trade, January 1993 - December 1994. Frontbench Spokesperson on Finance, January 1995 - June 1997 Minister for Finance, June 1997 to date.

Brian Cowen - Minister for Foreign Affairs

Born : January 1960

Education/Profession : Clara National School ; Ard Scoil Naomh Chiarain, Clara ; Cistercian College, Roscrea ; University College, Dublin. Incorporated Law Society of Ireland. Government Minister, Solicitor. Member of Offaly County Council and Offaly Vocational Education Committee. Member of the British/Irish Interparliamentary Body and member of its sub-committe on Political and Security Matters. He was a member of Fianna Fáil Party Commission to review the aims and structures of the part.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Elected to the Dáil in June, 1984 in the Laois -Offaly by election which was caused by the death of his father, Bernard Cowen. Minister for Labour from February, 1992 to January, 1993. Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications from January, 1993 to December, 1994. He was opposition spokesperson for Agriculture from December, 1994 to March, 1997 and opposition spokesperson for Health from 31 January, 1997 to June, 1997. Minister for Health and Children from June, 1997 to January 2000. Appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs in January, 2000.

Micheál Martin - Minister for Health and Children

Born : Bray, Co. Wicklow

Education/Profession : He is a former Chairman of the All-Party Committee on the Irish language.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : First elected to the Dáil, for the Cork South-Central constituency, in 1989. Has been a member of Cork Corporation, and is a former Lord Mayor of Cork (1992-1993). Was opposition spokesperson for Education and the Gaeltacht from 1995 to 1997. Minister for Education and Science from June 1997 to January, 2000. Minister for Health and Children in January, 2000.

John O'Donoghue - Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Born : Caherciveen, Co. Kerry - 28 May 1956

Education/Profession : Christian Brothers Secondary School, Caherciveen University College Cork, and The Incorporated Law Society of Ireland. B.C.L., LL.B., Solicitor. Public Representative and Solicitor.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : First Elected to Dail : February 1987. Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works - November 1991 to February 1992. Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Frank Fahey - Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources

Born :

Education/Profession : St. Mary's College, Galway ; Our Lady's College, Gort University College, Galway (BA HDipEd). Formerly Secondary School Teacher.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Elected to Seanad Éireann in February 1993 on the Labour panel. Seanad spokesman on Enterprise and Employment from that date up until June 1997. Minister of State at the Department of Education (with special responsibility for Youth and Sport) from March 1987 to February 1992. Minister of State at the Department of Transport and Tourism (with responsibility for Sports Tourism) from 1989 to 1992. Member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Employment and Chairman of the Committee Strategies for the Unemployed 1989 to 1992. Member of the joint Oireachtas Committees on Semi State Bodies and Small Business from February 1993 to June 1997. Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (with special responsibility for Children) from June 1997 to January 2000. Appointed Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources in January 2000.

Dermot Ahern - Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs

Born :

Education/Profession : He was educated at the Marist College, Dundalk, University College, Dublin and the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland (BCL). Member of the Dáil since February 1987, Assistant Government Whip 1988 - 91, Member of the Special Oireachtas Joint Committee on Commercial State Sponsored Bodies 1987, Member of the Special Oireachtas Committee on Judicial Separation and Child Care, Foreign. Adoptions and the Solicitors Bill, Member of the Dáil Select Committee on Legislation and Security.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Member of Louth County Council 1979 - 1991. Member of the British - Irish Parliamentary Body since 1991 (co-chairman since 1993). Previously he had been Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with special responsibility as Government Chief Whip, and Minister for State at the Department of Defence, November 1991 - February 1992. Appointed Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs on 26th June 1997.

Dr.James (Jim) McDaid - Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation

Born : County Donegal in 1949

Education/Profession : He attended National school in Termont, Co. Donegal and then boarded at St. Eunan's College, Letterkenny. Having completed secondary level he studied medecine, at University College Galway. At the university he was prominent in sporting activities and was captain of UCG soccer team. He was also medical officier to Donegal Senior gaelic Football team. from 1974 to 1979 he was Senior Surgical House Officer at Lettera General Practitioner in Letterkenny. He was a founder member of Donegal Hospice Movement in 1998 and is currently its President.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Elected to the Irish House of Representatives in 1989 and has held his seat at successive elections since then. His political experience encompasses service on a broad range of committees such as the Committee on women's Rights 1992, Committee of Public Accounts 1993, Committee on Foreign Affairs (Norther Ireland Sub Committee) 1995. In opposition he was Fianna Fáil front bench spokesperson on equality and Law Reform in 1997. Appointed Minister for Turism, Sport and Recreation in June 1997.

Michael McDowell - Attorney General

Born : in county Donegal in 1949

Education/Profession :

Ministers of State

Robert Molloy - Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government

Born : Galway. July 1936

Education/Profession : St. Ignatius' College, Galway; University College, Galway (BComm).

Party : PD (Progressive Democrats / An Páirtí Daonlathach)

Political experience : First elected to Dail Eireann 1965. Elected to Galway County Council and Borough Council 1967. Elected Mayor of Galway 1968/69. Appointed Parliamentary Secretary to Minister for Education 1969. Appointed Minister for Local Government 1970. Appointed Minister for Defence 1977. Founding Member of Progressive democrats 1986. Former Member of the Council of Europe. Negotiated Programme for coalition government with Fianna Fail 1989. Appointed Minister for Energy July 1989. Spokesperson on Transport, Energy and Communications, Trade and Tourism, Gaeltacht. 1994/97 Negotiated Programme for coalition government with Fianna Fail 1997. Appointed Minister of State to the Government and Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government June 1997

Seamus Brennan - Minister of State at the Departments of the Taoiseach and Defence and Government Chief Whip

Born : 16.2.48 Galway City

Education/Profession : St. Joseph's Secondary School, Galway. University College, Galway - B. Comm. B.A. (Econ.). University College, Dublin - M. Comm. Formerly various Business positions mainly in Management consultancy.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : General Secretary Fianna Fáil 1973 - 1980. Senator, Taoiseach's nominee 1977 - 1981. Dáil Deputy, Dublin South 1981 to date. Minister for Trade and Marketing March 1987 - July 1989. Minister for Tourism and Transport July 1989 - February 1991. Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications February 1991 - February 1992. Minister for Education February 1992 - 1993. Minister for Commerce & Technology January 1993 to December 1994. Front Bench Spokesperson on Transport, Energy and Communications December 1994 to June 1997. Minister of State at the Departments of the Taoiseach and Defence and Government Chief Whip June 1997 to date.

Eoin Ryan - Minister of State at the Department of Turisme, Sport and Recreation

Born : Dublin, 1953

Education/Profession : Willow park, St. Mary's College, Rathmines, College of Commerce, Rathmines, Kildalton Horticultural College. Occupation : Full-time politician.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Former City Councillor, Dublin Corporation, Former chairman, Planning and Developement Committee, Dublin Corporation. former Chairman of the Joint oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, and Women's Rights. Minister of State at the Department of Turisme, Sport and Recreation since June 1997.

Dr.Tom Moffatt - Minister of State with special responsibility for Food Safety and Older People

Born :

Education/Profession : Was previously a member of the Social Affairs Committee and a Member of the Committee on Procedure & Privileges. He was formally Vice-Chairman of Committee D of the British Irish Inter Parlimentary body.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1992 and was re-elected in the 1997 general election. Appointed Minister of State with special responsibility for Food Safety and Older People. The appointment of a Minister of State for Older People represented the first such appointment by a European Government.

Mary Hanafin - Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, with special responsibility for Children

Born : Thurles, Co Tipperary

Education/Profession : Presentation Convent, Thurles, Co Tipperary. St Patrick's College, Maynooth (BA, HdipED). Dublin Institute of Technology (Diploma in Legal Studies). Full-time public representative (Former secondary school teacher of Irish and History, Dominican Convent, Sion Hill, Blackrock, Co Dublin).

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Member of Fianna Fáil National Executive since 1980. Member of Dublin City Council 1985-1991. Elected National Treasurer of Fianna Fáil in 1993. Former Member of Oireachtas Joint Committees on: Heritage and the Irish Language ; Justice, Equality & Women's Rights ; Education and Science. Was first elected to Dáil Eireann, for the Dún Laoghaire constituency, in 1997. Appointed Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, with special responsibility for Children, in January 2000.

Liz O' Donnell - Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (with special responsibility for Overseas Development Assistance and Human Rights)

Born : Dublin, July 1956

Education/Profession : Salesian College, Limerick. Graduate of the Law School, Trinity College Dublin. Public Representative.

Party : PD (Progressive Democrats / An Páirtí Daonlathach)

Political experience : Elected to Dublin City Council in 1991. First elected to Dáil Eireann in 1992 and appointed party spokesperson on Health and Social Welfare. Was Progressive Democrat spokesperson on Justice and Party Chief Whip from 1993 to 1997. Following the June 1997 General Election, Ms O'Donnell negotiated the Programme for Coalition Government. Appointed Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for Overseas Development Assistance on 1 July 1997.

Noel Davern - Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture with responsibility for : Rural Development/LEADER etc…

Born : Cashel, Co Tipperary, 24 December 1945

Education/Profession : Cashel National School, CBS Cashel, Franciscan College, Gormanston, Co Meath.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : 1969-1981 and 1987-1997 Member of Dail Eireann. 1979 - 1984 Member of European Parliament. 1985 - 1991 Agriculture Spokesman for FF/Gaulist Group. 1985 - 1991 Member of South Tipperary County Council. 1991 County Council Chairman. Nov 1991 - Feb 1992 Minister for Education. 1995 - 1997 Fianna Fail spokesman on European Affairs. Since 1997 Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture with responsibility for : Rural Development/LEADER, REPS, Farm Retirement, Land Policy, Horticulture/Plant Health, Organic Farming, Cattle Breeding/Irish Cattle Breeding and Federation.

Joe Jacob - Minister of State for Public Enterprise

Born : in Kilrush, Co. Clare in April 1939

Education/Profession : Educated at De la Salle Co. Wicklow and Terenure College, Co. Dublin. His former occupations include Pub owner, Distribution Manager with Nitrigin Éireann Teoranta and a Public Representative.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Member of Wicklow County Council from 1985 to July 1997. Member of the British/Irish Parliamentary Body (1991 - 1992). Member of County Wicklow Vocational Educational Committee (Chairman 1991 - 1993).Former Chairman of the Fianna Fail Environment Policy Committee. He was a member of the Fianna Fail delegation to the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation from its commencement. He was Chairman of the Fianna Fail Parliamentary Party from November 1992 to January 1995, and was Leas-Cheann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann from 10 February, 1993 to 15 May, 1997. Appointed Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise on 8 July 1997 with special responsibility for Energy.

Tom Kitt - Minister of State at the Department of Entreprise, Trade and Employment

Born : Galway, July, 1952

Education/Profession : St. Jarlath's College, Tuam, Co. Galway. St. Patrick's Training College, Drumcondra, Dublin. 1979-1992 Member of Dublin County Council. Member of Irish Parliament (Dáil Éireann) Former Primary School Teacher Member of AWEPA (Association of European Parliamentarians for South Africa)

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : l987 Elected to Dáil Éireann. Member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Body. Feb 1992-Jan 1993. Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with special responsibility for Arts, Culture and Womens Affairs and European Affairs. Jan 1993-Nov'94 : Minister for State at the Department of the Taoiseach for European Affairs and Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for Overseas Development Assistance. Since 1997 Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs.

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Eamon Ó Cuív - Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands

Born :

Education/Profession :

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience :

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Willie O'Dea - Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science

Born :

Education/Profession :

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience :

Ned O'Keeffe - Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture & Food

Born : Mitchelstown, Co Cork, August 1942

Education/Profession : Darra College, Clonakilty, Co Cork University College, Cork (Diploma in Social and Rural Science). Member, Macra na Feirme 1958-71 ; Irish Farmers' Association 1969-82, (chairman, Cork County Executive 1979-82) ; member ,Gaelic Athletic Association ; Council member of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) 1978-81. Public representative, Minister of State formerly Company Director, farmer. Director, Mitchelstown Co-operative Society 1974-82. Member of the Regional Committee of Dairygold Co-operative Society ; member of Council of Dairygold ; director, Agricultural Credit Co-operation 1980-82.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Elected to the Dáil in November 1982. That was the first time he was a candidate in a Dáil general election. He was a Senator, Taoiseach's Nominee, May-November, 1982. Fianna Fáil spokesman on Industry 1982-87. Member Cork County Council Library Committee 1992. Fianna Fáil deputy spokesperson on Enterprise and Employment with responsibility for Commerce, Science and Technology and Small Business 1994-97. July 1997 to date : Minister of State at Department of Agriculture and Food with special responsibility for food and veterinary matters

Noel Treacy - Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment

Born : December 1951

Education/Profession : Gurteen National School. St. Joseph's College, Garbally Park, Ballinasloe. Served on the Public Expenditure, Childcare, Agriculture, Environment and Sustainable Development Committees.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Chairman, Gurteen Cumann 1970-73. Hon Secretary Gurteen Cumann 1973-83. First elected to Dáil Eireann in 1982. Member of County Galway VEC, 1985-91. Since 1987, appointed by three successive Taoisigh, as Minister of State at the Departments of Finance, Health, Taoiseach, Justice, Transport, Energy, Communications, Office of Public Works, Enterprise, Trade, Employment, Education and Science.

Note : Representative of Ireland on 10 different Councils of European Ministers, in both Strasburg and Brussels.

Dan Wallace - Minister of State at the Department of Environment and Local Government

Born : Cork. June 1942

Education/Profession : North Presentation Convent, Cork ; North Monastery CBS, Cork ; College of Commerce, Cork.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Member Cork City Council, 1979-1992 (Lord Mayor 1985/'86). First elected to Dáil Eireann November 1982. Minister of State at the Department of the Environment with special responsibility for Urban Renewal Feb 1992-Jan 1993. Chairman Select Committee on Legislation and Security 1993-'95 Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government with special responsibility for Environmental Information and Awareness, and the Environmental Protection Agency, since July 1997.

Mary Wallace - Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Born : Dublin, June 1959

Education/Profession : Loreto Convent, Balbriggan ; Loreto Convent, North Great George's Street ; Rathmines College of Commerce (Dip Hospital & Health - Services Administration). Full-time Public Representative. Formerly Personnel Executive in Blanchardstown Hospital.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Member of Fianna Fáil : Oireachtas Joint Committee on Women's Rights 1987-97(Vice-Chairperson 1989 - 1992) (Chairperson 1995 - 1997) First Elected to Dail : 1989. Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform - July 1997.

Hugh Byrne - Minister of State at the Department of Marine & Natural Resources

Born : in Wexford in September 1943

Education/Profession : Educated at New Ross CBS and St Peter's College, Wexford. Was formally an auctioneer and a farmer before being appointed Minister.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Elected to the Dáil in 1981 and was a deputy for Wexford constituency until 1989. From 1982-87 and 1995-97 he was spokesperson in the Dáil on Agriculture and 1989-92 he was spokesperson in the Seanad on Agriculture and Marine. From 1989-92 he was a senator in the Seanad. Member of Wexford County Council 1974-97 (chairperson 1990/91). From 1992 he once again represented Wexford in the Dáil. Minister of State at the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, with special responsibility for Aquaculture and Forestry in July 1997.

Martin Cullen - Minister of State at the Department of Finance Office of Public Works

Born : 2 November 1954 in Waterford

Education/Profession : Waterpark College and Waterford Regional Technical College. Full time Public Representative.

Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)

Political experience : Elected to Dail Eireann in 1987. Mayor of Waterford 1993/94. 1997 Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works.

	Bertie Ahern - Prime Minister Born : 12th September, 1951, Dublin Education/Profession : St. Patrick's National School, Drumcondra. St. Aidan's Christian Brothers, Whitehall. Rathmines College of Commerce. University College Dublin. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Elected to Dáil Éireann in 1977. Assistant Whip 1980 - 1981. Appointed Party Spokesman on youth 1981. Opposition Chief Whip and Leader of the House for Fianna Fáil 1982. Minister of State at the Department of Taoiseach and Defence and Government Chief Whip 1982. Vice-President of Fianna Fáil 1983-94. Lord Mayor of Dublin 1986-87. Chairman of Party Constituency and Organisation Committee 1987-92. Minister for Labour 1987 and again in 1989. President of EU Council of Ministers for Social Affairs 1990. Minister for Finance three times, firstly in 1991. Member of ECOFIN Council of Ministers. Chaired OECD Ministerial Meeting in June 1994. Negotiated on behalf of the Government for the Programme for National Recovery in 1987, the Programme for Economic and Social Progress in 1990, and was involved in the Programme for Competitiveness and Work in 1994. Elected Prime Minister (Taoiseach) on Thursday 26th June, 1997.
	Mary Harney - Deputy Prime Minister Born : March 1953, Ballinasloe, Co Galway Education/Profession : Convent of Mercy, Inchicore, Dublin. Presentation Convent, Clondalkin, Co Dublin. Trinity College, Dublin (BA(Mod). Full time public representative. First Lady Auditor of the College Historical Society in Trinity College. 1993 Elected Irish Independent Woman of the Year. Party : PD (Progressive Democrats / An Páirtí Daonlathach) Political experience : 1977-1981 Nominated to Seanad Éireann by the Taoiseach, Jack Lynch. 1979-1991 Member of Dublin County Council. 1981 First elected to Dáil Éireann. 1985 (October) Fianna Fàil whip removed after voting for Anglo-Irish Agreement. 1985 (December) Co-founded the Progressive Democrats with Des O'Malley. 1989 Appointed Minister for Environmental Protection. 1993 (February) Appointed Deputy Leader of the Progressive Democrats and Spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Law Reform. 1993 (October) Elected Leader of the Progressive Democrats. 1997 First woman in Ireland to lead a Party into a Coaliton Governemnt. 1997 (July). Appointed Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste) and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Also : Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
	Joe Walsh - Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Born : Ballineen, West Cork 1943 Education/Profession : St. Finbarr's College, Farranferris Cork. University College Cork. Public Representative. Formerly Dairy Manager Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Member of Cork County Committee of Agriculture from 1974 - 1988. Member of Cork County Council from 1974 until 1991. Chairman Cork County Committee of Agriculture 1976 - 77, 1985 - 86. Member of Dáil Éireann since 1977 with exception of period June 1981 - February 1982. Member Cork County Vocational Education Committee from 1979 - 1991. Member of Seanad Eireann, August 1981 - February 1982 Minister of State at Department of Agriculture and Food from March 1987 until his appointment to Cabinet as Minister for Agriculture and Food on 11 February, 1992. Re-appointed as Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry from 12 January 1993 to 14 December 1994. Re-appointed as Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry on 26 June 1997 and, due to change of Ministerial titles and responsibilities, renamed Minister for Agriculture and Food from July 12 1997.
	Síle de Valera - Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands Born : Party : FF (Fianna Fáil)
	Michael Smith - Minister of Defense Born : Roscrea, Co. Tipperary November 1940 Education/Profession : Educated CBS Templemore, Co. Tipperary and UCC (DPA). Vocational Education Committee (Chairman 1985/1987). Mid Western Health Board. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Committee of Agriculture 1967 - 1974. Government Minister, former Farmer. First elected 1969. Lost his seat 1973 but regained it 1977. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture 1980 - 1981. Lost it again February 1982. Former member Tipperary North Riding County Council (Chairman 1986/1987). Re-elected 1987 and at each subsequent Election. Senator 1982 - 1983, 1983 - 1987. Minister of State at the Department of Energy with special responsibility for Forestry 1987 - 1988. Minister for Energy 1988 - 1989. Minister of State for Science and Technology 1989 - 1991. Minister for the Environment 1992 - 1994. He was Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and Employment and at the Department of Education with special responsibility for Science and Technology July - October 1997. Appointed Minister for Defence in October 1997.
	Mary O'Rourke - Minister for Public Enterprise Born : in Athlone in 1937 Education/Profession : Educated in St. Peter's Convent, Athlone, Loreto Convent, Bray, University College Dublin and Maynooth College. She qualified with a B.A. and a H.Dip.Ed. Formerly a secondary school teacher. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : She was also a Senator (August 1981 - November 1982), and was first elected to the Dáil in 1982. Minister for Education (March 1987 - November 1991) ; and Frontbench Spokesperson on Education (1982 - March 1987). Minister for Health (November 1991 - February 1992). Minister for Trade and Marketing (February 1992 - January 1993). Minister for Labour Affairs (January 1993 - December 1994). Was previously Frontbench Spokesperson on Enterprise and Employment (January 1995 - June 1997). Minister for Public Enterprise since June, 1997.
	Dr.Michael Woods - Education and Science Born : Bray, Co. Wicklow Education/Profession : Synge Street Christian Brothers' School, Dublin. University College Dublin BAgrSc, MAgrSc, PhD, DSc. Institute of Public Administration, Dublin. Diploma in Central Administration and Fellowship in Public Administration. Harvard Business School, USA. Diploma in Marketing. Full-time Public Representative (T.D.). 1958 to 1959 Lecturer Franciscan College of Agriculture, Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath. 1960 to 1970 Head of Department and Principal Officer Agriculture Research Institute. 1970 to 1973 Managing Director F11 Produce Ltd. 1974 to 1979 Managing Director Associated Producer Groups Ltd. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : 1977 Elected to Dáil Éireann, re-elected in June 1989 and November 1992. 1979 Minister of State at Departments of An Taoiseach and Defence, and Government Chief Whip. December 1979 to June 1981 Minister for Health. March 1982 to Decmember 1982 and Social Welfare. 1983 to 1987 Opposition Spokesperson on Justice. March 1987 to May 1989 Minister for Social Welfare. June 1989 to November 1991 Minister for Social Welfare. November 1991 to February 1992 Minister for Agriculture and Food. February 1992 to November 1992 Minister for the Marine. January 1993 to December 1994 Minister for Social Welfare.November 1994 to December 1994 Minister for Health. December 1994 to February 1997 Opposition Spokesperson on Equality and Law Reform. February 1997 to June 1997 Opposition Spokesperson on Social Welfare. June 1997 to January 2000 Minister for Marine & Natural Resources. From January 26th 2000 Minister for Education and Science.
	Noel Dempsey - Minister for the Environment and Local Government Born : Trim, Co. Meath, January 1953 Education/Profession : St. Michael's CBS, Trim, University College Dublin ; St.Patrick's College, Maynooth, (BA, HDipEd); Diploma in Career Guidance ; Diploma in Youth Leadership. Mr. Dempsey played an important role in the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation as Fianna Fáil convenor. Former Member of Trim Urban District Council. Former Member Meath Vocational Education Committee. Former Director of Dublin and Eastern Regional Tourism Organisation. Former National Secretary, Local Authority Members'Association. He has also been actively involved in the GAA and many local voluntary and community organisations. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Member Meath County Council 1977-92 ; (Chairman: 1986/87). Has been a Dail Deputy since 1987. Government Chief Whip, 1992-'94. Minister of State in the Departments of An Taoiseach, Defence and Finance 1992-'94. Fianna Fail Spokesman on the Environment 1994-'97. Minister of the Environment and Local Government.
	Charlie McCreevy - Minister for Finance Born : September 1949 in Sallins, Co Kildare Education/Profession : Naas Christian Brothers' School. Franciscan College, Gormanston. University College Dublin (BComm). Institute of Chartered Accountants (F.C.A). Public Representative. Chartered Accountant. Partner in the firm of Chartered Accountants : Tynan, Dillon and Company. Naas, Co Kildare and Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Elected to Dáil for Kildare Constituency in 1977. Member of Kildare County Council from 1979 to 1985. Minister for Social Welfare, February 1992 - January 1993. Minister for Tourism and Trade, January 1993 - December 1994. Frontbench Spokesperson on Finance, January 1995 - June 1997 Minister for Finance, June 1997 to date.
	Brian Cowen - Minister for Foreign Affairs Born : January 1960 Education/Profession : Clara National School ; Ard Scoil Naomh Chiarain, Clara ; Cistercian College, Roscrea ; University College, Dublin. Incorporated Law Society of Ireland. Government Minister, Solicitor. Member of Offaly County Council and Offaly Vocational Education Committee. Member of the British/Irish Interparliamentary Body and member of its sub-committe on Political and Security Matters. He was a member of Fianna Fáil Party Commission to review the aims and structures of the part. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Elected to the Dáil in June, 1984 in the Laois -Offaly by election which was caused by the death of his father, Bernard Cowen. Minister for Labour from February, 1992 to January, 1993. Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications from January, 1993 to December, 1994. He was opposition spokesperson for Agriculture from December, 1994 to March, 1997 and opposition spokesperson for Health from 31 January, 1997 to June, 1997. Minister for Health and Children from June, 1997 to January 2000. Appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs in January, 2000.
	Micheál Martin - Minister for Health and Children Born : Bray, Co. Wicklow Education/Profession : He is a former Chairman of the All-Party Committee on the Irish language. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : First elected to the Dáil, for the Cork South-Central constituency, in 1989. Has been a member of Cork Corporation, and is a former Lord Mayor of Cork (1992-1993). Was opposition spokesperson for Education and the Gaeltacht from 1995 to 1997. Minister for Education and Science from June 1997 to January, 2000. Minister for Health and Children in January, 2000.
	John O'Donoghue - Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Born : Caherciveen, Co. Kerry - 28 May 1956 Education/Profession : Christian Brothers Secondary School, Caherciveen University College Cork, and The Incorporated Law Society of Ireland. B.C.L., LL.B., Solicitor. Public Representative and Solicitor. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : First Elected to Dail : February 1987. Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works - November 1991 to February 1992. Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
	Frank Fahey - Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources Born : Education/Profession : St. Mary's College, Galway ; Our Lady's College, Gort University College, Galway (BA HDipEd). Formerly Secondary School Teacher. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Elected to Seanad Éireann in February 1993 on the Labour panel. Seanad spokesman on Enterprise and Employment from that date up until June 1997. Minister of State at the Department of Education (with special responsibility for Youth and Sport) from March 1987 to February 1992. Minister of State at the Department of Transport and Tourism (with responsibility for Sports Tourism) from 1989 to 1992. Member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Employment and Chairman of the Committee Strategies for the Unemployed 1989 to 1992. Member of the joint Oireachtas Committees on Semi State Bodies and Small Business from February 1993 to June 1997. Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (with special responsibility for Children) from June 1997 to January 2000. Appointed Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources in January 2000.
	Dermot Ahern - Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs Born : Education/Profession : He was educated at the Marist College, Dundalk, University College, Dublin and the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland (BCL). Member of the Dáil since February 1987, Assistant Government Whip 1988 - 91, Member of the Special Oireachtas Joint Committee on Commercial State Sponsored Bodies 1987, Member of the Special Oireachtas Committee on Judicial Separation and Child Care, Foreign. Adoptions and the Solicitors Bill, Member of the Dáil Select Committee on Legislation and Security. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Member of Louth County Council 1979 - 1991. Member of the British - Irish Parliamentary Body since 1991 (co-chairman since 1993). Previously he had been Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with special responsibility as Government Chief Whip, and Minister for State at the Department of Defence, November 1991 - February 1992. Appointed Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs on 26th June 1997.
	Dr.James (Jim) McDaid - Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation Born : County Donegal in 1949 Education/Profession : He attended National school in Termont, Co. Donegal and then boarded at St. Eunan's College, Letterkenny. Having completed secondary level he studied medecine, at University College Galway. At the university he was prominent in sporting activities and was captain of UCG soccer team. He was also medical officier to Donegal Senior gaelic Football team. from 1974 to 1979 he was Senior Surgical House Officer at Lettera General Practitioner in Letterkenny. He was a founder member of Donegal Hospice Movement in 1998 and is currently its President. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Elected to the Irish House of Representatives in 1989 and has held his seat at successive elections since then. His political experience encompasses service on a broad range of committees such as the Committee on women's Rights 1992, Committee of Public Accounts 1993, Committee on Foreign Affairs (Norther Ireland Sub Committee) 1995. In opposition he was Fianna Fáil front bench spokesperson on equality and Law Reform in 1997. Appointed Minister for Turism, Sport and Recreation in June 1997.
	Michael McDowell - Attorney General Born : in county Donegal in 1949 Education/Profession :

	Robert Molloy - Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government Born : Galway. July 1936 Education/Profession : St. Ignatius' College, Galway; University College, Galway (BComm). Party : PD (Progressive Democrats / An Páirtí Daonlathach) Political experience : First elected to Dail Eireann 1965. Elected to Galway County Council and Borough Council 1967. Elected Mayor of Galway 1968/69. Appointed Parliamentary Secretary to Minister for Education 1969. Appointed Minister for Local Government 1970. Appointed Minister for Defence 1977. Founding Member of Progressive democrats 1986. Former Member of the Council of Europe. Negotiated Programme for coalition government with Fianna Fail 1989. Appointed Minister for Energy July 1989. Spokesperson on Transport, Energy and Communications, Trade and Tourism, Gaeltacht. 1994/97 Negotiated Programme for coalition government with Fianna Fail 1997. Appointed Minister of State to the Government and Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government June 1997
	Seamus Brennan - Minister of State at the Departments of the Taoiseach and Defence and Government Chief Whip Born : 16.2.48 Galway City Education/Profession : St. Joseph's Secondary School, Galway. University College, Galway - B. Comm. B.A. (Econ.). University College, Dublin - M. Comm. Formerly various Business positions mainly in Management consultancy. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : General Secretary Fianna Fáil 1973 - 1980. Senator, Taoiseach's nominee 1977 - 1981. Dáil Deputy, Dublin South 1981 to date. Minister for Trade and Marketing March 1987 - July 1989. Minister for Tourism and Transport July 1989 - February 1991. Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications February 1991 - February 1992. Minister for Education February 1992 - 1993. Minister for Commerce & Technology January 1993 to December 1994. Front Bench Spokesperson on Transport, Energy and Communications December 1994 to June 1997. Minister of State at the Departments of the Taoiseach and Defence and Government Chief Whip June 1997 to date.
	Eoin Ryan - Minister of State at the Department of Turisme, Sport and Recreation Born : Dublin, 1953 Education/Profession : Willow park, St. Mary's College, Rathmines, College of Commerce, Rathmines, Kildalton Horticultural College. Occupation : Full-time politician. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Former City Councillor, Dublin Corporation, Former chairman, Planning and Developement Committee, Dublin Corporation. former Chairman of the Joint oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, and Women's Rights. Minister of State at the Department of Turisme, Sport and Recreation since June 1997.
	Dr.Tom Moffatt - Minister of State with special responsibility for Food Safety and Older People Born : Education/Profession : Was previously a member of the Social Affairs Committee and a Member of the Committee on Procedure & Privileges. He was formally Vice-Chairman of Committee D of the British Irish Inter Parlimentary body. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1992 and was re-elected in the 1997 general election. Appointed Minister of State with special responsibility for Food Safety and Older People. The appointment of a Minister of State for Older People represented the first such appointment by a European Government.
	Mary Hanafin - Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, with special responsibility for Children Born : Thurles, Co Tipperary Education/Profession : Presentation Convent, Thurles, Co Tipperary. St Patrick's College, Maynooth (BA, HdipED). Dublin Institute of Technology (Diploma in Legal Studies). Full-time public representative (Former secondary school teacher of Irish and History, Dominican Convent, Sion Hill, Blackrock, Co Dublin). Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Member of Fianna Fáil National Executive since 1980. Member of Dublin City Council 1985-1991. Elected National Treasurer of Fianna Fáil in 1993. Former Member of Oireachtas Joint Committees on: Heritage and the Irish Language ; Justice, Equality & Women's Rights ; Education and Science. Was first elected to Dáil Eireann, for the Dún Laoghaire constituency, in 1997. Appointed Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, with special responsibility for Children, in January 2000.
	Liz O' Donnell - Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (with special responsibility for Overseas Development Assistance and Human Rights) Born : Dublin, July 1956 Education/Profession : Salesian College, Limerick. Graduate of the Law School, Trinity College Dublin. Public Representative. Party : PD (Progressive Democrats / An Páirtí Daonlathach) Political experience : Elected to Dublin City Council in 1991. First elected to Dáil Eireann in 1992 and appointed party spokesperson on Health and Social Welfare. Was Progressive Democrat spokesperson on Justice and Party Chief Whip from 1993 to 1997. Following the June 1997 General Election, Ms O'Donnell negotiated the Programme for Coalition Government. Appointed Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for Overseas Development Assistance on 1 July 1997.
	Noel Davern - Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture with responsibility for : Rural Development/LEADER etc… Born : Cashel, Co Tipperary, 24 December 1945 Education/Profession : Cashel National School, CBS Cashel, Franciscan College, Gormanston, Co Meath. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : 1969-1981 and 1987-1997 Member of Dail Eireann. 1979 - 1984 Member of European Parliament. 1985 - 1991 Agriculture Spokesman for FF/Gaulist Group. 1985 - 1991 Member of South Tipperary County Council. 1991 County Council Chairman. Nov 1991 - Feb 1992 Minister for Education. 1995 - 1997 Fianna Fail spokesman on European Affairs. Since 1997 Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture with responsibility for : Rural Development/LEADER, REPS, Farm Retirement, Land Policy, Horticulture/Plant Health, Organic Farming, Cattle Breeding/Irish Cattle Breeding and Federation.
	Joe Jacob - Minister of State for Public Enterprise Born : in Kilrush, Co. Clare in April 1939 Education/Profession : Educated at De la Salle Co. Wicklow and Terenure College, Co. Dublin. His former occupations include Pub owner, Distribution Manager with Nitrigin Éireann Teoranta and a Public Representative. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Member of Wicklow County Council from 1985 to July 1997. Member of the British/Irish Parliamentary Body (1991 - 1992). Member of County Wicklow Vocational Educational Committee (Chairman 1991 - 1993).Former Chairman of the Fianna Fail Environment Policy Committee. He was a member of the Fianna Fail delegation to the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation from its commencement. He was Chairman of the Fianna Fail Parliamentary Party from November 1992 to January 1995, and was Leas-Cheann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann from 10 February, 1993 to 15 May, 1997. Appointed Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise on 8 July 1997 with special responsibility for Energy.
	Tom Kitt - Minister of State at the Department of Entreprise, Trade and Employment Born : Galway, July, 1952 Education/Profession : St. Jarlath's College, Tuam, Co. Galway. St. Patrick's Training College, Drumcondra, Dublin. 1979-1992 Member of Dublin County Council. Member of Irish Parliament (Dáil Éireann) Former Primary School Teacher Member of AWEPA (Association of European Parliamentarians for South Africa) Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : l987 Elected to Dáil Éireann. Member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Body. Feb 1992-Jan 1993. Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with special responsibility for Arts, Culture and Womens Affairs and European Affairs. Jan 1993-Nov'94 : Minister for State at the Department of the Taoiseach for European Affairs and Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for Overseas Development Assistance. Since 1997 Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs.
awaiting	Eamon Ó Cuív - Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands Born : Education/Profession : Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience :
awaiting	Willie O'Dea - Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science Born : Education/Profession : Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience :
	Ned O'Keeffe - Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture & Food Born : Mitchelstown, Co Cork, August 1942 Education/Profession : Darra College, Clonakilty, Co Cork University College, Cork (Diploma in Social and Rural Science). Member, Macra na Feirme 1958-71 ; Irish Farmers' Association 1969-82, (chairman, Cork County Executive 1979-82) ; member ,Gaelic Athletic Association ; Council member of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) 1978-81. Public representative, Minister of State formerly Company Director, farmer. Director, Mitchelstown Co-operative Society 1974-82. Member of the Regional Committee of Dairygold Co-operative Society ; member of Council of Dairygold ; director, Agricultural Credit Co-operation 1980-82. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Elected to the Dáil in November 1982. That was the first time he was a candidate in a Dáil general election. He was a Senator, Taoiseach's Nominee, May-November, 1982. Fianna Fáil spokesman on Industry 1982-87. Member Cork County Council Library Committee 1992. Fianna Fáil deputy spokesperson on Enterprise and Employment with responsibility for Commerce, Science and Technology and Small Business 1994-97. July 1997 to date : Minister of State at Department of Agriculture and Food with special responsibility for food and veterinary matters
	Noel Treacy - Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment Born : December 1951 Education/Profession : Gurteen National School. St. Joseph's College, Garbally Park, Ballinasloe. Served on the Public Expenditure, Childcare, Agriculture, Environment and Sustainable Development Committees. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Chairman, Gurteen Cumann 1970-73. Hon Secretary Gurteen Cumann 1973-83. First elected to Dáil Eireann in 1982. Member of County Galway VEC, 1985-91. Since 1987, appointed by three successive Taoisigh, as Minister of State at the Departments of Finance, Health, Taoiseach, Justice, Transport, Energy, Communications, Office of Public Works, Enterprise, Trade, Employment, Education and Science. Note : Representative of Ireland on 10 different Councils of European Ministers, in both Strasburg and Brussels.
	Dan Wallace - Minister of State at the Department of Environment and Local Government Born : Cork. June 1942 Education/Profession : North Presentation Convent, Cork ; North Monastery CBS, Cork ; College of Commerce, Cork. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Member Cork City Council, 1979-1992 (Lord Mayor 1985/'86). First elected to Dáil Eireann November 1982. Minister of State at the Department of the Environment with special responsibility for Urban Renewal Feb 1992-Jan 1993. Chairman Select Committee on Legislation and Security 1993-'95 Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government with special responsibility for Environmental Information and Awareness, and the Environmental Protection Agency, since July 1997.
	Mary Wallace - Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Born : Dublin, June 1959 Education/Profession : Loreto Convent, Balbriggan ; Loreto Convent, North Great George's Street ; Rathmines College of Commerce (Dip Hospital & Health - Services Administration). Full-time Public Representative. Formerly Personnel Executive in Blanchardstown Hospital. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Member of Fianna Fáil : Oireachtas Joint Committee on Women's Rights 1987-97(Vice-Chairperson 1989 - 1992) (Chairperson 1995 - 1997) First Elected to Dail : 1989. Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform - July 1997.
	Hugh Byrne - Minister of State at the Department of Marine & Natural Resources Born : in Wexford in September 1943 Education/Profession : Educated at New Ross CBS and St Peter's College, Wexford. Was formally an auctioneer and a farmer before being appointed Minister. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Elected to the Dáil in 1981 and was a deputy for Wexford constituency until 1989. From 1982-87 and 1995-97 he was spokesperson in the Dáil on Agriculture and 1989-92 he was spokesperson in the Seanad on Agriculture and Marine. From 1989-92 he was a senator in the Seanad. Member of Wexford County Council 1974-97 (chairperson 1990/91). From 1992 he once again represented Wexford in the Dáil. Minister of State at the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, with special responsibility for Aquaculture and Forestry in July 1997.
	Martin Cullen - Minister of State at the Department of Finance Office of Public Works Born : 2 November 1954 in Waterford Education/Profession : Waterpark College and Waterford Regional Technical College. Full time Public Representative. Party : FF (Fianna Fáil) Political experience : Elected to Dail Eireann in 1987. Mayor of Waterford 1993/94. 1997 Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works.