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

Type

• Education minister
• Science minister

StatusCabinet minister

Member of

• Government of Ireland
• Council of the European Union
• Dáil Éireann

Reports toTaoiseach

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Incumbent James Lawless since 23 January 2025
Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Type	Education minister Science minister
Status	Cabinet minister
Member of	Government of Ireland Council of the European Union Dáil Éireann
Reports to	Taoiseach
Seat	Dublin, Ireland
Nominator	Taoiseach
Appointer	President of Ireland (on the advice of the Taoiseach)
Inaugural holder	Simon Harris
Formation	2 August 2020
Salary	€210,750 (2025)[1] (including €115,953 TD salary)[2]
Website	Official website

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Irish: An tAire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta) is a senior minister in the Government of Ireland and leads the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.^[3][4]

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is James Lawless, TD.

He is assisted by Marian Harkin, TD, Minister of State for further education, apprenticeships, construction and climate skills.