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.

Helena O'Dwyer

As Partner and Head of Strategy at EY-Parthenon Ireland, Helena is at the forefront of one of the largest global strategy consulting organisations on the island. Helena builds world class strategies for her clients by combining her extensive knowledge and reach across sectors, her experience in the local market and she brings together that local expertise with an unrivalled global network of strategy professionals.

Prior to joining EY Ireland, Helena spent over 20 years in various senior roles in professional services in Ireland, focused on supporting clients on their large scale strategic, growth and transformation needs.

Helena is from the midlands originally, is the youngest of 7 children and a Mum of three pre-teens. She is a proud advocate and mentor of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. She is passionate about attracting more females into the business and is sponsoring and leading EY’s STEM app initiative across all secondary schools in Ireland. She is also a massive sports fan.