James Lawless

James Lawless is the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. He was appointed to this role on 23 January 2025.

Before this, he served as Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics; and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with special responsibility for Postal Policy.

James Lawless was elected to the Dáil to represent Kildare North in 2016 and 2020 and prior to that was a member of Kildare County Council, serving as Mayor of Naas in 2015.

He studied Maths and Computer Science at Trinity College and Law at Kings Inns where he qualified as a Barrister. He practiced with a speciality in maritime/freight law.

He first got involved in politics as a commuter activist and remains a strong advocate for improving transport links, rail and bus services, better walking and cycling infrastructure including greenways.

Within the Dáil he has become a strong voice on Technology and Digital Policy introducing ground-breaking legislation on Social Media Regulation and on Cyber Harms. He served as opposition spokesperson on Science & Technology from 2016-2020 and as Chair of the Justice Committee from 2020-2024.

You can contact Mr Lawless at: james.lawless@oireachtas.ie