Statement from Minister for Education Norma Foley on the passing of Gemma Hussey

Minister for Education Norma Foley has paid tribute to the late Gemma Hussey as a pioneering presence for women in politics.

Gemma Hussey became the first female Minister for Education when she was appointed to the role in December 1982. She also served as Minister for Social Welfare and Minister for Labour.

Minister Foley said:

"Ms Hussey had been an innovative Minister during her four years in the Department of Education in Marlborough Street. She was a courageous and determined politician who showed the way for women at the highest level in politics. She was highly regarded for the work she did in steering and guiding the development of the Irish education system."

Minister Foley noted that during Ms Hussey’s time as Minister for Education, she secured dedicated funding to tackle educational disadvantage as part of the Programme for Action in Education (1984–1987). She worked on the development of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, which was established in 1987 as a successor to the Curriculum and Examinations Board. She also played a key role in supporting the establishment of Ireland’s first multi-denominational school in Dalkey in Dublin in 1984.

Minister Foley said:

“Ms Hussey was a co-founder of the European Women’s Federation, an organisation which helped women across Europe to set up their organisations to assist women’s development. She helped not only Irish women, but women across Europe as well. My deepest sympathies to her family, her friends, her colleagues in the Fine Gael party, and especially her children Rachel, Ruth and Andrew.”