James Browne | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Browne in 2023 | |
| Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage | |
| Assumed office 23 January 2025 | |
| Taoiseach | |
| Preceded by | Darragh O'Brien |
| Minister of State | |
| 2020–2025 | Justice |
| Teachta Dála | |
| Assumed office February 2016 | |
| Constituency | Wexford |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1975-10-15)15 October 1975 (age 50)[citation needed] Wexford, Ireland |
| Political party | Fianna Fáil |
| Parent |
|
| Relatives | Seán Browne (granduncle) |
| Alma mater | |
| Website | jamesbrowne |
James Browne (born 15 October 1975[citation needed]) is an IrishFianna Fáil politician who has served asMinister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage since January 2025. He has been aTeachta Dála (TD) for theWexford constituency since2016.[1][2] He previously served as aMinister of State at the Department of Justice from 2020 to 2025.
Browne comes from a family of Fianna Fáil politicians. He is the only son of former TDJohn Browne.[3] His grand uncle,Seán Browne, was also a TD. He studied hotel management and catering inDublin IT before studying law inWaterford IT,University College Cork andKing's Inns, where he qualified as a barrister.[4][3]
He was member of Enniscorthy Town Council from 2009 to 2014. He was a member ofWexford County Council from 2014 to 2016.[5] At the2016 general election, Browne was selected to replace his father John as a Fianna Fáil candidate forWexford, as he was retiring from politics. Browne was elected as a TD in this election, receiving 13.7% of the vote; however his running-matesMalcolm Byrne and Aoife Byrne were not elected.
Browne opposed therepeal of the 8th amendment in 2018, which removed the ban on abortion in Ireland.[6]
On 2 September 2020, Browne was appointed by thecoalition government led byMicheál Martin as aMinister of State at the Department of Justice with responsibility for law reform.[7][8] He was assigned additional responsibility for civil justice and immigration from April to October 2021 during thematernity leave ofHelen McEntee.[9][10][11]
At the2024 general election, Browne was re-elected to the Dáil. On 23 January 2025, Browne was appointed asMinister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in thegovernment led byMicheál Martin.[12]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Minister of State at the Department of Justice 2020–2025 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage 2025–present | Incumbent |