Ireland
James is a member of the Irish Government serving as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Previously James served as Minister of State in the Department of Transport where he had responsibility for aviation, maritime, road and rail transport, road safety, carriage of goods and the coast guard. James has been a member of the Dáil representing the constituency of Kildare North since 2016. He is also a qualified barrister who operated a general practice with developing specialties in shipping/maritime, carriage of goods, and general civil law, prior to assuming Ministerial office. He is not currently practicing law while serving in Government. Before entering practice, James was a regulatory professional in the Compliance area ensuring adherence to legislative and regulatory requirements within the VHI group of companies. James also had fifteen years prior experience in I.T. & Actuarial sectors. James studied Law at Kings Inns, where he qualified as a Barrister (B.L.), he also holds a BA, M.Sc. from Trinity (Maths & Computer Science). James academic record is very strong winning prizes/bursaries at both Trinity and Kings Inns.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics, including Maritime, Aviation and Roads Transport and at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with special responsibility for Postal Policy.
Represent Kildare North in Dáil Éireann. Chair Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice 2020-2024.
Barrister with general civil and criminal practice. Speciality in maritime, shipping and freight law.
Represent the Naas electoral area on Kildare County Council. Served as Mayor of Naas 2015/16.
Compliance Officer with responsibility for adherence to legislation and regulation affecting Vhi Healthcare which is the Retail Intermediary Arm of the Vhi business and writes one billion euro premium annually across a range of product sets and insurance lines.