Plenary Speakers

Mr. Jerry Buttimer T.D., is Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport and the at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities. He was appointed to these roles on 29 January 2025.
Minister Buttimer is a member of the Fine Gael Party and a T.D. (Member of the Irish Parliament) for the Cork South-Central constituency since the 2024 general election, and previously from 2011 to 2016. In December 2022 he was appointed as the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann. He also served as Leader of the 25th Seanad. Minister Buttimer was also previously appointed as Chairperson of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children in July 2011. Prior to his election to Dáil Éireann, the Minister served as a Senator, having been elected in July 2007, and was a member of Cork City Council from 2004 to 2007. Minister Buttimer is also the founder of Fine Gael LGBT and Party Spokesperson on Transport.