ANNE RABBITTE TD

Minister of State 

Department of Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth

I have worked for a well established financial institution for 25 years, both as an employee and manager and managed and motivated interdisciplinary teams and have worn every hat on the rack.

I come to work every day because I want to solve problems, large and small.  I love to collaborate, learn and work on creative solutions. l truly believe in the transformative power of education and its ability to simplify communications, elevate experiences, engage and inspire people from within.  For this reason, I was thrilled to be appointed Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth.

Since my election, I have focused on the following core areas about which I am truly passionate and wish to affect change.

• Rural Ireland – Community Development

• Early Intervention in Childcare

• Healthcare Reform

• Care of the Elderly (Fair Deal/Nursing Home Support Scheme)

• Tourism – Nurturing & Development 

• Agriculture

• Social Justice

The committees I have joined and collaborated with link directly or indirectly to my core areas and include:

• The Finance Committee – Chairperson

• GRETB – Board Member

• Athenry Heritage Committee – Member

• Strategic Policy Committee for Environment, Water Services & Fire/Emergency Services – Member

Current National Committees:

• Children’s & Youth Affairs Oireachtas Committee

• Oireachtas Mental Health Committee

• Galway County Council Joint Policing Committee

In my own community, I sit on the following committees:

• St Brendan’s National School Board of Management

• Portumna Community Secondary School Board of Management

• Chairperson of Portumna Camogie Club

• Lough Derg Cottage Market

• Portumna Fit Towns

• Grow Remote

In addition to sustainable social change and fit-for-purpose healthcare, everyone should be empowered to earn a stable, healthy income through dignified work.  This has to be the basis for a brighter future, the foundations built on a hand up and not a handout.  I know that no single approach or one size fits all is the right one for every individual.  However, a creative tailored solution is always possible.

On a personal level my passions are great friends, long talks,  broadened horizons and a spirit of adventure.  I also believe the world would be a better place if everyone spent 15 minutes a day in a hammock!

Here on my new website, I am excited to start a new dialogue and learn more about my constituents, come up with creative solutions for their everyday problems, small and large.  My goal is simple, to fight inequality, unjustness, and malfeasance, building community as I go.  While this vision is noble, I back it up with a reliable, trustworthy, professional service underpinned with candor and passion.  I hope this passion translates into a positive relationship with all my constituents.

Anne