SF’s John Brady appointed to chair Public Accounts Committee

Sinn Féin has announced its appointments to chair seven Oireachtas committees, marking a significant expansion of its influence in parliamentary oversight. This development follows the party’s strong performance in the recent general election, positioning it as the largest opposition party in the Dáil.

Wicklow TD John Brady has been appointed to lead the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), a pivotal body responsible for scrutinizing government expenditures. This role was previously held by Mairéad Farrell, who will now chair the Committee on Finance. Farrell’s reassignment has sparked discussions, but party representatives emphasize her continued importance within Sinn Féin’s leadership.

Additional appointments include Matt Carthy as chair of the Committee on Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration; Maurice Quinlivan heading the Committee on Disability Matters; Rose Conway-Walsh leading the newly established Committee on Defence and National Security; Conor McGuinness overseeing the Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs; and Louise O’Reilly chairing the Committee on Petitions.

Broader Committee Distribution

The allocation of committee chairs reflects the composition of the Dáil, with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael collectively chairing 15 committees. Labour has been assigned leadership of the committees on the Traveller Community and Media and Arts. The Social Democrats, having increased their representation, will chair the Health and Drug Use committees. Independent TD Catherine Connolly is set to oversee the Irish Language Committee, while the Independent Technical Group will lead the Committee on Budgetary Oversight.