Heather Humphreys TD

Heather Humphreys is a Fine Gael politician who has served as Minister for Social Protection since 2020 and Minister for Rural and Community Development since 2016. She has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Cavan–Monaghan constituency since 2011.

Humphreys was born in Drum, County Monaghan, in 1963. She was educated at St. Louis Secondary School in Monaghan and at the National University of Ireland, Galway, where she studied business and law.

Humphreys began her career in banking, working for Ulster Bank and later as a manager at Cootehill Credit Union in County Cavan. She was first elected to Monaghan County Council in 1999 and served as Cathaoirleach (Chairperson) of the council from 2004 to 2005.

Humphreys was elected to the Dáil in 2011 and was appointed Minister of State for Disability, Equality and Mental Health in the Fine Gael–Labour coalition government. She was promoted to Minister for Arts and Heritage in 2014 and to Minister for Rural and Community Development in 2016.

In 2020, Humphreys was appointed Minister for Social Protection. She is responsible for the Department of Social Protection, which administers a range of social welfare programs, including unemployment benefits, disability benefits, and child benefit.

Humphreys is a member of the Fine Gael parliamentary party and is considered to be on the right wing of the party. She is a supporter of Brexit and has criticized the European Union.

Humphreys is married to Eric Humphreys and they have one daughter, Tara.