Colm Burke TD - Cork North Central

Colm Burke, TD

Colm Burke is the Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy.

He was elected as a TD for Cork North Central in 2020. He was previously a Senator (2011-2020) and was elected on the Industrial and Commercial Panel.

Colm was a member of the European Parliament for the Ireland South constituency between 2007 and 2009.

He was a member of Cork City Council from 1995-2007 and was Lord Mayor of Cork in 2003-2004.

Colm is a native of Dripsey in Mid Cork, educated in De La Salle College Macroom and University College Cork, qualifying as a solicitor in 1982.

He has been involved in many community organisations, including Foroige and Macra na Feirme, served as Chairman of Blackpool Community Centre and Blackpool/Glen/Farranree Training Centre. He has also served as a Director of the Port of Cork, Cork Urban Enterprises Ltd, the National Sculpture Factory and Cork City Urban Ltd. He was a member of the National Executive of Young Fine Gael (1978-1982), serving as National Chairperson (1980-1981). He also served on the Fine Gael National Executive (1981-1982).

Colm was involved in the publishing of two private members bills; the Civil Law (Missing Persons) Bill 2013 and the Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 2012. The Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 2014 has since been published by the Minister for Health.

News & Statements

Long awaited codeine review must be published without delay – Burke

The long awaited review on the sale and supply of codeine products must be published without delay, according to Fine Gael TD Colm Burke.

17th March 2024

Commitment to increase radiation therapy course places in Irish colleges is welcome – Burke

A commitment to boost radiation therapy course places will address a shortage in the number of those professionals is extremely welcome, according to Fine Gael TD Colm Burke.

29th February 2024

350 new GP training places will be positive for communities – Burke

A 350 increase in the number of GP training places this year will be positive for communities and will provide greater patient access, according to Fine Gael TD Colm Burke.

16th February 2024

Ban on disposable vapes vital to safeguarding public health and the environment– Burke

A ban on the sale of disposable vapes is needed on both health and environmental grounds, a Fine Gael TD has said.

5th February 2024

Extend TV ban on advertising junk food and drinks to 9pm to curb childhood obesity – Burke

A ban on the advertising of junk food and drinks on television should be extended past the current 6pm watershed to 9pm in an effort to curb childhood obesity, according to Fine Gael TD Colm Burke.

5th January 2024

Revenue decision which disadvantages GPs to be reversed in Finance Act – Burke

A decision by Revenue which sees practice doctors treated as individuals rather than as part of a partnership and sees them disadvantaged will now be reversed, according to Fine Gael TD Colm Burke.

16th November 2023

Budget 2024 extends Free Travel scheme for those with epilepsy – Burke

Significant changes to the free travel scheme will benefit those with epilepsy and other disabilities that have resulted in a person being deemed medically unfit to drive, according to a Fine Gael TD.

12th October 2023

Raise the age limit for the purchase of tobacco products to 21 – Burke

The age limit for the purchase of tobacco products should be raised to 21 years of age, a Fine Gael TD has said. Deputy Colm Burke, Fine Gael’s Health Spokesperson has called for the change to help Ireland meet the public health target of less than 5% smoking rate by 2025.

27th August 2023