Statement from An Tánaiste Simon Harris

Today, Paschal Donohoe will tender his resignation as Minister for Finance to enable him to take up the role of Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group, based in Washington DC.

“This is a position of significant international standing, and is a testament to Paschal’s integrity, expertise, and the high esteem in which he is held both at home and abroad.

“While I always knew this day would come, it is a day of mixed emotion. It is a moment of sadness for the Fine Gael family, but it is also a moment of great pride for Ireland. Paschal’s appointment reflects the regard in which he is viewed on the global stage.

“Over more than two decades in public life, Paschal Donohoe has served with unwavering dedication — as a Senator, a Teachta Dála, and as a Minister in a number of key portfolios.

“He has played a central role in successive Governments, serving as Minister for European Affairs, Minister for Transport, and Minister for Public Expenditure and Finance.

“Throughout his tenure, Paschal has exemplified the highest standards of public service. His calm and capable stewardship helped guide Ireland through some of the most challenging periods in our recent history — including Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and a period of global economic uncertainty.

“His prudent management of the public finances has underpinned Ireland’s recovery and growth, ensuring that our economy remains resilient and our society continues to prosper.

“Across ten Budgets and three National Development Plans, he has demonstrated exceptional judgement and patience. The healthy state of the public finances are a testament to his careful stewardship of the economy.

“Paschal has always placed the national interest above all else. He has been a voice of reason and stability.

“For Fine Gael, he has left an undeniable legacy. He has been an integral part of the success of this party over the past decade. For the people in Dublin Central, his impact is evident all across the constituency. Whether that be the advancement of the Luas, or the bustling TU Dublin campus in Grangegorman or the establishment of the North East Inner City Taskforce, he has played a crucial role in transforming the heart of the capital city.

“For me, he has been someone who has been a source of wise counsel, and a valued friend. This will not change.

“I will miss his good humour on the good days, the optimism on the hard days, and his unrelenting support on the worst of days.

“On behalf of Fine Gael, and the Government, I want to thank Paschal Donohoe for his exemplary service. This country is all the better for his service.

“We wish him every success as he takes on this important new responsibility at the World Bank.

“Later today, I will announce a number of changes to the Fine Gael Ministerial team.”