Paschal Donohoe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paschal Donohoe
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Donohoe in 2024
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| Minister for Finance | |
| In office 23 January 2025 – 18 November 2025 |
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| Taoiseach | Micheál Martin |
| Preceded by | Jack Chambers |
| Succeeded by | Simon Harris |
| In office 14 June 2017 – 17 December 2022 |
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| Taoiseach |
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| Preceded by | Michael Noonan |
| Succeeded by | Michael McGrath |
| Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform | |
| In office 17 December 2022 – 23 January 2025 |
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| Taoiseach | |
| Preceded by | Michael McGrath |
| Succeeded by | Jack Chambers |
| In office 6 May 2016 – 27 June 2020 |
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| Taoiseach |
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| Preceded by | Brendan Howlin |
| Succeeded by | Michael McGrath |
| President of the Eurogroup | |
| In office 13 July 2020 – 18 November 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Mário Centeno |
| Succeeded by | Kyriakos Pierrakakis |
| Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport | |
| In office 11 July 2014 – 6 May 2016 |
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| Taoiseach | Enda Kenny |
| Preceded by | Leo Varadkar |
| Succeeded by | Shane Ross |
| Minister of State | |
| 2013–2014 | European Affairs |
| Teachta Dála | |
| In office 25 February 2011 – 21 November 2025 |
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| Constituency | Dublin Central |
| Senator | |
| In office 13 September 2007 – 25 February 2011 |
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| Constituency | Administrative Panel |
| Dublin City Councillor | |
| In office 2004–2007 |
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| Constituency | Cabra-Glasnevin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 September 1974 Dublin, Ireland |
| Political party | Fine Gael |
| Spouse |
Justine Davey
(m. 2001) |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Trinity College Dublin |
Paschal Donohoe (born 19 September 1974) is an Irish politician who was a member of the Fine Gael party. He served in the Irish government from 2014 until November 2025. He was the Minister for Finance for two periods: from 2017 to 2022, and again from January to November 2025. He also led the Eurogroup, a group of finance ministers from countries using the euro, from July 2020 to November 2025.
Mr. Donohoe was a Teachta Dála (TD), which is like a Member of Parliament, representing Dublin Central from 2011 until November 2025. In November 2025, he stepped down from his roles as Minister for Finance, President of the Eurogroup, and as a TD. He took on a new job as a Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer at the World Bank.
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Early Life and Education
Paschal Donohoe was born in Phibsborough, Dublin, in 1974. He grew up in Blanchardstown. His father worked for a shipping company and also rented out tents.
He went to St. Declan's CBS in Cabra. Later, he earned a scholarship to Trinity College Dublin. There, he studied Politics and Economics and graduated with top honors in 1996. During his time at Trinity, he was the Secretary of a debating club called the University Philosophical Society.
After college, Mr. Donohoe joined a large company called Procter & Gamble in the UK. He worked there for six years, becoming a sales and marketing director. In 2003, he came back to Ireland to start a career in politics.
Starting in Politics
Mr. Donohoe began his political journey in 2004. He was elected to the Dublin City Council for the Cabra–Glasnevin area. He led several committees during his time on the council.
In 2007, he tried to become a Teachta Dála (TD) but was not elected. However, he was chosen as a Senator for the Administrative Panel later that year. As a Senator, he spoke for Fine Gael on transport and marine issues. He also served on important committees dealing with transport and European affairs.
In 2008, Enda Kenny made him the Chairman of a committee focused on Ireland's future in Europe. He ran in a special election in 2009 but did not win. Finally, in the 2011 Irish general election, he was very successful. He received the most votes in his area and became a TD for Dublin Central.
Important Government Roles
Helping Europe: Minister of State
In July 2013, Paschal Donohoe became the Minister of State for European Affairs. In this role, he helped manage Ireland's relationships with other European countries.
Leading Transport and Tourism
In July 2014, Mr. Donohoe was promoted to a full cabinet position. He became the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. He held this job until May 2016. During this time, he managed the sale of the government's share in Aer Lingus, an airline. He also dealt with several strikes by public transport workers.
Managing Public Spending
In May 2016, Mr. Donohoe was appointed Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. He was in charge of how the government spent its money. He also helped manage important national projects.
During this time, he helped resolve a potential strike by the Garda Síochána, Ireland's police force. He also worked on a new pay agreement for people who work for the government. This agreement helped to reverse emergency rules that were put in place during a financial crisis. His time in this role ended in June 2020.
Ireland's Finance Minister
When Leo Varadkar became Taoiseach (Prime Minister) in June 2017, Mr. Donohoe was appointed Minister for Finance. He presented his first budget in October 2017.
During his time as Finance Minister, Ireland recorded a budget surplus in 2018. This meant the government collected more money than it spent, which was a big achievement. He also helped create a 10-year plan called Project Ireland 2040. This plan aimed to prepare Ireland for future growth and more people living and working there.
Mr. Donohoe supported Ireland's 12.5% corporation tax rate. He believed it offered stability for businesses. He also attended the Davos World Economic Forum in 2018 and 2019.
In June 2020, when Micheál Martin became Taoiseach, Mr. Donohoe was appointed Minister for Finance for a second time.
Overseeing Public Projects
In December 2022, Mr. Donohoe took on a new role. He became the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. In this job, he focused on making sure big national projects were completed on time.
He was re-elected as a TD in the 2024 Irish general election.
Minister for Finance Again
On 23 January 2025, Mr. Donohoe was appointed Minister for Finance once more. He served in this role until 18 November 2025. He then resigned to take up a new position at the World Bank.
Leading the Eurogroup
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On 9 July 2020, Mr. Donohoe was elected as the President of the Eurogroup. This is an important group of finance ministers from countries that use the euro currency. He started this role on 13 July 2020. Many of his European colleagues believed he did a good job as President.
He was re-elected for a second term as President of the Eurogroup on 5 December 2022. His second term began on 13 January 2023. He served as President until 18 November 2025, when he resigned to join the World Bank.
Life Outside Politics
Paschal Donohoe married Justine Davey in 2001. They have a son and a daughter. The family lived in Phibsborough, Dublin, during his political career.
Mr. Donohoe also enjoys writing. He regularly writes book reviews for The Irish Times and other publications.
See also
In Spanish: Paschal Donohoe para niños
