Dr James Reilly is a Senator in the 25th Seanad having been nominated by former Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. in May 2016. He is the former Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and Deputy Leader of Fine Gael. James is the Fine Gael Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in the Seanad. He was appointed Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on July 11, 2014. He was Minister for Health from March 9, 2011 to July 11, 2014.
James Reilly was first elected to Dáil Éireann for Dublin North in 2007.