Offaly TD appointed to key Dáil Committees with crucial roles in policy making

Tullamore based Fianna Fáil TD Tony McCormack has been appointed to three major committees in Dáil Éireann, underlining his growing influence in national policy-making. Deputy McCormack will now serve on the Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Committee, the Committee on Infrastructure and National Development Plan Delivery, and the Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community Committee. He has also been named Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on SMEs and Retail.

Speaking after the announcement, Deputy McCormack said he was honoured to take on these important roles at such a pivotal time. “These committees are at the heart of Ireland’s future—supporting jobs, building infrastructure, and tackling the pressing hard issues within the Traveller community,” he said. “Having worked in the small business sector myself, and having spent years at the coalface of local government, I believe I bring a grounded and practical voice to these discussions.”

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As a former Offaly County Councillor, Deputy McCormack said his experience gave him an appreciation for the challenges faced by communities across the Midlands. “Being on the ground, working with local enterprise groups and dealing with planning and infrastructure issues first-hand—these are experiences that shape how I approach national policy,” he explained. “I’m not just interested in reports and theory—I want to see action that delivers for towns like Tullamore, Birr and Edenderry.”

Deputy McCormack has also taken on the role of Fianna Fáil’s spokesperson on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Retail, two sectors that are essential to regional economies. “Our SMEs are the backbone of local employment,” he said. “They need a strong voice to make sure policies reflect their realities, whether it's access to finance, rates relief, or dealing with the cost of doing business.”

On infrastructure, Deputy McCormack says delivery is key: “The National Development Plan must not be just a document—we need real progress on transport, housing and digital infrastructure. I will be pushing hard for projects that matter to people in Offaly and beyond.”

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While his appointment to the committee on Traveller issues is a continuation of work he was involved in during his time on Offaly County Council, McCormack emphasized that his focus remains on advancing practical outcomes across all areas. “It’s about listening, learning, and acting. That’s what I’ve always tried to do in public life.”

With these new roles, Deputy McCormack is well-positioned to shape policy across critical sectors and ensure that the voices of his constituents are heard at the highest levels of decision-making.