The Minister of State for Disability, Equality and Mental Health is a junior ministerial post in the Departments of Justice and Equality and Health of the Government of Ireland. The Minister works together with the senior Ministers in these departments and has special responsibility for all disability and equality issues. The Minister of State does not hold cabinet rank.
It was created in 1997 as Minister of State for Equality. In 2008, Disability Issues and Mental Health were added to the office. In 2010, the title was changed to Equality and Human Rights, and Integration. In March 2011, the title was changed to its current form.
The current holder is Kathleen Lynch, TD who took office in March 2011.
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Minister of State for Equality 1997–2008 |
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| No. | Name | Entered Office | Left Office | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Mary Wallace | 8 July 1997 | 6 June 2002 | Fianna Fáil | |
| 2. | Willie O'Dea | 19 June 2002 | 29 September 2004 | Fianna Fáil | |
| 3. | Frank Fahey | 29 September 2004 | 20 June 2007 | Fianna Fáil | |
| 4. | Seán Power | 20 June 2007 | 13 May 2008 | Fianna Fáil | |
Minister of State for Equality, Disability Issues and Mental Health 2008–2010 |
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| No. | Name | Entered Office | Left Office | Party | |
| 5. | John Moloney | 13 May 2008 | 23 March 2010 | Fianna Fáil | |
Minister of State for Equality and Human Rights, and Integration 2010–2011 |
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| No. | Name | Entered Office | Left Office | Party | |
| 6. | Mary White | 23 March 2010 | 23 January 2011 | Green Party | |
Minister of State for Disability, Equality and Mental Health 2011–present |
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| No. | Name | Entered Office | Left Office | Party | |
| 7. | Kathleen Lynch | 10 March 2011 | Incumbent | Labour Party | |