Norma Foley, Ireland’s Minister of Education, is a key figure in forming the educational landscape of the nation. She is at the center of national education reforms, managing everything from teacher pay and school funding to putting policies into place that affect thousands of pupils.
However, what about her personal income? In a nation where new teachers struggle with a starting wage of just €38,000, her remuneration has generated interest and discussion. How much does she actually make, then, and does it correspond with the scope of her duties?
Norma Foley: Salary & Career Breakdown
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Norma Foley |
| Date of Birth | September 7, 1970 |
| Current Position | Minister for Education (Since 2020) |
| Political Party | Fianna Fáil |
| Annual Salary (2024) | €195,000+ |
| Base TD Salary | €107,376 |
| Ministerial Allowance | €87,000+ |
| Previous Salary as TD (Pre-2020) | €100,000 |
| Education | University College Dublin |
| Authentic Source | Irish Government Salaries |
What Is Norma Foley’s Income?
With basic pay as a Teachta Dála (TD) and other benefits, Foley’s yearly compensation as one of Ireland’s top government ministers surpasses €195,000.
The breakdown of her earnings is as follows:
Base Salary for TD: €107,376
Allowance for Ministers: €87,000+
Total Projected Revenue: €195,000+
She is able to efficiently oversee one of the biggest government agencies because to her salary, official expenditures, travel reimbursements, and ministerial benefits.
How Much Foley Makes Compared to Other Public Officials
Given their level of responsibility and decision-making authority, ministers in Ireland get some of the highest incomes in the public sector. Despite receiving a substantial income, Foley is not the highest-paid Irish politician.
| Government Position | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Taoiseach (Prime Minister) | €230,000+ |
| Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) | €210,000+ |
| Senior Ministers (Including Foley) | €195,000+ |
| Junior Ministers | €140,000+ |
| TDs (Without Ministerial Role) | €107,376 |
Salary for a Government Position Per Year
Deputy Prime Minister Taoiseach €230,000+ Senior Ministers (including Foley) €210,000+ Junior Ministers €140,000+ TDs (without ministerial role) €230,000+€107,376
Given her degree of responsibilities within the government, Foley’s pay is comparable to that of other senior ministers.
How Her Pay Has Increased Over Time
Since her early days in politics, Norma Foley’s salary has increased dramatically. She earned a meager wage compared to her current pay as a teacher and municipal councilor before to her national career.
Tralee’s mayor and council member from 2004 to 2019
Salary Estimate: €16,000 to €30,000
Extra Perquisites: €10,000 to €20,000
Teachta Dála (TD) (from 2020 onward)
Starting Pay: €107,376
Extra Perquisites: €10,000 to €20,000
Education Minister (2020–present)
Pay: €195,000+
Her income has almost doubled since she assumed office in 2020, which is indicative of her growing political clout.
The Debate Between Ministerial Pay and Teacher Salaries
Given that freshly qualified teachers now start at just €38,000 annually, one of the most contentious aspects of Foley’s pay is how it stacks up against teachers’ incomes.
2024 New Teacher Salary: €38,000
After ten years, the teacher’s salary is between €55,000 and €60,000.
Salary of the Minister of Education: €195,000+
Teachers have been criticized for this compensation disparity, especially in light of the growing cost of living and housing scarcity. To make it easier for teachers to live and work in the capital, some unions have even demanded a “Dublin allowance.”
However, Foley has defended the current pay scale, claiming that teacher salaries in Ireland are competitive when compared to other countries.
Is the Salary of Norma Foley Appropriate?
The argument about public wages is not new. Politicians shouldn’t make much more than the people they represent, according to some, while others contend that large salaries are required to draw in capable leaders.
For background:
Ireland’s average salary in 2024 is €50,000.
Salary of the Minister of Education: €195,000.
Foley’s income is about four times that of the national average.
Critics contend that legislators ought to be paid more in line with the national median and that public service shouldn’t be motivated by personal benefit. Supporters counter that high salaries are justified due to the difficulty of managing a national education system.
What Will Happen to Norma Foley Next?
As the next general election draws near, Foley’s political future is still up in the air. She might, however, be able to keep or even raise her pay in the upcoming years if she stays in high-ranking government positions.
Possible professional situations:
Continue to earn €195,000+ a year as Minister of Education.
Get promoted to Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and earn more than €210,000.
Possible Taoiseach in the Future? – She may make more than €230,000 if she gets the top office.
Her career trajectory indicates that she will continue to rank among Ireland’s highest-paid politicians, regardless of the future.
