In 2018 Doherty completed an Advanced Diploma in Corporate, White-Collar and Regulatory Crime, Law in King's Inns. In 2020 Doherty completed a Post Graduate Fintech (Micro-credential) in Financial Innovation, Business in Dublin City University.
On 17 July 2016, it was reported in The Times that Doherty had provided a character reference to a man who had defrauded revenue. Kenneth Shanny from Dunshaughlin, County Meath had been convicted of processing incorrect VAT returns for two clients, with the intention of dividing the money recovered between them. Doherty provided references to the local district court and refused to apologise saying she "would do it again".[11]
In July 2017, Doherty confirmed[13] that she had lodged a complaint with the Garda Síochána against political blogger and academic Catherine Kelly. Kelly said that she was cautioned by Gardaí about her social media posts and online articles,[14] which referenced Regina Doherty.[15] In the Dáil, it was stated that a U.S.-based academic experienced a "sinister and chilling experience" in an Irish airport where she was detained by gardaí and told not to tweet about Doherty or publish any material relevant to her again.[16] In September 2017, it was revealed that she was going to repay an "unlawful" allowance of €15,800 that she received as Government Chief Whip in direct contravention of the law which states that "no allowance can be paid to a party whip if the person is a Minister or Minister of State".[17]
In January 2018, Doherty announced the launch of the consultation process under the review of the Gender Recognition Act 2015, to further expand the Gender Recognition Act to include those under 18 and non-binary people.[18] In May 2018, Doherty participated in the Opening Plenary Session - Listening Today for Better Social Policies Tomorrow, in the OECD Policy forum in Canada.[19]
In January 2019, Doherty briefed the Irish Cabinet, warning that while her department was well fixed to pass emergency legislation to continue social welfare payments in the event of Brexit, the UK may not be. It is understood that the British Government has agreed in principle to continue all payments, although the then Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Amber Rudd, has been unable to guarantee that the necessary legislation will be passed by 29 March 2019.[20] Also in January 2019, Doherty was appointed director of elections for Fine Gael for the 2019 European elections.[21]
COVID-19 response
Doherty was appointed to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on COVID-19, it published a National Action Plan on 16 March.[22] On 16 March 2020, Doherty announced the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350.00, which would be available for six weeks.[23]
On 19 March 2020, Doherty announced that all welfare would be distributed each fortnight instead of the traditional weekly, so as to limit the number of people gathering in post offices.[24] On 17 April, she announced that the General Register Office has put arrangements in place for parents to send in their birth registration forms by email or post. Up to then, parents could only register the births of their children by visiting a General Register Office in person, a practice in place since 1864, when the first birth was registered.[25]
In December 2021, Doherty opposed a motion calling on the government to support a TRIPS waiver on COVID-19 vaccine technology. Doherty withdrew her counter-motion following opposition from within the government coalition.[26]
Nationally, Fine Gael fell from 50 to 35 seats in the election. When the 33rd Dáil assembled on 20 February 2020 to elect a Taoiseach, none of the nominees was elected. Leo Varadkar resigned as Taoiseach, but under Article 28.11.2° of the Constitution, all members of the government continued to hold office until the appointment of their successors. Doherty therefore continued as Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection until the appointment of Micheál Martin as Taoiseach on 27 June, at the head of a three-part coalition government comprising Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party. On the same day, she was nominated by the Taoiseach to the Seanad, and also appointed as Leader of the Seanad.[30] Her role is to direct government business in the Seanad.[31]
Move to Dublin Fingal and European Parliament
In September 2020, it was announced that Doherty would seek Fine Gael's nomination to contest the next general election in the Dublin Fingal constituency. According to Doherty, she has connections to the area, with family in north County Dublin and had bought her first home in Swords, Dublin.[32][33]
In December 2023, Doherty announced her intention to seek her party's nomination to run for the 2024 European Parliament election in the Dublin constituency.[34] In February 2024, she was selected to contest the election, beating Barry Ward and Josepha Madigan respectively.[35] The election was held on 7 June 2024, and Doherty was elected, coming second on the first count, though taking the first seat.[36][37] She will take office on 17 July.[38]
Business
In January 2013, her IT consultancy company went into liquidation with debts of €280,000, including €60,000 due to the Revenue Commissioners.[39]
References
^"Regina Doherty". The Phoenix. 9 March 2017. Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
^"Regina Doherty". Oireachtas Members Database. Archived from the original on 23 August 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
^"Regina Doherty". ElectionsIreland.org. Archived from the original on 26 February 2011. Retrieved 27 February 2011.