Field of expertise: Economics and finance

A former Irish Minister for Trade, Commerce and Labour Affairs, Billy was elected to the European Parliament in 2019, representing the people of Ireland South and is head of the Irish delegation in the liberal Renew Europe group. 

Elected to Dáil Éireann in 1997 for the constituency of Cork North Central, Billy served for 22 years as a TD. During that time, he was appointed Minister for State for Trade, Labour and Commerce. Between 2011 and 2019, Billy was the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Health and Business, Jobs and Enterprise.

Serving as a full member of the ECON, FISC and ANIT committees, and a sub substitute member on the ENVI committee, Billy focuses on a wide number of policy issues such as the global taxation, the Covid-19 response, consumer affairs, sustainable finance and protecting rural communities.

Additionally, Billy serves as a full member of the US-EU and substitute member of the ACP-EU delegations.