Noel Browne

Noel Browne (20 December 1915-21 May 1997) was an Irish politician and doctor. He holds the distinction of being one of only five Teachta Dálas (TDs) to be appointed Minister on their first day in the Dáil. His controversial Mother and Child Scheme in effect brought down the First Inter-Party Government of John A. Costello in 1951.

Related Topics:
20 December - 1915 - 21 May - 1997 - Irish - Politician - Doctor - Teachta Dálas (TDs) - First Inter-Party Government - John A. Costello - 1951

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Noel Browne was born on 20 December 1915 in Waterford. He father was a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC). Browne was educated in Athlone and Ballinrobe as his father travelled around the country. Both his parents died as a result of tuberculosis during the twenties. In 1929 he was admitted free of charge to a preparatory school in Eastbourne, England. He then won a scholarship to public school and befriended a Neville Chance, a wealthy boy from Dublin. His family paid Browne's way through medical school in Trinity College.

Related Topics:
20 December - 1915 - Waterford - Royal Irish Constabulary - Athlone - Ballinrobe - Tuberculosis - 1929 - Eastbourne, England - Trinity College

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In 1940 Browne contracted tuberculosis himself, but was treated in an English sanatorium. He recovered and passed his medical exams in 1942. He worked in numerous sanatoria throughout Ireland and England, witnessing the ravages of the disease. He soon concluded that politics was the only way in which he could make an attack on the scourge of tuberculosis. Browne joined the new Irish republican party Clann na Poblachta and was elected to Dáil Éireann in 1948. To the surprise of many, party leader Sean MacBride picked Browne to be one of the party's two ministers in the Government. Browne became one of the few TDs appointed a minister on their first day in Dáil Éireann, when he was appointed Minister for Health.

Related Topics:
1940 - 1942 - Ireland - England - Irish republican - Clann na Poblachta - Dáil Éireann - 1948 - Sean MacBride

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