Martin pledges to maintain economic competitiveness
The elevation of his constituency colleague, Batt O'Keeffe, was regarded as having widespread consequences for Fianna Fáil strategy in Cork in the next general election.
But the Taoiseach came under fire from Fine Gael for failing to give Cork adequate representation at ministerial level.
Speaking after his appointment, Mr Martin said there were a number of challenges presented in his new post and he was determined to maintain the factors enabling strong growth in jobs, including low corporation tax, highly trained workers and what he described as "an environment to get things done."
"We have to go higher up the value chain to attract inward investment.
"Competition is fierce. We have to maintain competitiveness in that environment. We have to be vigilant," he said. But the minister said he also wanted to develop a stronger culture of innovation and research in the indigenous sector.
"I had a real engagement with industry in Education and Health," he said.
At the consumer affairs end, the minister said consumers need an advocate and he would champion the competition agenda by breaking down barriers in the market. On immigration issues, he had an open mind on policy changes.
On community schemes, Mr Martin said he acknowledged the important role of CE schemes across the country and wanted to put a clear policy framework in place.
"Overtime they have developed a significant social dimension and communities depend on them. That was not the original intention but you deal with how things evolve. I would be aware of their impact though," he said.
Welcoming Batt O'Keeffe's elevation and paying tribute to Joe Walsh's contribution over the years, Mr Martin said the outgoing minister for agriculture would be a loss. Delighted at his long-awaited promotion to the junior ministerial ranks, Mr O'Keeffe said he was looking forward to working with the new minister for the environment, Dick Roche, and being assigned specific areas of responsibility.
Pointing out that he was a member of Cork County Council for almost 20 years, Mr O'Keeffe also pointed out that he was the chairman of the Oireachtas committee that originally recommended the plastic bag levy in 1997.
"My idea is I will give it 100%. I would certainly be well-versed in local government matters.
"I think Dick Roche will want a new emphasis on the department and I get on well with him," he said.
After the redrawing of the constituencies moved his Ballincollig home base from Cork South-Central to Cork North-West, Mr O'Keeffe still has to decide where to run in the next election.
Last night, the minister said he was considering his options and waiting for the legislation enabling the changes to be passed.
Although he was tipped for a move, Arts, Sport and Tourism Minister John O'Donoghue said he was quite happy to retain his post.
Aside from important policy developments and plans in the three areas, the minister said he was looking forward to completing the ambitious infrastructure projects planned, including the National Stadium, National Conference Centre, National Concert Hall and National Theatre.
"I have a fair agenda of work to get through.
"I am very happy to work with the people in the sectors concerned," he said.
The failure to not include Cork North-Central in the equation was attacked by Fine Gael TD Bernard Allen.
Despite electing three Fianna Fáil TDs at the last two elections, the constituency was again left out of the appointments.
"I congratulate Micheál Martin on his appointment and I am asking that he would direct investment and jobs north of the river as the Taoiseach has let us down so badly," he said.
Trade and Commerce Junior Minister Michael Ahern said he was looking forward to working with Mr Martin and in the department, and the Cork East TD described his retention as a vote of confidence from the Taoiseach.
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