‘Department of Finance to become one entity again’

Fine Gael is considering the scrapping of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). This move would come about as part of a Cabinet reshuffle in the event of Enda Kenny’s departure as Taoiseach.

There is an opinion within the party that there is no need for two finance departments, and a return to a united Department of Finance is “being actively considered”.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan is expected to leave office alongside Mr Kenny, and Minister Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe is being tipped to succeed him.