Taoiseach unveils junior ministers

The newly-expanded group of 20 junior Government ministers was tonight revealed by the Taoiseach.

Outgoing Ministers of State Frank Fahey and Noel Treacy have both lost their jobs in the reshuffle, which includes three new office-holders.

Fianna Fáil backbenchers selected by the Taoiseach include Jimmy Devins, John McGuinness, Maire Hoctor, Micheal Kitt, Billy Kelleher along with Greens’ interim leader Trevor Sargent.

“The team is a good mixture of solid experience and fresh faces,” said Mr Ahern.

Brendan Smith: Minister for Children (with seat at Cabinet);

Pat the Cope Gallagher: Health Promotion and Food Safety;

John Browne: Fisheries;

Michael Ahern: Innovation Policy;

Noel Ahern: OPW;

Sean Power: Equality Issues;

Batt O’Keeffe: Housing, Urban Renewal and Developing Areas;

Tony Killeen: Environment and Energy;

Conor Lenihan: Integration Policy;

Mary Wallace: Forestry;

Sean Haughey: Lifelong Learning, Youth Work and School Transport;

Micheal Kitt: Overseas Development;

Trevor Sargent: Food and Horticulture;

Pat Carey: Drugs Strategy and Community Affairs;

Billy Kelleher: Labour Affairs;

John McGuinness: Trade and Commerce;

Dr Jimmy Devins: Disability Issues and Mental Health;

Maire Hoctor: Older People.

The Government last week appointed Tom Kitt as Chief Whip and Dick Roche as Minister for European Affairs.

Mr Ahern said areas of responsibility were newly-created or amended to reflect the more complex nature of Government policy.