Taoiseach 'planning radical Cabinet shake-up'

Taoiseach Brian Cowen is planning a radical re-shuffle of key government departments, according to reports.

Newspaper reports this morning suggest the changes will focus on public-sector reform, as well as employment and training.

The appointment of a super junior Minister responsible for driving public-sector reform is understood to be one of the proposals.

However, its not believed there are any immediate plans to replace the former Defence Minister Willie O'Dea.

Speculation about the reshuffle was sparked by comments from the Taoiseach refusing to give a timeline for his replacement.

Another key element of the restructuring is expected to be the creation of an economic planning department, incorporating parts of the current Department of Enterprise and Employment, to focus on job creation.

The re-alignment is aimed at strengthening the economic portfolios across Government.