Cowen makes widespread Cabinet changes

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan has today moved from Enterprise, Trade and Employment to the Department of Education, pending the expected Dáil approval.

Minister Batt O'Keeffe moves from Education to the new Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, formerly known as Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Minister Eamon O'Cuiv has been moved from the Department of Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to the newly-created Department of Social Inclusion and Family Policy (formerly known as Dept of Social and Family Affairs).

Minister Mary Hanafin moves from the Department of Social and Family Affairs to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.

Junior Minister Pat Carey is promoted to the new Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs - formerly the Department of Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Junior Minister Tony Killeen has been promoted to the Department of Defence.

Green Party TDs Ciaran Cuffe and Mary White have been promoted to Junior Ministries, the identity of which will be confirmed in the coming days, meaning an extra Junior Ministry for the Greens.

Fianna Fáil TD Sean Connick has also been promoted to a Junior Ministry.

Drugs Minister John Curran has been promoted to the position of Chief Whip.