Govt to appoint Penrose replacement

A new super junior Government Minister will be appointed today to fill the space created by the departure of former Minister of State for Housing, Willie Penrose.

The new Minister will be allowed to sit at the Cabinet table, but not to vote on decisions.

Longford-Westmeath representative Mr Penrose resigned last month, after the closure of his local army barracks.

According to The Irish Times, it is unclear whether Mr Penrose's replacement will inherit his former housing and planning brief, or bring their current area of responsibility to the Cabinet table.

The move will free up a position at Minister of State level.