New government's attention turns appointment of committee chairpersons

Joe McHugh, who was offered his pick of a number of junior ministries but turned them down after stating his intent to work on the Committee on European Union Affairs.

Although the fallout from cabinet and junior ministerial appointments is still ongoing, attention has now turned to the appointment of committee chairpersons.

TDs and Senators who are appointed to chair Oireachtas committees receive an additional allowance of €9,500, and the role is seen by some in Leinster House as a consolation prize for those who have gone wanting from cabinet table.