Opposition concerned about Humphreys combining Justice with Social Protection duties

Heather Humphreys, the current social protection minister, is due to take on lead political responsibility for the Department of Justice while Helen McEntee takes maternity leave. 

Social protection minister Heather Humphreys, who will temporarily take on the duties of the justice minister later this year. File Picture. 

Fears have been expressed that social protection minister Heather Humphreys will have too much on her plate when she takes over the Justice portfolio after Helen McEntee goes on maternity leave.

In an unprecedented move, Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced that Ms McEntee will remain as a minister without portfolio for the duration of her paid six-month leave, which is due to start on May 1.