Daniel McConnell: Heather Humphreys is not a surprising choice to act as Justice Minister

Daniel McConnell looks back on the career of Heather Humphreys as she prepares to take over the duties of the Justice Miniser for the coming months

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys will act as interim Justice Minister during Helen McEntee's maternity leave. File picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

The decision to appoint Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys as interim Justice Minister to allow Helen McEntee take six months maternity leave is not surprising.

With Ms McEntee remaining a minister without portfolio within the Government for the duration of her leave, with the Constitutional limit of ministers set at 15, the duties were always going to be reassigned to an existing minister.