President signs law expanding number of junior ministers amid ‘jobs for the boys’ criticism

President Higgins signs a law increasing junior ministers to a record 23, sparking criticism from opposition leaders

President Higgins signed the Ministers and Secretaries and Ministerial, Parliamentary, Judicial and Court Offices (Amendment) Bill 2025 on Friday. Picture: Maxwells

There are now a record number of junior ministers serving in Government, as President Michael D Higgins formally signs laws to increase their ranks to 23.

President Higgins signed the Ministers and Secretaries and Ministerial, Parliamentary, Judicial and Court Offices (Amendment) Bill 2025 on Friday, which adds three additional junior ministers.