More political changes at Hawkins House

Minister Helen McEntee, who was Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, has been appointed to a European Affairs portfolio. Minister McEntee has been replaced by Deputy Jim Daly.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, in announcing the various Minister of State appointments, said: “We aim to be a Government of purpose that gets things done. These appointments enhance the Government team and help us to drive forward the Programme for a Partnership Government and build a Republic of Opportunity. So each Minister of State has been assigned a specific task, and each appointment was made by matching skillsets and experience to roles.

“It includes representatives from both Fine Gael and Independents to reflect the fact that this is a Partnership Government. Everyone in the Fine Gael parliamentary party will be expected to play a role in Government and rebuilding the party. I’m looking forward to working with all my colleagues in the months and years ahead to bring about real improvements in people’s lives.”

These appointments are in addition to the four Ministers of State who will attend Cabinet meetings and whose appointments were made last week, including that of Minister Finian McGrath, who retained his position as Minister of State with special responsibility for Disability Issues.

Minister for Health Simon Harris was also retained in the announcement of Cabinet positions last week.