The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have agreed on the Progressive Democrat posts in the new Cabinet to be announced next Wednesday, but have yet to finalise other appointments, Ms Harney said.
While she now knows what job she will have after the reshuffle is announced, the Tánaiste declined to say which one it would be.
There was speculation last night that Ms Harney would become the new Minister for Health. The prospect of her becoming Minister for Transport cannot be ruled out, but there is strong speculation that Séamus Brennan will stay put. Earlier suggestions that she would become Minister for Education now appear unlikely.
Speaking to reporters in Brussels yesterday, Ms Harney confirmed that her party colleague, Mr McDowell, will stay on as Minister for Justice. "Michael is just two years in the job and he has a huge agenda of reform so I don't think there's any secret about that," she said.
She said she would have a final discussion with the Taoiseach about the reshuffle on Tuesday but she insisted the changes would not affect the Government's policy direction.
Ms Harney said she remained opposed to moving responsibility for science and research from the Department of Enterprise to Education, giving a further signal that she will not be going to Education.
"Clearly, education has a huge role to play in innovation. It has to produce the personnel, and the people and the universities are where much of the research is being carried out. But if you were to ask me should responsibility for science and research go to the Minister for Education, my answer is no," she said.
A number of ministers yesterday were clearly unaware of the changes Mr Ahern would make to his Cabinet in an attempt to refresh the Government's image in the second half of its term of office. However, with Mr Charlie McCreevy becoming EU Commissioner, Mr Joe Walsh retiring from Cabinet and Mr Michael Smith expected to be dropped, Ms Mary Hanafin, Mr Willie O'Dea and Mr Dick Roche are seen as likely Cabinet newcomers.
While there has been much talk of the Government recasting its political image, Ms Harney insisted this would not bring about a significant change in policy direction. "The policy of the Government isn't going to change. That's agreed in the Programme for Government and I think the approach should be very similar. Clearly, different ministers may have a different set of priorities but it will be within the framework of the Programme for Government," she said.