Number of junior ministers to fall from 20 to 15

Taoiseach Brian Cowen has confirmed he intends to cut the number of Ministers of State from 20 to 15 in a bid to cut costs.

In a statement this afternoon, the Government said Mr Cowen held a meeting with the current junior ministers today at which he asked them to submit their resignations by April 21st.

Just 15 will be reappointed when the Dáil reconvenes the following day. The Taoiseach said they will be allocated new roles, functions and areas of responsibility.

Mr Cowen said it was agreed that the Government needs to restructure the way it functions “to ensure it is more effective and delivers best value to the taxpayer”.

The Taoiseach is to “re-examine the roles and functions of Ministers of State so as to ensure the most effective implementation of Government policies across all departments”, the statement said.

A Minister of State’s salary is over €150,000 per annum, plus expenses. They are also backed up by officials who cost the exchequer €8 million annually.

The number of such positions has risen from just seven in 1978 to 20 today. Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern increased the number from 17 following the 2007 General Election.

In recent months, three Ministers of State - Martin Mansergh, Conor Lenihan and Seán Power - have offered publicly to stand down if required.

The Government has come under increasing pressure of late over the number of junior ministries. Fine Gael has called for a cull to just 12, while Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said his party would axe five positions if in Government.