Taoiseach to reveal Minister of State posts

The 17 junior ministers and their portfolios will be announced today by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern after his nominations were approved…

The 17 junior ministers and their portfolios will be announced today by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern after his nominations were approved by the Cabinet.

Following the recent General Election, 13 of the outgoing 17 junior ministers are not expected to retain their posts with four now full Cabinet Ministers.

This morning's Irish Timesreported the Progressive Democrats will add two Minister of State positions to the two full Cabinet positions that followed their Programme for Government deal with Fianna Fáil.

The paper expects Laois-Offaly TD Mr Tom Parlon to be appointed to the Office of the Public Works in the Department of Finance while Limerick TD Mr Tim O'Malley will become one of two Ministers of State for Health.

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Limerick East TD Mr Willie O'Dea who was disappointed not to receive a ministerial portfolio is expected to remain a junior minister.

Only four of the Taoiseach's outgoing Ministers of State are due to remain: Dublin South TD Mr Tom Kitt, Meath TD Ms Mary Wallace, Dublin South East TD Mr Eoin Ryan and Limerick East's Mr O'Dea.

Cork North Central's Mr Dan Wallace and Wicklow's Mr Joe Jacob, are not expected to be offered posts.