Politics

What is the Cabinet reshuffle about, and how will it affect me?

Minister can prioritise or not prioritise issues that might affect you in health, transport or housing

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris at the Fine Gael ardfheis. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Fine Gael leader Simon Harris at the Fine Gael ardfheis. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Jack White
Mon Apr 08 2024 - 18:33

What’s happening?

After Simon Harris becomes Taoiseach, a Cabinet reshuffle takes place, in which some Ministers are swapped, removed from Cabinet or promoted from the junior ranks.

Two senior Cabinet roles have come up for grabs: the new Fine Gael leader’s brief at the Department of Higher Education and the Minister for Enterprise, which was recently vacated by Simon Coveney. As this is a coalition government, Harris can reshuffle only Fine Gael members of Cabinet – the Fianna Fáil and Green spots won’t be changed.

Who is in the frame?

Mr Harris has promised a diversity of viewpoints in his Cabinet reshuffle. Speculation has centred around Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and whether she will have her brief swapped to a different department. Several junior ministers have been tipped for possible promotions. They include Hildegarde Naughton, Peter Burke and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

What exactly is the Cabinet?

Under the Constitution, the Government must have between seven and 15 members which act as a collective authority known as the Cabinet. The Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the 13 current senior Government ministers form the Cabinet. Primarily following a general election, Ministers are selected by the Taoiseach to manage a particular department.

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How does it work?

Each of the 18 departments has a Minister in charge. Tánaiste Michael Martin, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan and Minister for Social Protection and Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys manage two each. Alongside managing issues that fall under their remit as they arise, Ministers are responsible for the performance of their department.

How often do they meet?

Cabinet meetings are held once a week while the Dáil is in session, during which ministers brief Cabinet colleagues on developments in areas under their remit. The meetings provide an opportunity for ministers to bring forward proposals to address certain challenges or issues. This can include draft legislation or other interventions which require approval from Cabinet colleagues.

Alongside discussing issues of the day, routine Cabinet business can include nominations or appointments for senior Civil Service roles, as well as planning how to respond to legislation or motions planned by the opposition. Issues that arise and require urgent intervention can sometimes result in incorporeal Cabinet meetings which take place over the phone.

Despite Cabinet confidentiality being outlined in the Constitution, leaks to the media are a common occurrence. Outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has previously expressed concern over leaked Cabinet discussions which seems to be a tough habit for some ministers to break.

What are junior ministers?

Although not members of Cabinet, there are 20 ministers of state, known as “junior ministers”, who assist ministers in running departments by taking on specific areas or responsibilities. For example, Mary Butler is a junior minister at the Department of Health and has a specific focus on mental health and older people.

Although junior ministers are not permitted to attend cabinet meetings, there are exceptions which brings us to “super junior ministers”. Three junior ministers, Hildegarde Naughton, Jack Chambers and Pippa Hackett, have been described as “super junior ministers”. They are permitted to attend cabinet meetings but cannot vote on proposals brought forward by senior ministers.

How much are Ministers paid?

On top of their TD salary of €108,987, ministers earn an extra €89,102, bringing their total pay to €198,089. Junior ministers earn €152,759 while super junior ministers earn €165,361 in total. The Taoiseach earns €233,828 while the Tánaiste has a salary of €215,687.

Why is this relevant to me?

The role of minister comes with considerable influence, one that can essentially prioritise or not prioritise issues that might affect you in areas of health, transport or housing.

For example, progress in building affordable housing and the efficacy of supports available to those wishing to purchase their first home are often brought before Cabinet by Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien. The Rent Tax Credit as well as policy decisions in health such as free contraception to those aged between 17 and 30 and reduced public transport fees for those aged 19-25 have been among the more popular moves brought forward by ministers.

Ministers can propose new legislation or amendments to Government concerning issues which have an impact on the State as a whole.