Mayo TD appointed government chief whip

Mayo TD Dara Calleary has been appointed Government Chief Whip by Taoiseach Michael Martin.

The 47-year-old Ballina representative is one of the Ministers of State assigned to the Department of the Taoiseach.

The main responsibilities of the Chief Whip include attendance at government meetings, reparation of a weekly brief for the Taoiseach on legislation in preparation, scheduling and monitoring of Dáil business, operation of the pairing system, Leinster House accommodation for political parties and chairing the Legislation Committee.

It"s a key role within the new administration but will be viewed with disappointment following speculation that he was in line for a senior cabinet role.

However, his new role gives him significant influence within the cabinet, influence that has the potential to benefit his native county.

Outgoing Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring has stepped aside from his role.

The formation of the new cabinet is:

Taoiseach  - Micheàl Martin

Tánaiste - Leo Varadkar

Minister for Climate Action and Transport - Eamon Ryan

Minister for Finance - Paschal Donohoe

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform - Michael McGrath

Minister for Foreign Affairs - Simon Coveney

Minister for Education - Norma Foley

Minister for Children and Disability - Roderic O'Gorman

Minister for Agriculture and Marine - Barry Cowen

Minister for Justice - Helen McEntee

Minister for Social Protection - Heather Humphreys

Minister for Housing - Darragh O'Brien

Minister for Media, Tourism, Art, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht - Catherine Martin

Minister for Health - Stephen Donnelly

Minister for Higher Education, Innovation and Reseach - Simon Harris

Attorney General - Paul Gallagher

Chief Whip - Dara Calleary.