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.