Minister Humphreys retains Culture to portfolio

Cavan/Monaghan deputy, Heather Humphreys has retained her cabinet position in the new government.  The new cabinet was unveiled by Taoiseach Leo Vradkar following his official appointment as Taoisecah by President Higgins.  The reshuffle of ministries saw little change with many of the older portfolios staying with the incumbent.  Simon Coveney has been appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs, a move which sees Charlie Flanigan moving to the Justice portfolio.  Frances Fitzgerald remains as Tanaiste becoming the Minister for Enterprise and innovation, with increased duties as Tanaiste including chairing a number of government committees. Meath East TD, Regina Doherty takes over at Social Protection, with additional responsibilities around Jobs and Labour law. Eoin Murphy, who acted as Mr Vradkars campaign manager in the Fine Gael leadership race is promoted to Minister for Housing.  Michael Ring TD takes on the new portfolio of Rural and Community affairs.  Community affairs and Gaelteacht had been included in the portfolio of Minister Humphreys.  In announcing the re-appointment of Minister Humphreys to the Department of Culture, Mr Vradkar stressed the importance of Arts and Culture to our national identity and praised the work already done by Minister Humphreys, he promised an increased budget for her new slimmed down department.  Responsibility for Gaelteachta affairs has been given to the new Chief Whip, Joe McHugh TD and the department is changed to Gaeilge, with resonsibility for promoting the first language throughout the country. Mary Mitchell O'Connor has become a Junior Minister with responsibility for third level education.