Fianna Fáil's Catherine Ardagh appointed Minister of State after Michael Healy-Rae resignation

Eva Osborne

Fianna Fáil's Catherine Ardagh has been appointed as a Minister of State.

The TD and solicitor will now take up a role in the Department of Justice.

Existing Minister Niall Collins will move from that to the Department of Agriculture, where he becomes the Forestry Minister.

The moves are being made following Michael Healy Rae's resignation from Government.

On Ardagh's appointment, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “I want to wish Minister of State Catherine Ardagh every success in her new role in the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, to which she brings considerable experience in the legal profession, and from her campaigning on health and social issues.

“She takes over from Minister of State Niall Collins who brought great energy and commitment to the role, in particular through his work on youth diversion projects.

“Minister Collins now takes on responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Niall will bring great experience to a wide-ranging role that impacts on economic development, climate, forestry and food production.

“As Ireland prepares to take on the EU Presidency this summer, this Government is determined to continue to deliver on our Programme for Government commitments, on the economy, housing, infrastructure, disability and public services.

“I have every confidence that Ministers Ardagh and Collins will help us achieve those goals in their new roles.”