A number of different ministerial positions have been impacted
TANAISTE Simon Harris will be appointed as the new Minister for Finance, it has been confirmed.
It comes after Fine Gael’s Paschal Donohoe confirmed he would be stepping down from the role to take on a job with World Bank.
Donohoe has accepted a role with the World Bank, which is based in Washington DC, and will take up a position as managing director and chief knowledge officer.
In the Dail this afternoon, Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed Harris would be filling Donohoe’s role.
Hildegarde Naughton will be Minister for Education and Youth, with Helen McEntee moving to the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence.
Frank Feighan will become Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Emer Higgins will become the Minister of Education and Youth.
The ministers have been given specific briefs in their respective departments.
In a speech at Government Buildings this afternoon, Paschal Donohoe said serving in government has been “the greatest of honours”.
He said: “My election to Dail Eireann and the opportunity to serve in the Government of Ireland have been the greatest of honours, for which I will always be grateful to the people of Dublin Central and beyond.
“In more than 20 years of public life, my goal, always, has been to make a difference to our country, for the benefit of our people.
“I have served in four different governments, since July 2014, with much of this time as Minister for Finance and Minister for Public Expenditure.
“In these offices my aim has been to build a better and fairer Ireland through careful management of our economy and public finances. I have done my utmost to discharge this duty in the long-term interests of our people.”
Donohoe also thanked the people of Dublin Central for electing him on four occasions and Tanaiste Simon Harris, Fianna Fail’s Michael McGrath, Jack Chambers and Taoiseach Micheal Martin.
He said: “I want to particularly acknowledge the Tanaiste, Simon Harris TD. His energy and vision made a decisive difference to Fine Gael at a critical time.
“I have been proud to work with and for him and know that in a few short years he will again lead our Government and country with distinction and great effect.
“I also want to acknowledge the personal and working relationships that I have had with many in Fianna Fail. Micheal McGrath and Jack Chambers were exceptional colleagues and partners in many tough moments. It was great to work with them and I wish each of them the very best.
“As I do Taoiseach Micheal Martin – an honourable and deeply committed public servant who leads the Government of our country with skill and determination.”
‘DAY OF MIXED EMOTION’
Tanaiste Simon Harris earlier paid tribute to Donohoe’s “unwavering dedication” as a Senator, a TD, and as a Minister.
He said: “While I always knew this day would come, it is a day of mixed emotion.
“It is a moment of sadness for the Fine Gael family, but it is also a moment of great pride for Ireland.
“Paschal’s appointment reflects the regard in which he is viewed on the global stage.”
Taoiseach Micheal Martin told the Dail that Donohoe’s election to three terms as Eurogroup president shows the “deep esteem” which he is held across Europe.
Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said it was “an honour and a privilege to work alongside” Donohoe over the last 18 months.
He added: “Throughout his many years of distinguished service, Paschal has guided the country through difficult and uncertain times with confidence, resilience, and strategic direction.”
Tanaiste Simon Harris told the Dail that while today was a shock, it would not be an interruption.
He added: “There will be no pause in the momentum we must demonstrate in the business of Government. There is always more to do.”
It is understood Mr Donohoe will stand down from his position as a Fine Gael TD later this week.
He is to take up the second most senior position in the World Bank, as managing director and chief knowledge officer.
