Junior Minister appointments announced

Posted on December 20, 2011 at 05:32 PM

The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny and the Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore with Deputy Joe Costello and Deputy Jan O'Sullivan who were appointed to Super Junior and Junior Minister respectively.

Speaking after her appointment today as Super Junior Minister Jan O'Sullivan said her priorities in the post are addressing homelessness and alleviating the stresses of families who are struggling to meet their mortgages.

Minister Jan O'Sullivan was appointed from her previous position of Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for Trade and Employment to Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government with special responsibility for Housing and Planning. Minister O'Sullivan's appointment means she will now be a member of Cabinet.

"The Government has made significant progress in getting the country back on the road to economic recovery. I look forward to working with my Cabinet colleagues in continuing that work," Minister O'Sullivan said.

In addition to Minister O'Sullivan's appointment, Deputy Joe Costello was appointed to the position previously held by Minister O'Sullivan.

"It is extremely important that Ireland maintains its good international reputation in Trade and Development, particularly in the area of Overseas Development Aid, even in these difficult economic times for our country," Minister of State Costello said.

The Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore TD wished both Ministers' of State well in their respective portfolios.

"I am delighted with today's appointments. I have worked alongside Jan in my own department since the formation of Government where she has led a number of successful aid and trade missions. I know she is looking forward to taking up her new role as Minister of State for Housing and Planning and to taking a seat at the Cabinet table. Likewise I am looking forward to working alongside Joe who has now been appointed as Minister of State for Trade and Development," the Tánaiste said.

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