Simon Harris is new Minister for Finance in Cabinet reshuffle

James Cox

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has announced a Cabinet reshuffle that will see Tánaiste Simon Harris take over as Minister for Finance after Paschal Donohoe stepped down.

Mr Donohoe announced he would be leaving the role to take up a position at the World Bank.

Helen McEntee will leave the Department of Education to take over as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, the role vacated by Mr Harris.

Hildegarde Naughton has been promoted to Cabinet as Minister for Education and Youth.

Minister of State Emer Higgins will now be Minister of State with responsibility for disability at the Department of Children.

Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Martin congratulated Mr Donohoe on his new role.

“This appointment is a tribute to the impact which he has made in three important ministerial roles over the past decade, as well as his work as president of the Eurogroup.

“He is only the fourth person to hold that role, and his election to it for three terms showed the deep esteem in which he is held throughout Europe.”

Mr Martin added: “This appointment is also a testament to the high regard in which Ireland is held due to the active and positive work of members of Government in international institutions.

“Pascal’s work on behalf of the people of Europe deserves their thanks, respect and appreciation.”

The Dáil voted 88 to 69 to approve the appointment of Hildegarde Naughton to Cabinet as Minister for Education.

Mr Harris and Ms McEntee were already Cabinet members and moving departments does not require a full Dáil vote.

The Tánaiste said: "My friend and colleague Paschal Donohoe, has served with unparalleled distinction for over 18 years as an Oireachtas member and over 14 years as a member of Dáil Éireann.

“He has presided over 10 budgets as either Minister for Finance or minister for public expenditure and reform, which, if not quite record breaking, is an extraordinary achievement in any modern parliamentary democracy.

“He has also served as minister for transport and as Minister of State for European affairs, where he established himself as a highly effective and trusted minister on the international stage.

“He has been elected as president of the euro group on three occasions, which makes clear the extremely high regard in which he is held by colleagues across the EU and in the constituency of Dublin Central.”

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald wished Mr Donohoe and his family well. However, she said he is leaving a government “not defined by service, not by ambition, but by a relentless commitment to clinging to power at all costs”.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said: "We obviously don’t agree on lots, but I know that the Minister has worked very hard since his election, and on a personal level, and on behalf of the Social Democrats, I want to wish you and your family the very best.”