Junior Minister Posts Being Distributed Following Criticism Of Cabinet Appointments

TDs Jim O'Callaghan and Joe McHugh have turned down offers of junior ministry positions.

The government party leaders have been filling the roles this afternoon.

Two offers of a Junior Ministry have been turned down this afternoon.

Fianna Fáil's Jim O'Callaghan said he could better work to support the party from the backbenches, while former Education Minister Joe McHugh is seeking a Oireachtas committee chairmanship.

From what we know so far it seems for Fianna Fáil that Thomas Byrne will be Junior Minister for European Affairs.

Anne Rabbitte takes a Junior in the Department of Children with Mary Butler becoming Minister for Older People and Mental Health.

Robert Troy and Charlie McConalogue are also thought to have been given jobs.

For Fine Gael Josepha Madigan and Peter Burke have been given Minister of State roles.

While Limerick's Patrick O'Donovan is also being retained.