FINE GAEL MINISTERS are speed-reading their new job descriptions this morning following a mini Cabinet reshuffle yesterday afternoon.

The departure of Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, who is heading to Washington for a new role in the World Bank, has led to a few changes.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has left the Defence and Foreign affairs ministerial position to fill Donohoe’s role in Finance.

Education Minister Helen McEntee has now been moved to the take on what was Harris’s position as Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs.

The Education ministerial position was then taken by Fine Gael TD Hildegarde Naughton.

New Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee says one of her first actions in the department will be to progress the Occupied Territories Bill.

She told RTÉ’s Prime Time yesterday that the government has made “a very clear commitment” to passing the legislation.

McEntee said the Bill, which has completed committee scrutiny, would be raised with officials “tomorrow”, though she would not give a deadline, saying: “What I’m committed to is passing it.”

“You’ll appreciate I’m literally only into the department,” McEntee added.

She paid warm tribute to Paschal Donohoe following his shock resignation, describing him as a “constant” throughout her political career and “a real friend”, saying many in Fine Gael were “taken aback” but “not surprised” by his move to the World Bank.

McEntee also defended the appointment of Simon Harris as Minister for Finance, insisting he is “absolutely the right person for the job” and has shown he can make “difficult decisions” across multiple portfolios.

‘A really proud day’

Newly-appointed Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton said she did not know in advance that Donohoe was stepping down, but wished him well, calling him “a mentor” and saying “Ireland’s loss is the world’s gain”.

Speaking on Morning Ireland, Naughton said she was “extremely proud” to become the first Fine Gael TD from Galway West appointed as a senior Cabinet minister.

A former primary school teacher and former minister of state for special education, she said she will “hit the ground running”, pledging to continue work ensuring all children with additional needs can access school places.

“That’s the position I want to be in… the work is absolutely underway,” Naughton told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.

On class sizes, she said progress has been made but any further reductions must be achieved within budget.

She added that planning for Budget 2027 “starts today”.

Asked whether teachers are paid enough, Naughton replied: “I believe so,” while acknowledging wider cost-of-living pressures.