Dara Calleary named as the new Minister for Agriculture

Mayo TD Dara Calleary has been appointed as the new Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, following Barry Cowen's brief stint in the role.

As part of the reshuffle, Deputy Cowen's fellow Laois/Offaly TD, Sean Fleming, is to become a Minister of State at the Department of Finance, with responsibility for financial services, credit unions, and insurance.

Deputy Fleming succeeds Dublin TD Jack Chambers, who was announced as the new Government Chief Whip.

Announcing the appointments in the Dáil today, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it was "crucial for our country to have a strong, progressive, sustainable and resilient Agri-food sector... it is one of the most important indigenous sectors, providing for well over 170,000 jobs."

The Taoiseach sacked Barry Cowen last night saying the Clara native's position had become "untenable" as the controversy over his drink driving detection in 2016 continued.