Donegal TD Joe McHugh has been appointed as Minister of Education and Skills as part of a series of ministerial changes made in the wake of the resignation of Denis Naughten.
Leaving his roles as Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and Minister of State for Gaeilge, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, McHugh will replace outgoing Minister Richard Bruton.
In a statement released by Minister McHugh following a call from An Taoiseach, he said: “I am privileged to have been asked by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to take on the role of Minister for Education and Skills.
“I see it as a huge privilege and a big opportunity.
“I spoke on the phone with An Taoiseach last night and expressed my hope that colleagues across Government and the Dáil would support the appointment when it comes to a vote on Tuesday.
“Tá an Ghaeilge thar a bheith tabhachtach dom agus lárnach i mo chuid oibre sa Rialtas. Tá mé ag súil go mór leis an tacaíocht a fháil ar an Mháirt.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today announced that Bruton would replace Denis Naughten, who resigned after he became embroiled in controversy over meetings held with the leading bidder for the National Broadband Plan while the public procurement process was ongoing.
McHugh will work with Mary Mitchell O’Connor, who, since last year, has served as Minister of State for Higher Education.
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