A Bill to increase the number of junior ministerial posts by three has been approved by the Cabinet.
The Bill, which is due to come before the Oireachtas next week, will increase the number of Ministers of State from 17 to 20, with one new post in the area of immigration and integration, and another with responsibility for issues surrounding older people.
So far only Tom Kitt as Minister of State at the Department of Defence and Dick Roche as Minister of State for European Affairs have been appointed.
Bertie Ahern has said that the Green Party's Trevor Sargent, who announced last week that he is stepping down as leader, will be a Minister of State.
Mr Ahern can announce his nominations prior to the legislation passing through the Oireachtas.
The Taoiseach can appoint four new Ministers of State without replacing any incumbents but it is thought that at least two will lose their posts.
Last Friday Mr Ahern said that Independent Mayo TD Beverly Flynn was a "hugely capable and competent person" and might be given a junior ministry in the future.
"She definitely has a very good future as an office holder in the future," Mr Ahern said. When asked if that may be in the lifetime of this government, he said: "I think that is a fair expectation."
He hinted she may be appointed at the mid-term review after two-and-a-half years. "We would certainly like to see her back in Fianna Fáil," he added.
Ms Flynn faces a massive legal bill after losing a libel action against RTÉ.