The Dáil was this afternoon suspended after angry exchanges between the Government and Opposition over the resignation of Mr Ned O'Keeffe.
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Mr Ned O'Keeffe
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The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, told the House there was 'no intrigue' surrounding the resignation of the former Minister of State for Agriculture.
Fine Gael justice spokesman Mr Alan Shatter had sought a suspension of Dáil business today to deal with what he called an urgent matter of public interest, but this was refused by the Leas Ceann Comhairle.
Following a Cabinet meeting yesterday Mr Ahern announced the Donegal TD Ms Mary Coughlan is to be appointed Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.
She will take over from Mr Éamon Ó Cuív who has been appointed Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.
Responsibility for food safety, previously held by Mr O'Keeffe, is to be given to Mr Noel Davern, as well as his existing responsibilities in the Department of Agriculture for Livestock Breeding and Horticulture.