Taoiseach Brian Cowen declined to confirm speculation of an imminent Cabinet reshuffle but acknowledged the situation was "under review".
Speculation about a reshuffle was sparked by comments from Mr Cowen in the Dáil yesterday when he refused to set a time limit for replacing Willie O’Dea as minister for defence. Fianna Fáil TDs last night interpreted Mr Cowen’s remarks as indicating he will undertake a full Cabinet reshuffle instead of simply filling Mr O’Dea’s former post.
Speaking in Tullamore, Co Offaly this morning, Mr Cowen said he has taken over Mr O’Dea’s responsibilities “for the present”.
“We will look to the filling of that vacancy and see how the Government proceeds from here. It will be a matter for my consideration in the coming period,” he said. “The arrangements as to how we organise the Government is a matter for me as Taoiseach, and that is a matter that is under continuing review.”
However, he would not be drawn on a time frame for any reshuffle. “Well, as I say, we are certainly looking to the issue presently and we will be back to you,” he replied when asked if any reshuffle would take place in the near future.
The Opposition raised the issue in the Dáil this morning, with Fine Gael's Phil Hogan asking Tánaiste Mary Coughlan if it was Mr Cowen’s intention to move her from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment or move the Department. “Has this been discussed?’’ he asked.
She declined to confirm or deny the speculation. “These things are a matter for the Taoiseach,” she said.
Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore said the speculation might explain the “nervous looks on some of the Government front bench”.
Ms Coughlan replied that there was “no discomfort” within the ranks of Government ministers. “This side of the House is determined to do what it was mandated to do, which is to deal with the issues of the day-to-day running of this country, most particularly implementing the policies so we can have economic growth," she said.
Cabinet sources expect Mr Cowen will reorganise the economic departments as part of the reshuffle to provide a stronger focus on the major problems facing the country. He is said to be considering establishing a department of economic planning incorporating parts of the current Department of Enterprise and Employment.
Another key element of the restructuring is expected to be the creation of a full department responsible for public service reform. Work on the scope of a new department dealing with public service reform is already under way.
A change in current departmental responsibilities formed part of the discussions in the negotiations between the Coalition parties on a new programme for government last October, with both sides agreeing on the need for a reorganisation.
The McCarthy report also recommended changes in departmental responsibilities, including the current Departments of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; Enterprise; and Arts, Sports and Tourism.
There is speculation that Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism Martin Cullen may leave the Cabinet because of a severe back ailment that has troubled him in recent months.
The Taoiseach is expected to announce Trevor Sargent’s replacement as minister for food at the same time as the Cabinet reshuffle. The position will go to Green deputy leader Mary White or to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown TD, Ciaran Cuffe, who has longer Dáil service.