Sinn Féin has allocated its three nominated ministers to departmental portfolios.
Speaking on the steps of Stormont yesterday, deputy first minister designate Martin McGuinness confirmed that South Down Assembly member Caitríona Ruane would be the new minister for education; Conor Murphy would be the minister for regional development; and Michelle Gildernew would become minister for agriculture.
He also said North Belfast Assembly member Gerry Kelly would join a DUP nominee as a junior minister at the office of first minister and deputy first minister.
Speaking as Taoiseach Bertie Ahern welcomed first minister designate Ian Paisley at Farmleigh, Mr McGuinness said he was more convinced than ever that the DUP leader was entering a powersharing executive with Sinn Féin with a positive attitude.
"That is another important moment in history. It is very, very welcome," he said.
He added that the three new senior ministers would consult widely before they formally take up office on May 8th.
Sinn Féin confirmed that the ministers would immediately hold meetings with senior civil servants at their departments.
"We will meet with our departments and, even more importantly, we will meet with groups and individuals with a special interest or contribution to make in these areas," Mr McGuinness said.
Ms Ruane reiterated party policy which pledges the abolition of academic selection and the controversial 11-plus exam for children transferring from primary school to second level. This is sure to pit the party against unionists.
Ms Gildernew, who describes herself as "a farmer's daughter", is also MP for Fermanagh-South Tyrone. She will address falling farm incomes in the wake of the foot-and-mouth disease and BSE outbreaks.
Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy assumes a portfolio which includes the hotly-disputed water charges issue.
The DUP has secured the departments of finance; culture, arts and leisure; environment; and enterprise, trade and investment, but has yet to specify who will take which job. SDLP South Down Assembly member Margaret Ritchie has confirmed she will take over at the department for social development.