Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore has appointed Joe Costello to replace Tommy Broughan as transport spokesman.
Mr Broughan lost the party whip last month after abstaining from the vote on the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010. A longtime opponent of blood-sports, he had refused to support the party line of voting against the legislation.
Brendan Howlin takes over Mr Costello’s former brief as spokesman for European affairs, in addition to his current responsibility for constitutional matters and law reform.
Mr Gilmore also appointed Pat Rabbitte to replace Mr Broughan on the Public Accounts Committee.