THE Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, appears to have altered the remit of Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Martin, by designating responsibilities to a new Minister of State, Mr Michael Smith, yesterday.
In the nomination of his Cabinet last week, Mr Ahern announced that science and research needed more priority in terms of resources and, for the first time, he was raising it to full Cabinet level.
He then advocated that continuing expansion would require them to meet the educational, training and research needs of new industries setting up in Ireland, and the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Martin would need to liaise closely with the Minister for Enterprise, Employment and Trade, Ms Harney, who would continue to handle the industrial research side of Forbairt.
Following a Government meeting yesterday, Mr Ahern announced that Mr Smith was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and Employment and at the Department of Education with special responsibility for Science and Technology.
The Taoiseach also appointed Ms Liz O'Donnell as Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for Overseas Development Assistance and Human Rights.
The remaining 13 Ministers of State are unlikely to be appointed before the weekend because of the pressure of Northern Ireland business this week.
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