Details of Taoiseach Simon Harris' new Cabinet confirmed

Details of Simon Harris' new Cabinet have been confirmed in the Dáil. 

The new Taoiseach - who, at 37 years old, is the youngest person to take on the role since the formation of the State - has reshuffled his Cabinet in the wake of his predecessor Leo Varadkar's resignation. 

The Wicklow TD was voted into the role today (April 9) following an 88-69 vote in the Dáil. 

Speaking to gathered TDs this evening, the Taoiseach confirmed Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton will remain as Government Chief Whip, while Patrick O'Donovan has been appointed as Minister for Higher Education, which he takes over from Harris. 

Deputy Peter Burke has been appointed as Minister for Enterprise in the new Cabinet, following Simon Coveney's recent announcement of his intention to stand down from Cabinet. 

Ministers Paschal Donohoe, Heather Humphreys and Helen McEntee are all staying on in their current roles as the ministers for Public Expenditure, Social Protection, and Justice respectively. 

Jennifer Carol McNeil has been appointed as Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for EU affairs, while Finance Minister Michael McGrath, Education Minister Norma Foley and Minister for Defence Micheal Martin are all staying in their roles. 

The Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien is also staying on. 

The full reshuffle of the ministerial ranks was confirmed by the Taoiseach in the Dáil at approximately 6pm. 

A number of interruptions could be heard while the Taoiseach confirmed Helen McEntee is to stay on in her role as Justice Minister. 

According to Harris, prison capacity will be expanded under McEntee's tenure, as well as increases in penalties for knife crimes and extra powers for the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) to strip assets quicker. 

The Taoiseach mentioned a number of issues he wishes to focus on over the next year, including fostering pride in our capital city, disability rights, continued strong relationships with European neighbours, and housing. 

He concluded by stating he is "proud" of the coalition created by the three parties and vowed to "work day and night" to fulfill the government's ambitious program.