Government of the 29th Dáil
In June 2002, the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, on the "nomination"1 of the 29th Dáil Éireann, appointed Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach. On the nomination of the Taoiseach, and following the Dáil's "approval" the following Irish government (Rialtas na hÉireann) was appointed.
The Irish Government, (6 June 2002-present)
| Minister | Department | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Bertie Ahern | An Taoiseach | Fianna Fáil |
| Mary Harney | Enterprise, Trade & Employment | Progressive Democrats |
| Charlie McCreevy | Finance | Fianna Fáil |
| Michael McDowell | Justice, Equality & Law Reform | Progressive Democrats |
| Brian Cowen | Foreign Affairs | Fianna Fáil |
| Micheál Martin | Health & Children | Fianna Fáil |
| Noel Dempsey | Education & Science | Fianna Fáil |
| Séamus Brennan | Transport | Fianna Fáil |
| John O'Donoghue | Arts, Sport & Tourism | Fianna Fáil |
| Joe Walshe | Agriculture & Food | Fianna Fáil |
| Michael Smith | Defence | Fianna Fáil |
| Dermot Ahern | Communications & the Marine | Fianna Fáil |
| Eamon Ó Cúiv | Comminity, Rural & Gaeltacht | Fianna Fáil |
| Mary Coughlan | Social & Family Affairs | Fianna Fáil |
| Martin Cullen | Environment & Local Government | Fianna Fáil |
The Government, in accordance with statute law, subsequently appointed 17 Ministers of State (junior ministers).
1 Under Article 13.1.1. of the 1937 constitution, the Dáil nominates a person whom it instructs the President to appoint as taoiseach. The Taoiseach, following his appointment, then nominates his ministerial team en bloc to the Dáil for approval, in accordance with Article 13.1.2. If the Dáil duly approves the list, the President proceeds to appoint them. Though it is often said that the Taoiseach and government are elected by the Dáil that is technically incorrect. They only become ministers when the President appoints them, not by means of the parliamentary vote, though the President's appointment is automatic when they have been duly approved.
2An in the Irish language means the.
Footnotes
Preceded by:
Government of the 28th Dáil
Governments of Ireland
Rialtais na hÉireannSucceeded by:
Government of the 30th Dáil
Additional reading
