Government of the 29th D�il (original) (raw)
In June 2002, the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, on the nomination of the 29th D�il �ireann, appointed Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach. On the nomination of the Taoiseach, and following the D�il's "approval" the following Irish government (Rialtas na h�ireann) was appointed. (Under Article 13.1.1 of the 1937 constitution, the D�il 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 D�il for approval, in accordance with Article 13.1.2. If the D�il duly approves the list, the President proceeds to appoint them. Though it is often said that the Taoiseach and government are elected by the D�il 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.)
Twenty-Sixth Government of Ireland (6 June 2002-present)
- Bertie Ahern, FF - An Taoiseach
- Mary Harney, PD - An T�naiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment
- Charlie McCreevy, FF - Minister for Finance
- Brian Cowen, FF - Minister for Foreign Affairs
- Miche�l Martin, FF - Minister for Health & Children
- Martin Cullen, PD - Minister for the Environment & Local Government
- Noel Dempsey, FF - Minister for Education & Science
- Eamon � C�iv, FF - Minister for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs
- S�amus Brennan, FF - Minister for Transport
- Mary Coughlan, FF - Minister for Social & Family Affairs
- Michael McDowell, PD - Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform
- John O'Donoghue, FF - Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism
- Dermot Ahern, FF - Minister for Communications & the Marine
- Michael Smith, FF - Minister for Defence
- Joe Walsh, FF - Minister for Agriculture & Food
The Government, in accordance with statute law, subsequently appointed 17 Ministers of State (junior ministers).
Additional reading
- Bunreacht na h�ireann (the Irish Constitution)