Following the Taoiseach’s decision on 23 January 2025 to restructure Departments of State to better align them with the priority objectives of the new Government, certain functions are being transferred between Departments.
Section 6(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 1939, inter alia, gives Government powers to alter by order the name of any Department of State, the title of any Minister in charge of a Department and to transfer functions between Ministers. Primary legislation is not necessary to effect these changes.
A number of Transfer of Functions Orders have already been brought to cabinet for approval. Officials in my Department are engaging with relevant Departments on this matter and it is expected that the remaining Orders will be finalised shortly.