The Government has filled the Junior Ministerial position left vacant since the death of Shane McEntee.

Tipperary South Fine Gael TD Tom Hayes will get the position in the Department of Agriculture.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny informed the weekly meeting of Fine Gael Ministers this morning, before revealing his choice at the full Cabinet.

The government has issued a press release confirming Hayes' appointment, and special responsibility for Forestry, Horticulture, the Greyhound Industry and Food Safety.

The new Minister of State is a beef farmer from Golden, Co Tipperary. He has served as a Dáil deputy for Tipperary South since his election in a bye election in 2001. He previously served as a member of Seanad Éireann from 1997 to 2001.

He has served as opposition spokesperson on Agriculture in the Seanad and, for eight years, as Chairperson of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party. Since 2011, he has served as Chairperson of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny expressed his confidence in Minister Hayes, saying:

"Tom Hayes has a deep understanding of the agriculture sector and I am confident that this, along with his political and farming experience, will equip him very well for this important and challenging role."