McEntee awaits announcement of new cabinet

Fine Gael Deputy Leader, Helen McEntee who was Justice Minister in the last government could be taking over a new portfolio, when the Toaiseach announces his new cabinet this week.

The Meath East TD oversaw the enactment of 27 bills including the new domestic violence legislation during her term as Justice Minister in the last government, says she has to wait and see what role if any, she will have in the new government.

As Justice Minister she introduced tougher sentences for serious crime and gardai are now wearing body cameras.

""It was wonderful to work in the Justice Department and it is something I'm very proud of," she said. "But I am prepared to take on any challenge if I am appointed to a new department."

Deputy McEntee who addressed the regional meeting of Fine Gael members on the programme for government which took place in the Ardboyne Hotel on Sunday said the new programme was exciting and challenging.

"It is an opportunity for us to deal with challenges facing disability and special education. We are committed to small and medium enterprises and we have worked hard to reflect what we heard on the doorsteps and our own manifesto is reflected in the programme. There will be a focus on disability, children, housing. It is strong on agriculture and there will be a separate Minister for Fisheries for the first time.

"Meath hosts the National Age Friendly office and Ireland is the first age friendly country in the world. The programme for government includes strong support for that, including better homes.

"We will keep investing in more gardai, body cameras for gardai and the roll out of the new family courts.

"We are responding to issues raised by people about migration."

"I am looking forward to seeing all these things being delivered. Our focus will be on delivering what is in the programme and what was in our manifesto, and I will be delighted to take on whatever role I am asked to play," she said.