A reshuffle of the Labour Party front bench sees former leader Ruairi Quinn returning to a more prominent role as Spokesman on Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Mr Quinn, who had been Spokesperson on European Affairs, moves to a portfolio he was previously minister for.
Brendan Howlin moves to Justice, a position he held previously, and from which he played a key role in bringing to light the McBrearty affair in Donegal.
Joe Costello, who had been Spokesperson on Justice, takes over the relatively low profile portfolios of Defence and European Affairs. Deputy Costello told RTÉ News he had no comment to make on the changes.
According to the party, this mini-reshuffle was the result of Joe Sherlock's wish to leave the Defence portfolio.
The Cork East TD has already announced that he will not be contesting the next General Election.
