Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said he intends to increase the number of junior ministers in the Government, possibly by up to 3 new posts.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio, Mr Ahern said he wanted to build on the success of designating specific areas to junior ministers, and was now focusing on immigration, education, the elderly.
On stamp duty, the Taoiseach said the Government will introduce legislation on its new agreed policy in this area and it will be passed by the House before it breaks for summer.
Mr Ahern also confirmed that outgoing leader of the Green Party Trevor Sargent will be appointed a Minister of State.
Speaking on the same programme, Mr Sargent signalled that he hoped the Taoiseach will next week appoint him Minister of State with responsibility for food.
Mr Sargent said that if media reports were correct, such an elevation would allow him to indulge in his passion of promoting Ireland as a clean, green, food island.
He said Minister of State with responsibility for food would allow him bring together his hobby as well as his professional life in politics.
Mr Sargent added that the reason he refused to be considered for a cabinet position was to bring clarity about the leadership of his party.
He felt it could have led to the suspicion that he was still effectively the leader of the Greens, even though he had resigned from the position.
