Tànaiste Leo Varadkar has confirmed that Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys will take over the Justice portfolio when Helen McEntee goes on maternity leave.
Ms McEntee and her husband are expecting their second child.
Last year, the Meath East TD became the first ever Cabinet minister to take maternity leave.
She agreed a pairing, or voting arrangement, with Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns for the duration of her maternity leave.
During her absence, Ms Humphreys took over her justice portfolio.
Mr Varadkar said that the decision will not affect any possible Cabinet reshuffle expected after 17 December.
Mr Varadkar said reporters that Ms Humphreys had done the job before and was familiar with the brief.
