Carlow gets a new minister 

DEPUTY Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has been appointed minister of state for health, becoming the county's third ever government minister.

The Fianna Fáil deputy was among 23 new ministers of state announced today, following days of speculation about the posts.

In a statement on social media deputy Murnane O'Connor described today as an historic occasion for her. 

"As a proud Carlovian, as I am honoured and privileged to have been appointed as Minister of State for Health in the 34th Dail," she said.

"Having accepted the appointment, I am thankful to An Taoiseach Micháel Martin for his confidence in my ability to undertake this important role. It is a role I will carry out with pride as a true Carlovian as I continue to work hard for the people of Carlow/Kilkenny," she stated.

Carlow's last Fianna Fáil serving minister in government was the late Tom Nolan, who was a Minister of State at the Dept. of Health and Social Welfare and then as Minister for Labour from 1980 to 1981. The Green Party's Mary White served as minister of state for one-year from 2010 to 2011.

"I want to take the opportunity on this special occasion to thank the people of Carlow/Kilkenny for their continued support and for voting to re-elect me as their TD and Public Representative," said deputy Murnane O'Connor.

"I also extend thanks to the staff and volunteers who have worked with and supported me in the main Fianna Fáil Carlow Constituency office and in my area clinics throughout the county, especially those staff who due to changing requirements, were unable to continue their roles and I wish them well in their future endeavours," she said.

Minister Murnane O''Connor stated that as she commences her new role as Minister of State for Health, she will be supported by my colleagues and staff in both Dublin and my Carlow office.

"New to my constituency team is Eugene Doyle (Personal Parliamentary Assistant), who has substantial experience in constituency work at both local and national level.

Eugene will work with a dedicated secretarial team who along with the Dublin based staff, continue to support me both locally and in Leinster House.

"As I commence my new role, I will continue my work of public representation, at both local and national level. Each member of my constituency team will remain available to assist members of the public in the Carlow office and at designated clinics throughout the constituency of Carlow/Kilkenny and I invite you to reach out to us for support at any time. La stairiúil do Cheatharlach agus lá bródúil domsa mar Cheatharlach atá tiomanta go fóill d’obair chrua ar son ár gContae agus ar son mhuintir Chill Chainnigh".