Former Minister of State, Michael Healy-Rae, has congratulated his replacement at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) - the Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins on his new appointment.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin today (Thursday, May 28) confirmed that Minister Collins now takes on responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture at DAFM.

Deputy Healy-Rae resigned from the position on April 14 during a motion of confidence in the government debate in the Dáil.

In a shock move he told the Dáil that he would vote "no confidence in the leader of the country" and would also immediately tender his resignation as a minister of state.

Today the Independent Kerry TD congratulated Minister Collins on his appointment and wished him "every success in the role".

"Niall and I go back many decades to the early days of our political careers and I know first-hand the commitment and work ethic he brings to public life,” he said.

Deputy Healy-Rae

According to Deputy Healy-Rae the minister of state role at DAFM is "a hugely important brief for rural Ireland and for many sectors that are facing significant challenges and opportunities at present".

“Farm safety also remains an area that requires constant focus and attention, and I know Niall will take that responsibility very seriously," he added.

Deputy Healy-Rae today also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the officials and staff who work in DAFM.

"The department is extremely lucky to have a fantastic leader in their senior minister Martin Heydon who is doing trojan work in representing our agricultural sector across Ireland," he added.