Ireland cuts junior minister posts - Business - Evening Standard
       

Ireland cuts junior minister posts

Ireland's government will reduce the number of junior ministers to 15 from 20 in a reshuffle aimed at cutting costs, Prime Minister Brian Cowen said today, one day ahead of his emergency budget.

His government is preparing to unveil up to 4 billion euros ($5.41 billion) worth of spending cuts and tax rises in Tuesday's budget to shore up the worst public finances in Europe.

All ministers of state will resign as of 21 April to allow Cowen to reallocate their tasks more effectively, Cowen said.

"Mindful of the pressures on public expenditure at this time, the Taoiseach (prime minister) will re-examine the roles and functions of Ministers of State so as to ensure the most effective implementation of government policies," he said.

The government has also banned most types of recruitment across the public sector.

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