Carlow TD Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has been named Junior Minister in the Dáil

Carlow's Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has been named Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy.

She is one of 23 Junior Ministers named by Taoiseach Micheál Martin today.

The Fianna Fáil TD retained her seat in the most recent General Election and becomes the first Minister from Carlow since Tom Nolan 44 years ago.

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Writing on her Facebook page Jennifer says:

"Today is indeed an historic occasion for me, as a proud Carlovian, as I am honoured and privileged to have been appointed as Minister of State for Health in the 34th Dail.

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.

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.

I also extend thanks to the staff and volunteers who have worked with and supported me in the main FF 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.

As I commence my new role as Minister of State for Health, I 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."

The full post by the Carlow/Kilkenny TD can be found on her Facebook Page Here or though the social post attached under this article.