Government Chief Whip Mary Butler, with Senator Mark Daly, is one of four super junior ministers attending Cabinet. Photograph: Sam Boal/CollinsThe High Court has dismissed challenges brought by two Opposition TDs that claimed attendance of “super junior” ministers at meetings of the Government was unconstitutional. It also found that decisions taken by Cabinet are ultimately controlled by the 15 members and the attendance of super junior ministers does not invalidate such decisions. Because there is no constitutional regulation of who attends Cabinet meetings, that was an issue exclusively for the Government, he argued. Ministers of State attending Cabinet, or super junior ministers, are appointed by the Government on the nomination of the Taoiseach.

Source: The Irish Times December 19, 2025 17:51 UTC