A Longford/Westmeath deputy says while his new ministerial role will be challenging he's looking forward to the experience.
Peter Burke has been appointed as the new Minister for European Affairs following yesterday's re-shuffle, having served as Minister for Planning and Local Government for the past two and a half years.
The Fine Gael representative will now be responsible for preparing policy agenda with other European Ministers for EU Summits and it's expected part of the role will also include some defence matters.
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show Minister Burke stated it's an important and complex role along with balancing his constituency commitments.
''It's a lot to take on, I have to say, and it's something, you know, that is pretty complex because there's so many things happening in Europe and especially with the long standing issue of Brexit still on the horizon and trying to resolve the protocol. So it's going to be a very challenging role. Having a rural constituency, like mine is very challenging, and I know my obligation to be on the ground and serve my constituents. So I have to make sure that I'm able to do that as well. So it'll be a fine balancing act between that and family life as well over the next year or so.''
