Local TD and Minister Heather Humphreys is to take over the Department of Justice.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee is to take six months paid maternity leave from April 30th.
She will then take on the role of Minister without Portfolio to allow her remain a member of the Government.
Heather Humphreys, who is already Minister for Social Protection and Minister Rural and Community Development, will then also take over responsibility for the Department of Justice.
She will take over political responsibility for the Department and issues relating to security and policing.
Super Junior Minister Hildegarde Naughton will also be assigned to the Department of Justice to look after the courts and criminal justice aspects of the brief.
While existing Junior Minister in Justice James Browne will take over more responsibility relating to civil justice and immigration.
It's hoped spreading the workload won't overload Minister Humphreys, who will also be remaining Minister for Social Protection and Rural Affairs.
The arrangement has been put in place as there is currently no paid maternity leave for politicians.
A referendum would be needed to change the constitution to allow for it.
Helen McEntee is the first Minister to become pregnant while in office, which means there was no precedent and a number of constitutional headaches presented themselves.
Both Minister McEntee and the Taoiseach noted today that this rigmarole shouldn't be necessary, saying the lack of maternity leave for politicians is a big barrier for women choosing it as a career path.
