The next minister for agriculture is set to be revealed today (Wednesday, January 22), as the Dáil resumes, a new Taoiseach is elected and a new government formed.

This morning, Micheál Martin is due to be nominated to become Taoiseach, and subject to his expected election, he will then travel to Áras an Uachtaráin to be formally appointed to the office by President Michael D Higgins.

The new Taoiseach will then return to Leinster House when the new Cabinet line-up of ministers will be finalised.

Of the 15 ministerial portfolios on offer, Fianna Fáil will take 8 positions and Fine Gael will hold 7.

Ahead of the official ministerial appointments there has been much speculation as to who will take up the roles, including at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Last week, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Martin Heydon refused to be drawn on the speculation.

The Kildare South Fine Gael TD, who currently has responsibility for new market development, farm safety, and research and development, has been widely tipped to take the top job in Agriculture House.

There is also much discussion if the current Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Donegal Fianna Fáil TD Charlie McConalogue will continue to hold a position in Cabinet.

A formal announcement on the make-up of the new Cabinet will be made later today before the Dáil then goes into recess, and will not sit again until February 5.

Meanwhile, Agriland understands that Independent TD for Galway West Noel Grealish will be appointed to a super junior minister role at the DAFM.

It is also believed that Deputy Michael Healy-Rae will be appointed as Minister of State at the department of agriculture, with special responsibility for forestry, horticulture and farm safety.

The formation of a new government follows the draft programme for government securing the backing of members of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael parties.

Fianna Fáil members voted to formally ratify the programme for government at a special Ard Fheis in Dublin on Sunday (January 19).

Fianna Fáil leader and Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that the new programme for government affirmed "the importance of farm families and our agri-food industry as a whole".

Fine Gael "overwhelmingly" accepted the programme for government with 94% of members voting in favour during a series of regional meetings.

Current Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris wrote on X: "We will always back farmers and rural Ireland."

The draft programme was agreed between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and a group of independent TDs last week.