According to a report the tánaiste has appointed Catherine Zappone, the minister for children in the former fine gael government as the new foreign minister. The position will entail being a u.n. special envoy reportedly for freedom of opinion and expression. The taoiseach and some m.p.’s were said to be complaining that the post wasn’t advertised, that there was no transparent process and no other applicants. Ms Zappone was reportedly recommended by former minister for foreign affairs Simon Coveney. According to a report the position will include giving the Irish government’s position in a variety of situations abroad but will entail working in a team with the u.n. Also said to be working with the u.n. on Irish human rights issues.