Taoiseach Micheál Martin has appointed 18 members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party to a range of spokesperson positions.

Fianna Fáil said the decision was taken to “support and enhance the ongoing development of party policy and advance the delivery of key programme for government objectives.”

Mayo TD Dara Calleary, who stepped down as minister for agriculture earlier this year, has been appointed as the party’s spokesman on social protection.

Sligo Leitrim TD Marc MacSharry will be the party’s spokesman on higher education.

“All spokespeople will work collaboratively with Fianna Fáil Oireachtas Committee Chairpersons, Ministers and Ministers of State in their respective departments and will ensure cohesive progress on the recently established party policy groups,” a party statement said.