Minister for Justice Removed as TD Day Before Dáil Dissolution

RTÉ News can confirm that Taoiseach leahvnx requested the removal of Minister for Justice Valourist as a Teachta Dála on 12 December 2025, just one day before the dissolution of the 34th Dáil Éireann.

The removal came to light when RTÉ journalists noticed that Valourist was no longer appearing on the official Oireachtas Spreadsheet, which maintains records of all TDs, Senators, and their parliamentary activities.

When contacted by RTÉ for clarification, Oireachtas staff confirmed that the Taoiseach had formally requested Valourist's removal from the records. The timing of the removal—occurring just 24 hours before the scheduled dissolution of the Dáil—has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the decision.

Unclear Ministerial Status

While it has been confirmed that Valourist was removed as a TD under the Sinn Féin party, it remains unclear whether the removal also extended to his position as Minister for Justice, or whether this was handled through separate ministerial procedures.

The Department of Justice has not issued any statement regarding a change in ministerial leadership.

Typically, ministerial resignations or removals are accompanied by formal announcements and cabinet reshuffles. The apparent absence of such procedures in this case has added to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

Timeline of Inactivity

Records show that Valourist had been increasingly inactive in recent weeks. His last message in Ireland's official Discord server was on 1 December, while his last communication in Government Announcements dated back to 20 November—more than three weeks before his removal.

Similarly, activity in the Department of Justice Discord server showed that Valourist's last message was also on 1 December, suggesting a pattern of disengagement from official duties in the weeks leading up to his removal.

Timing Raises Questions

The decision to remove Valourist came at a particularly sensitive moment in Irish politics. The Dáil was dissolved on 13 December to make way for the General Election scheduled for late December, following the conclusion of the Presidential Election.

Political observers have noted that the timing—removing a TD just one day before dissolution—is highly unusual. Typically, TDs serve until the formal dissolution of the Dáil, with any disciplinary or removal procedures handled through established party and parliamentary mechanisms.

No official statement regarding the removal has been issued by either the Department of the Taoiseach or Sinn Féin.

Department of Justice Continuity

With Valourist's status as Minister for Justice unclear and the Dáil now dissolved, the Department of Justice faces a leadership vacuum during this transitional period.

Unlike other government departments, the Department of Justice currently has no appointed Secretary General or head civil servant to maintain continuity of operations during ministerial transitions. This structural gap means there is no senior official positioned to oversee day-to-day departmental functions or provide administrative leadership during the election period.

While departmental staff continue to handle routine administrative matters, the absence of both ministerial and senior civil service leadership could impact the department's ability to address urgent justice matters or make significant policy decisions until a new government is formed following the General Election.