Labour leader Pat Rabbitte has reshuffled the party's front bench and has appointed Brendan Howlin Justice spokesman and Ruairi Quinn spokesman on enterprise and employment.
Mr Howlin replaces Joe Costello who moves to European affairs and defence. Mr Howlin and Mr Quinn were Mr Rabbitte's competitors for the party leadership in 2002.
Joe Sherlock, who has announced that he will not be seeking re-election at the general election had asked to be relieved of responsibility for the Defence portfolio, the Labour Party said in a statement.
Mr Sherlock remains the Labour Party representative on the British-Irish Parliamentary Body.