The Dáil has elected Leo Varadkar as Taoiseach for a second time.
TDs voted by a margin of 87 to 62 to see the 43 year old take over from Micheál Martin.
Independent TDs Peter Fitzpatrick, Noel Grealish, Cathal Berry, Marc MacSharry, Michael Lowry and Denis Naughten voted with the Government.
Once Leo Varadkar returns from meeting the President the business of reforming the Cabinet will take centre stage.
In his acceptance speech Varadkar said he hopes to do his family proud: "During the pandemic, we all saw the best of each other and it meant that the new coalition was born in a spirit of togetherness and hope.
"I intend that spirit to continue as we implement, with our partners in the Green Party, the agreed programme for Government.
"I would also like to thank my family, friends and staff. Thank you for your work, your love, and your support.
"When we enter public life we choose that path. Our loved ones do not.
"I want you to know that my work as Taoiseach is driven by your example, and I intend to honour your confidence in me."
Outgoing Taoiseach Micheal Martin thanked his family and his local community in Cork for their support over the years:
"As I finish this term in office, I would like most of all to thank my wife, Mary, and our family, Mícheál, Aoibhe, and Cillian, for their unfailing advice, support and encouragement.
"We have been blessed by the wonderful community of Cork, which has looked out for us and has given me the strongest possible reassurance that all would be well as I spent so much time away."
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald was one of those who opposed Leo Varadkar's election.
"Fine Gael and Leo Varadkar have been in government now for 11 years," she declared.
"Fine Gael and Leo Varadkar's policies are writ large across the crises in housing, healthcare, and the deep economic inequalities in Ireland today.
"And it is no coincidence that during Fine Gael's time in power, people desperately struggle to put a roof over their heads."
The senior ministerial roles, should there be any changes, are expected to be announced this evening.
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