Waterford's Mary Butler has been tipped for a senior Cabinet position by numerous political commentators in recent weeks.
Currently serving as Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, the Portlaw native is now one of the most senior female Fianna Fáil TDs following her re-election in 2024.
The Irish Independent's Fionnán Sheehan says Minister Butler is "guaranteed" a Cabinet position.
Responding to such speculation, Minister Butler, who is part of Fianna Fáil's negotiating team in government formation talks, told WLR News the focus remains on these talks which will resume on Monday.
"The decisions in relation to who will take up various ministerial roles, and who will be a member of Cabinet, will be decided at the very end of these talks," she said.
"I will have to await the outcome of what, in my case, Micheal Martin decides. I believe he will be the next Taoiseach of our country and he will have the job of picking the ministerial team around him."
She added: "It was the honour of my lifetime to be appointed Minister of State in 2020 and to have delivered five budgets. There is no doubt, if I get the call, I would be very honoured. It's early days and we have to wait and see what happens."
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