The new Minister for European Affairs says he's shocked and privileged to get the job.

Paschal Donohue replaces Lucinda Creighton, who resigned last night after voting against the government on the abortion legislation.

The new Junior Minister told Newstalk's Lunchtime show he was on his way home from the late night vote when he was asked to turn around.

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Minister Donohoe has represented the Dublin Central constituency in the Dáil since 2011. Prior to that he was a member of the Seanad, and a Dublin City Councillor.

Deputy Donohoe contested the General Election in 2007, but failed to win a seat.

He is a member of the Public Accounts Committee and Vice-Chair of the European Affairs Committee. In the last Oireachtas term he served on the Transport Committee and was also a member of the European Affairs Committee.