Labour returned to opposition following the 2016 general election , greatly reduced in numbers . Burton remained as Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection in an acting capacity during prolonged talks on government formation . On 6 May 2016 , Enda Kenny announced in the Dáil that Frances Fitzgerald would be the new Tánaiste , while Burton 's constituency rival Leo Varadkar took her old job in the Department of Social Protection
prolonged talks on government formation
2016 Irish government formation
Joan Burton