Paul Goggins and Maria Eagle have received their portfolios

Paul Goggins, who replaces Shaun Woodward, will be in charge of health, policing, prisons and security.

Maria Eagle, who replaces Angela Smith, will look after education, employment and learning, investment and culture, arts and leisure.

She is the fourth direct rule education minister in three-and-a-half years.

However, she claimed the frequency with which appointments have been made did not matter.

"I think it is just important that we go forward and implement the reforms we are committed to," she said.

"I don't think it matters whether it is the first minister or the second minister or the third minister in the job that does it as long as we do it."

Mr Hain said the government remained committed to the abolition of academic selection.

"While there has been a change of personnel, the work of the Northern Ireland Office continues," he said.

"We will continue to work for the restoration of a power sharing executive in this crucial year for the people of Northern Ireland and move forward in our radical reform agenda in health and education."

David Hanson is retaining his political development portfolio, Mr Hain said.