At the same time as they are appointed to the Executive Council, a minister is generally charged with supervising a particular aspect of the government's activities – known as a "" – such as the provision of health services (Minister of Health) or the upkeep of law enforcement (Minister of Police). A minister is also responsible for a corresponding public sector organisation, usually known as a department or ministry. Sometimes, an MP may be appointed as a minister without being given any specific role – in which case he or she is described as a minister without portfolio. Such appointments have become rare today, although sometimes an MP may be appointed to a sinecure portfolio such as "Minister of State" for similar purposes.