Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Deputies are aware that many factors must be weighed up when deciding when a by-election should be held to fill a seat that has been vacated. We need to ensure we have the best outcome, for example. On that basis I wish to confirm that the Government does not believe this is the right time to issue the writ for the filling of the seat that has been vacated by my colleague, Pat The Cope Gallagher. Like Deputy McGinley, I take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Gallagher on his election.

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