Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Lest there be any doubt, when I referred to normal circumstances, I was speaking about the manner in which appointments are brought to Cabinet. As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I do not have any knowledge of any issues that may or may not have been discussed between 16 May, when the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board wrote to the Tánaiste noting that the board had decided not to recommend any applicant for the vacancy, and the subsequent act of 13 June. I was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade on 14 June. I would never be involved in any deliberations on any of these issues, nor would I have any expectation to be involved in such deliberations.