Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I want to raise two matters with the Taoiseach. First, I understand that Mr. John Purcell, who has been the Comptroller and Auditor General since 1994, is due to retire on 14 May. This is a constitutional office and I understand the method of appointment is that the new Comptroller and Auditor General is nominated by the Dáil for appointment by the President. What process is being put in place to make a new appointment or to bring a proposal to the House for the nomination of a new Comptroller and Auditor General? Will there be consultation with the Opposition parties on this matter, what are the plans and will there be an opportunity, through the Whips, for the House to pay tribute to the good work of the outgoing Comptroller and Auditor General?

The second issue I want to raise is in regard to promised legislation. The two Green Ministers, who were with us momentarily, seem to have left the House again.

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