Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

Does the Taoiseach recall appointing 20 Ministers of State six or seven weeks ago? Does he recall that about a week or two later he swanned around the country telling people to vote "Yes" to a treaty because it would reduce the number of Commissioners for a population of 496 million from 27 to 18? Can the Taoiseach explain how a total of 27 Commissioners for a population of 496 million is deemed excessive while 35 Ministers and Ministers of State for a population of approximately 4.2 million is deemed 100% necessary? Can he tell us if he sees any contradiction in the arguments he is presenting? Does he think there is any irony there at all? Can he sniff any hypocrisy in that position? Has he changed his position in light of the rumblings which have been coming from Europe since the people of this State voted "No"? Is it the case that certain EU officials have decided they can live with 27 Commissioners, after all?

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