Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I welcome the statement by the Ceann Comhairle last night that he intends to resign his office at 2.30 p.m. next Tuesday. I understand he has asked for some time to deal with staff, papers and other issues. It is not unreasonable that he be given that time. The Labour Party has a motion of no confidence in the Ceann Comhairle on the Order Paper. I intend to leave it on the Order Paper and if there is any attempt to take advantage of any changing political circumstances, I will insist that the motion be taken before any other business.

Has the Taoiseach given any consideration to how the House might deal with the election of a new Ceann Comhairle? This is a new set of circumstances; I do not believe there has been a case previously where it was necessary to elect a Ceann Comhairle in the mid-term of a Dáil. Given the necessity to have a Ceann Comhairle who will enjoy the confidence of all sides of the House, would the Taoiseach agree to have a meeting of the leaders of the political parties to discuss the election of a new Ceann Comhairle?

In the context of the necessity to reach agreement on the election of a new Ceann Comhairle, would the Taoiseach also consider the desirability of having agreement on the appointment of a new EU Commissioner? I raised this issue yesterday on the Order of Business. I understand contacts are under way between the Commission and the Government with regard to the nomination of a new EU Commissioner and that it is intended to progress this during the month of October. Will the Taoiseach agree that it would be desirable to consult about the appointment of a new EU Commissioner?

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