Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

With regard to the announcement by the Ceann Comhairle of his decision to resign, I respect that decision. I respect the fact that it is being done in the interests of this House and the Office of Ceann Comhairle. In light of that decision it is less than seemly to haggle over the arrangements for his early resignation. It is not unreasonable that the Ceann Comhairle should have the opportunity to organise his affairs, including the implications for staff, and to prepare his statement. To impute other motives to his decision to resign next week is, as Deputy Rabbitte observed on the radio earlier this morning, merely cynical. The business of the House should be ordered for next week to provide for the statement to be made by the Ceann Comhairle and the election of a new Ceann Comhairle following his resignation.

Following my parliamentary party meeting discussions involving the Whips and the Ceann Comhairle took place. As would be my practice, I kept the leader of the Green Party advised of developments in those discussions over the course of yesterday evening. The situation was clarified by the Ceann Comhairle's decision to announce his intention to resign next week. That was the course of action he took based on contacts with the Whips and I believe it was the right thing to do. We should allow that to proceed so the dignity of this House and the dignity of the position can be respected and the incumbent is respected in respect of the decision he has reached. It is only fair and right. Perhaps that might be a better way of proceeding given some of the rather unedifying things we have been seeing and hearing in recent times. That is my strong view on the matter.

I believe that answers the first part of the Deputy's question. On the other matter, I hope everybody understands and accepts that the prerogatives of Government apply to this Government as they did with previous Administrations. The filling of that position will receive careful consideration. I told Deputies yesterday that if they have suggestions to make on a private basis, I will consider them. However, the prerogatives of the Government in this matter should be respected in this instance.

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