Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I wish to announce for the information of the Dáil that on 18 February 2010 the President, on my advice, accepted the resignation of Deputy Willie O'Dea as a member of the Government. Pursuant to section 4(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1946, I have assigned the Department of Defence to myself with the effect from 18 February 2010.

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