Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I do not believe I am as long a Member of this House as is the Taoiseach. However, as I recollect it, on each previous occasion a Minister resigned from Government resulting in a vacancy in the membership of Government, the then Taoiseach brought before the House at the first available opportunity a motion in regard to the replacement of that Minister. This is, as far as I can recall, the first time the House is not being given any indication from the Taoiseach in regard to when, if ever, a proposal in respect of the replacement of a Minister who has resigned as a member of Government will be brought before the House.

The Taoiseach's response is unsatisfactory in that respect. I would like him to clarify the position. Is it his intention to bring to the House a proposal that a new member should be appointed to Government and, if so, will he indicate to the House when this will be done? This is not a decision which is entirely at the Government's discretion; the nomination of a member for appointment to the Government by the President is a matter for the House. I want to know before agreeing to the Order of Business when such motion will be brought before the House or if it will happen at all? The Taoiseach might perhaps decide he will not bring such proposal to the House, in which case we should be told.

On the first matter, while I appreciate that the Ceann Comhairle is allowing for a personal statement from the Minister of State, will Members have an opportunity, if necessary, to ask questions of him?

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