Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

There is no requirement to set a time limit on when the replacement for the outgoing Minister for Defence will be appointed. His position is being taken by me for the present and that is fine, constitutionally. It will be dealt with in due course.

Regarding the heads of the Bill mentioned by the Deputy, I am sure that having published the general scheme of the Bill in the normal way and having indicated he wishes to discuss the matter with other party leaders, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government can determine the merit of discussions that may arise and can consider this in his continuing preparation of the Bill. Obviously, it will be more detailed at the next stage.

See this speech in context