Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

With regard to the issue of the membership of the Government, my question to the Taoiseach did not specifically concern the portfolio of the Minister for Defence. I understand the Taoiseach has assigned that portfolio to himself as a Taoiseach is entitled to do. However, the issue that arises is the membership of the Government. Normally, there are 15 members of Government. I realise there do not have to be 15 but normally there are. There is now a vacancy. It is a matter for Dáil Éireann to nominate a member for appointment by the President as a member of the Government. As I have pointed out, where a resignation arises in the membership of the Government the business of replacement is normally taken quickly. Again, I ask the Taoiseach if he intends to bring a motion to the House to appoint a member to the vacant position which now arises in Government. When does he intend to do that? Can we anticipate it? Today is Wednesday. Is it the Taoiseach's intention to do this today, tomorrow or next week? Will he postpone it? If that is the case, will he share with the House his rationale for postponing it? It is somewhat unusual that this does not happen immediately. I believe we are entitled to hear from the Taoiseach what his thinking is on the matter.

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