Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I know it is the prerogative of the Taoiseach to appoint whoever he wishes to serve in his Cabinet. Is he aware of an apparent internal or secret arrangement which might oblige him to make other adjustments to the personnel in his Cabinet? What has been leaked from the Green Party is its own business, but if it is true this is a matter of considerable public importance. It is important that Deputy Cowen, while he is Taoiseach, has the best possible working arrangement with his coalition partners. An arrangement whereby the Taoiseach relies on the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on one day but finds, without any direct input by himself, that there is a different Minister the next day, does not seem to be a suitable one.

Deputies McManus and Coveney have tabled questions about the statutory instrument, under the Broadcasting Act, made by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in respect of an increase in a levy which will mean redundancies in local radio stations throughout the country. These local radio stations do not object to the payment of a levy but what is involved here is excessive. I ask that the Dáil have an opportunity to discuss this matter.

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