Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In regard to the Deputy's other question, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Cullen, has communicated his intention to resign from the Government and from public life in the context of the serious back condition from which he suffers. It is my intention to advise the President to accept his resignation on a date on which other matters relating to the Government, and which I am currently considering, will also be the subject of decision. That was outlined in the statement I issued yesterday. I cannot add to the speculation on the date.

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