Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I understand why this industrial action is taking place; it is a result of anger among low-paid public servants in particular that the Government unilaterally cut pay and threw their trade unions out of Government Buildings last December. When issues of pay and people's employment conditions and contracts are approached in such a way, there is a consequence.

I have called for a suspension of the industrial action given the major inconvenience being caused to the public and the difficulties being posed for people. I was glad to see yesterday a statement and decision from the union concerned that it was prepared to vary the industrial action. I was surprised at the reaction of the Government and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, which effectively shot down the suggestion. An opportunity was provided yesterday evening when the trade union concerned indicated a willingness to vary the industrial action and the appropriate Minister should have taken it positively, sat down with union representatives and tried to work out some kind of formula that would have got over the crisis that now exists in the passport offices. It clearly did not happen and there is now a position where there is talk of escalating the dispute. The Government's handling of the issue leaves much to be desired.

There are a couple of other issues I wanted to raise with the Taoiseach. This morning he announced the assignment of Ministers to a number of Departments, referring to the Departments as they were before yesterday. In his introduction of the motion yesterday, he said it was intended to reconfigure Departments and rename a number of them. Is it intended to bring legislation before the House to provide for the reconfiguration of the Departments and, if so, when will that be introduced?

When is the reconfiguration of the Departments to take place? For example, we were told yesterday that matters relating to science investment and research were to be transferred from the Department of Education and Science to the new Department responsible for enterprise, trade and innovation. If Deputies have a question relating to science or research, to which Department or Minister do we address the question?

I also wish to inquire about matters relating to cost. When the Department of Social Welfare became the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs in 1997, it cost £2 million to change the logos on its headed paper and on nameplates outside its offices. Yesterday, the Taoiseach announced changes in name for five Departments. There is probably a consequential change in the name of a sixth Department given that if responsibility for equality is to be transferred to the new Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, then I presume the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform will become the Department of Justice and Law Reform. If it cost £2 million to change the name of one Department in 1997, how many millions of euro will it cost to change the names of six Departments in 2010?

The Ceann Comhairle indicated that he received the resignation of former Deputy Martin Cullen. Although I took issue with the former Deputy in respect of certain matters in the past, I take this opportunity to wish him well. This latest resignation means that there are now three vacancies in the House. When it is intended to hold by-elections in respect of those vacancies? It is normally the case that when a vacancy arises as a result of the death of a Member, a suitable period is allowed to pass before the by-election is held. However, the three current vacancies came about as a result of resignations as opposed to the deaths of Members. As a result, there is no need to postpone holding the by-elections. When will those by-elections be held?

The third matter I wish to raise with the Taoiseach is the Lost at Sea scheme report. I have been putting moderate questions to the Taoiseach on this matter, which I believe should be dealt with in a non-partisan manner. I suggested that it should be referred to an Oireachtas committee in order that the issues raised by the Ombudsman might be dealt with. It is clear that the Ombudsman is unhappy with regard to the way in which this matter has been handled. In an interview in last Saturday's edition of the Irish Independent, the Ombudsman, Ms Emily O'Reilly, stated that the future of her office is at stake as a result of the way in which this matter has been dealt with.

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