Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

It is a bit farcical that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is not here to answer these questions. With all due respect to the Minister of State, the Minister, Deputy Gormley, is in charge of electoral matters. It is farcical to be in the House answering questions about what might or might not happen at a meeting in one hour's time. Surely the Minister of State has some indication or brief from the Government about what the Attorney-General's view is arising from Mr. Justice Nicholas Kearns's ruling. He is the second most senior law officer in the State.

Will this particular judgment be appealed to the Supreme Court? If not, will the by-election writ for Donegal South-West be moved tomorrow?

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