Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

If I may, a Cheann Comhairle, I do not at all accept the contention of the Deputy. We have made it clear that this is the final parliamentary term for the Government and that we will seek to dissolve Dáil Éireann upon the enactment of the Finance Act. We have already indicated that the timeframe for this will be the end of February-early March, and we will move in that way. Therefore, on the basis that a general election is planned for the spring, the question of taking a confidence motion at this point is, in the words of the Fine Gael Party, ill timed and ill judged.

I would also make the point that the suggestion I do not enjoy the confidence of the House as Taoiseach is not correct.

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