Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The unprecedented situation that arose this morning showed complete disrespect for this House and I welcome the fact that the Taoiseach has seen fit to attend at 1.30 p.m. to clarify some matters. It looks as if he and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, have, in a Laurel and Hardy situation, got themselves into another fine mess. The fact that no new Minister has been appointed is clearly because of desperation and fear on the part of the Government of putting it to a vote in the House. The fact that the Green Party is not represented in the Chamber at this time speaks for itself and the fact the Government is unable to fill the Front Bench speaks for the level to which the situation has descended. If I am correct, there are at least 20 Ministers and former Ministers on the backbenches, which is almost one for everyone in the audience.

I thank the Taoiseach for the clarification that we are to have a general election on 11 March. What is the timescale the Taoiseach envisages now for the Finance Bill? He set out a time schedule previously and I wrote to him yesterday indicating we could deal with it earlier and still give it the same amount of Dáil and committee time. Does the Taoiseach intend to adhere to the original timescale or will there be a new timescale? Does he intend that the Climate Change Bill, which is so important for the Green Party, will be completed before that date also?

It is always a matter of great pride for people to be appointed as Ministers and to serve in Government. For a variety of reasons, this Government has run its writ. I wish those who have served in Government well for the future. History might be kinder to some of them could it flip over some of the Departments they have held. I look forward to the coming campaign so as to spell out to people our perspective and view of the kind of Ireland we should have, the potential of our people and the consequences of real change, through leadership from the front that will engender motivation, spirit, confidence and hope in our people and bring about a resolution of the situation in our indigenous economy which is so dispiriting for so many. At the end of the process, on 11 March, the people will have their say and will decide what kind of Government they want to represent them for the future.

If we were disruptive here this morning or if, as in the Ceann Comhairle's words, there was "gross disorder", at least it has now brought finality, a conclusion and clarity to something the electorate has wanted for a long time. I hope the fact the Taoiseach has attended the House and clarified the position restores some sense of authority, respect and dignity to the House. To whoever stands, in whatever capacity, for whatever party or none, the next few weeks will be of critical importance. For our part, we will set out our stall as to how we believe we can get Ireland working again.

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