Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

If I may, I would like reply to some of the assertions that have been made. As outlined in my statement to the House, I believe it is essential for the country that we proceed with publication and enactment of the Finance Bill 2011.

Deputy Kenny inquired as to the revision of the scheduling in that regard. Second Stage of the Bill will be taken next week and subsequent Stages will be taken in subsequent weeks. While Fine Gael's suggestion was not realistic, we have sought to accelerate enactment of the Bill, consistent with proper consideration of the Bill, so that we could arrange for the holding of the election on 11 March. Members will be aware that the expectation was that the election would be held in late March or early April. Therefore, bringing back the schedule enables this to happen on 11 March.

In response to Deputy Gilmore's points, there was no question of me, as Taoiseach, engaging in any sort of stunts. What is involved is that Ministers have resigned because they believe it important they do so as they will not be accountable for the actions of Government at the holding of the next election. They are of the view that they should in those circumstances resign and have also given their own reasons in their resignation statements and subsequent commentaries and interviews. Members will also be aware that under the Constitution the Taoiseach has the prerogative to appoint Members to his Government. Therefore, arising out of the resignations the question of assignation, reassignation or appointment arises.

Uniquely, in respect of newly appointed Ministers, it is intended that they will derive no personal financial benefit from their promotions and that there would be no extra financial burden placed on the State as a result of such appointments. The end result has been a reassignation of the appointments. I believe a cynical view is the idea that people who would not be standing should remain on in office. That is the view of those who have decided to resign. I believe it would be far better that the Government, in this case new Fianna Fáil nominees to Government, would be made up of people who are in a position to go out and defend, advocate and set out with vigour and determination the position of Fianna Fáil in government over the past three and a half years.

Members will be aware that the convention of coalition Governments has been for respective leaders of parties to have the power to nominate and appoint nominees to ministerial posts. That has been the convention of every coalition Government here. I contend that by asserting my authority as Taoiseach I am enabling people to consider all parties on 11 March, all of whom will be competing for and not walking away from power. The sovereign will of the people will be determined by spokespersons, and in this instance Ministers, who have the authority and ability to put the case that must be put in the aftermath of the crisis of the magnitude with which we have had to contend and the plans we have set out-----

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