Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)

During the lifetime of the previous Dáil, of which I was a Member, one of the parties now in government produced legislation relating to the filling of casual vacancies for membership of this House. Will this be included in the legislative programme that is due to be published in the next couple of weeks? I wish to declare a conflict of interests in this regard. As the Taoiseach is aware, I was obliged to take the previous Administration to the High Court in order to secure a by-election for Donegal South-West. The new Government is continuing with its predecessor's appeal to the Supreme Court in respect of this matter. Members of my legal team have been obliged to present themselves before that court on four different occasions. This is giving rise to a huge cost on the part of the Exchequer, which will ultimately be obliged to foot the bill relating to this matter.

Will a Bill relating to the filling of casual vacancies in this House within a certain period be included in the legislative programme? Perhaps the Taoiseach will indicate if the Government intends to withdraw the appeal to the Supreme Court in respect of a by-election which has already happened in respect of the 30th Dáil, which is no longer in existence.

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