Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There was considerable commentary on the Taoiseach's choices for Ministers of State, particularly with regard to gross gender imbalance. In the media coverage the Taoiseach or someone from his camp was reported as saying that the advisers appointed would make up for this gender imbalance. Not alone that, it seemed to be a formula for the lovely girls entering the fray. Can the Taoiseach clear that up? The manner in which this was reported in the press was quite odd.

Who advises the Taoiseach most directly on Brexit? What is the capacity around him on that issue? He has taken a very particular whole-of-Government approach and has vested in the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney and the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, in particular responsibility on these issues, but what capacity does the Taoiseach, as Head of Government, have available?

Who advises the Taoiseach on the North and issues such as the Good Friday Agreement and the propositions around a White Paper on reunification that have emerged in the course of the Fine Gael leadership contest? What is the advisory capacity there?

See this speech in context