However, the Government's handling of this issue has been far from sure footed. The Taoiseach told the Dáil on 24 June about Mr. Justice Flood's intention to resign but he did not have the common courtesy to inform the Leader of the Opposition. He had to apologise for that later. Whatever about not announcing the matter publicly, it is common courtesy to inform the Leader of the Opposition about what is happening. The Taoiseach's comment in the Dáil that the Flood tribunal might take up to 16 years to do its work was also unhelpful, especially when the tribunal has said it can complete its work by 2006.