Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I am glad Senator Coghlan again raised the question regarding Deputy Martin Mansergh, the new Minister of State. I am confused because nothing stated in the media or elsewhere is out of order. The Minister of State has specific responsibility for the arts but the same situation applies in every other junior Ministry. Sections of the media were trying to develop a little civil war regarding this appointment but no one understands the system better than the Minister of State because he spent 25 years in the Civil Service and he understands the protocol and the procedures. I had an opportunity to have a discussion with him in Cashel over the past two days. He is an outgoing individual and he loved a little cut and thrust in this Chamber. He was as bemused as anyone by the manner in which his appointment has been presented.