asked the Taoiseach if he will assign a Minister of State for overseas development.

2.

asked the Taoiseach if he intends to appoint a Minister of State with special responsibility for development co-operation.

I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

I am still considering the most appropriate allocation of departmental responsibilities in relation to the appointment of further Ministers of State.

Might I urge on the Taoiseach that he give favourable consideration to my suggestion in the light of the growing importance of this area and of the feeling among all Members of the House that we should be able to reach the UN target before the end of the decade?

Can the Taoiseach indicate when it is likely that these additional Ministers of State will be assigned responsibility?

(Cavan-Monaghan): After the Seanad elections.

Who told the Deputy that?

I have nothing further to add to my reply.