asked the Taoiseach when a decision will be made on an appointment to fill the vacant post of Director of the National Gallery; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The appointment of the Director of the National Gallery is a matter in the first place for the board of governors and guardians and I understand that they have not yet concluded their consideration of the matter.

Can the Minister tell us whether his Department are prepared to bring any influence or pressure to bear on the board to conclude their deliberations without delay in view of the long period of time which has elapsed and the importance of appointing a Director of the National Gallery at this stage?

I agree with the Deputy that this matter should be expedited.

Will the Tánaiste say if any names have been put to the Taoiseach's office for ratification or if his office have been consulted?

The matter is with the board of governors and when they have finished their deliberations the matter will come before the Taoiseach, as is the procedure.

I should like to draw the Tánaiste's attention to the fact that the former director announced his intention to retire last December and that he terminated his employment at the end of June. In view of that, and the fact that extensive renovations are planned, will the Tánaiste communicate with the board of governors, if he has not done so, requesting them to expedite the appointment? Is it wrong that the vacancy should remain unfilled for such a long period, particularly when extensive and important work must be undertaken.

I agree with the thrust of the remarks of Deputies Enright and McCartan and I should like to point out to them that the board had a meeting to decide on their choice. They adjourned that meeting. The ball is in play, as it were, and I will do what I can to get the board to make a decision in regard to the appointment.

In taking up the Tánaiste's statement that the ball is in play I should like to ask him if the ball had at any stage gone to the Taoiseach's office and if it was passed back to the board for reconsideration? Were they asked to reconsider the person they had proposed?

The matter will not come before the Taoiseach until a firm decision has been made by the board.

That is not an answer to my question. Is the answer to my question "no"?

This is Question Time but the Deputy wants to impart information rather than seek it and that is not in order.

I am trying to assist the Tánaiste who does not seem to know how to answer the question. He is not taking his job seriously.

I should like to indicate to the House that Questions Nos. 21, 22 and 25 are postponed at the request of the Deputy in question, Deputy Gemma Hussey.