Arising from the Taoiseach's reply in which he referred to the short time a particular office holder might still have to serve as a member of a local authority, can he confirm now that it is the Government's intention to hold the next local elections next June?

That is a separate question, Deputy.

No, it is not.

Please, Deputy, you should put down a question because that is a very specific matter.

With all due respect——

This question deals with resignations of Ministers and Ministers of State.

The Taoiseach clearly indicated that if a short period of time remains——

The Chair is concerned about the question that is before him.

——of the term of office on the local authority, of which the Minister might be a member that that might be a factor. I think it is a reasonable question.

It is a distinctly separate question.

I do not think so. It was raised by the Taoiseach.

It is my decision, Deputy, and it is quite clear.

The Chair will want to maintain the standards of fairness for which you have become renowned——

Yes, indeed.

——and therefore you will allow me to press this question which is if the Taoiseach will confirm that we are going to have local elections——

I said that is a separate question.