I have two issues to raise. In the programme for Government, the Government committed itself to overhauling the top level appointments committee, TLAC. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform committed himself to legislation in that respect, particularly with regard to the issue of the appointment of the successor to outgoing Clerk of the Dáil, Kieran Coughlan, who is Secretary General of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. Could the Taoiseach confirm or clarify the position in respect of that? Will legislation be brought to forward to govern that appointment? Will it be through an independent panel or through TLAC?

Can the Taoiseach confirm when the heads of the health (general practitioner medical service) Bill, which provides for the extension of a publicly funded GP service, will be published and whether discussions have commenced with the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO?

The health (general practitioner medical service) Bill will be discussed at a Cabinet sub-committee in the next fortnight. It is being presented by the Minister of State with responsibility for primary care, Deputy White.

Have discussions commenced with the IMO?

The Minister of State will report to the Cabinet sub-committee on whatever progress has been made or whatever discussions have taken place.

Legislation has not yet been prepared in respect of the question of the appointment of a Clerk of the Dáil. There is legislation governing this going back as far as 1959, and I am of the view that this should be an open competition. Clearly, the Ceann Comhairle of the day has responsibilities under the Act and in accordance with his or her requirement to consult the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. We must have discussions with the Ceann Comhairle about that process.