In the event of the Government being disposed to move a writ for a by-election in the coming weeks to coincide with the local and European elections, does the absence of a permanently appointed Clerk of the Dáil present a difficulty for moving such a writ? If so, will the Minister clarify the matter and when a permanent Clerk of the Dáil might be appointed to alleviate that problem?

I do not know what appropriate reply I can give. Perhaps the Ceann Comhairle can assist the Deputy in that regard. We will certainly abide by the legislation which provides that by-elections must take place within six months of the vacancy occurring.

The Clerk of the Dáil must issue the writ.

Our position is the same so it is a question of what are the implications of the absence of a Clerk of the Dáil.