On a point of order before we start Leaders' Questions, can the Taoiseach confirm that Deputy Quinn has resigned as Minister for Education and Skills or whether he received an indication to that effect?

This is not a matter we can deal with.

It is a point of order.

I would have thought-----

No.

Send Mr. Purcell out.

-----under standing orders that the Taoiseach would be obliged-----

This is not-----

Give us a hint.

-----to inform the House if he has received-----

Resume your seat. We are dealing with Leaders' Question.

It is a point of order.

It is not a point of order to ask a question.

I seek clarification from the Ceann Comhairle, if I may.

It is not a point of order. The Deputy cannot interrupt the business of the House to ask a question.

It is a point of information.

If a Minister has resigned, is it not normal procedure-----

It is not normal.

-----that the House would be informed?

Not in my book. I do not know whether he has resigned.

Mr. Purcell will tell us.

Perhaps the Taoiseach can fill us in.

We need some order in this place.

I appreciate that.

I think the Minister deserves the courtesy of making the statement he is about to make.

Exactly.

On the plinth.

Can we proceed with Leaders' Questions?

It does not answer my question. The primacy of Parliament is important-----

Is that what Fianna Fáil did in the last Government?

-----in terms of nominating Ministers.

Please do not add to it.

Deputy Buttimer thinks he is still in opposition.

Stay quiet please.