Can the Taoiseach inform the House if the Cabinet has made a decision to appoint his chief economic adviser to the position of vice-president of the European Investment Bank? Does the Taoiseach intend to inform the House of that? Given that this will cause a vacancy at a crucial time in the Taoiseach's office, given the consequences of Brexit - he will not have a chief economic adviser from the autumn - does he intend to replace that person? Does he intend this time to keep within the pay cap agreed in the programme for Government?

The Government appointed Mr. Andrew McDowell this morning to a position which becomes available to Ireland as one of four countries every number of years. Ireland is placed with Greece, Romania and Denmark in respect of having a presidency of the European Investment Bank. After a process of public application and interview, the appointment has gone to Mr. Andrew McDowell. In my experience, I have to say that as an economic adviser in the Department of the Taoiseach, he is a truly outstanding person and more than capable of doing an absolutely first-class job of representing Ireland at the European Investment Bank.

Would the Minister, Deputy Shane Ross, agree with that?

May I add a point?

No you cannot.

Irreplaceable.

At that level?

That concludes questions on the Order of Business.