There has been much speculation in the media and elsewhere about the timing of the next general election. The Constitution is clear that Dáil Éireann shall be dissolved if the Taoiseach chooses to go to the President to seek a dissolution or if he or his Government loses the confidence of this House. There is speculation that the Taoiseach is to arrange a meeting with the leader of Fianna Fáil to fix such a date.

Is it the Taoiseach's intention to have such a discussion and will other party leaders be involved? Has the Taoiseach determined when this Dáil should come to its end?

The Deputy is losing the run of himself.

Deputy Moran will not be involved.

Deputy Howlin might need me yet.

I thank the Deputy. I am sure I will have an opportunity to speak to all party leaders in the next couple of weeks, as I do regularly. I am conscious, however, that this is not necessarily a matter just for me and the Leader of the Opposition alone. The parties here make up an increasing number of people in the Dáil. If Deputy Howlin is indicating to us that he would be willing to consider abstaining on future confidence motions-----

No.

-----or voting with the Government in future confidence motions, I am sure we would have something to talk about then.