I beg leave to announce for the information of the Dáil that the Government have decided to make the arrangements necessary in accordance with the Ministers and Secretaries Acts to assign the functions of the Department of Transport and the Department of Posts and Telegraphs to a new Department of Communications with effect from 1 January 1984. The House will be kept informed of further developments in this regard.
Department of Communications: Statement by Taoiseach.
The Taoiseach did not give us any indication of this announcement. It is customary as a matter of courtesy to let us know.
Dún Laoghaire): I not alone contacted the Whip's office but contacted the Leader of the Opposition's office and was told by that office that he was aware of the announcement.
I am a bit confused. I was in my office until a late hour last night, but if the Chief Whip says my office was informed I have to accept that.
(Dún Laoghaire): The office of the Leader of the Opposition was informed by the Cabinet secretary.