I do not propose to oppose the nomination by the Taoiseach of Deputy Keyes as a member of the Government. I think, at the same time, that the appointment of a member of the Government—a Minister—is a very serious matter for the Dáil and, although we have given way to permit this motion to be introduced with practically no notice, I would like that it should not be by any means regarded as a precedent. It is right that members of the House should know beforehand who is the person to be proposed. I know that is not possible sometimes. At the beginning, when a new Government is being formed, I am not sure whether notice can be given, but I feel that it is only right that members of the Dáil should, in general, know in advance so as to be able to appraise the abilities of the person proposed and his suitability as a Minister.
The Taoiseach has not indicated how this proposal comes to be urgent or why notice could not have been given. Surely, he should have known in advance that it was proposed to make this appointment and it should have been possible to give us the name in advance. I think the Taoiseach should have informed us as to why this is considered so urgent and why the ordinary procedure could not have been followed.