I beg leave to announce, for the information of the Dáil that the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael O'Kennedy, has tendered his resignation as a member of the Government, with effect from 3.30 p.m. today, upon his forthcoming appointment as a member of the Commission of the European Communities. The President, on my advice, has accepted Deputy O'Kennedy's resignation.
I should like to take this opportunity to express appreciation of Deputy O'Kennedy's valuable services in the various ministerial offices which he has held since becoming a Member of this House in 1969, having already served for four years as a Member of the Seanad. I offer him our best wishes in his new assignment.