I propose to take Questions Nos. 687 and 688 together.
There is no change in the position as regards the relationship between the Department of Defence and the Department of the Taoiseach. Subject to finalisation of the necessary statutory instruments, the Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Minister Paul Kehoe, will undertake the associated delegated functions. As such, he will brief me on a regular basis on developments in the defence area, as will the Secretary General of the Department of Defence and as the need arises.
Work is underway in relation to the preparation of a Delegation of Ministerial Functions Order under the Minister and Secretaries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1977. This Order will be finalised as soon as possible in conjunction with the office of the Attorney General.