The following is the full text of the Green Party's statement following the announcement that the election will be held on March 11th.
"Green Party TDs and senators today welcomed the Taoiseach's decision not to appoint new ministers to government.
They also welcomed Mr Cowen's decision to fix March 11 as the date for a general election.
We hope these decisions, coupled with the resolution of the Fianna Fail leadership issue on Tuesday, can allow this Government to return to work for its final weeks.
On November 22 last we signalled our wish for a general election early in 2011 to restore political certainty. On that occasion, and many times since, we committed to taking four key steps to help restore Ireland's economic stability.
These were: completing a four-year economic plan required by Brussels; concluding financial support arrangements with EU/IMF; passing Budget 2011; and passing underpinning budgetary legislation, principally the Finance Bill.
Since our return to Leinster House this month, our main focus has been passing the Finance Bill in the interests of the Irish people. We remain committed to seeing this to finality in time for the calling of a general election to take place on March 11.
We remain proud of our achievements since joining Government in June 2007. This Government has been better for our participation in it."