It is my sad responsibility to move a motion that the House direct the Clerk to issue a writ for the election of a member to fill the vacancy created by the tragic death of Hugh Coveney . . . Perhaps the Government would consider having the by-election date on a Friday.

- The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, moving the writ for the Cork South Central by-election.

I support the request made by the leader of the Fine Gael party to have the by-election on a Friday.

- The Labour leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn.

It is a sad occasion . . . In terms of the date . . . there is a request that the by-election would not be held on a day which would affect the Cork jazz festival on that weekend.

- The Fine Gael leader, Mr Bruton.