The following is the full text of a letter written by Taoiseach Brian Cowen in response to Willie O'Dea's letter of resignation.
Dear Willie,
It is with sincere regret that I received your resignation letter as Minister for Defence which I will now submit to the President in accordance with the Constitution.
Onthe basis of our conversation, I very much appreciate that your decision reflects your own desire to ensure that the important work of Government is not diverted by the current controversy.
I want to thank you for your hard work and commitment in carrying out your duties as Minister. I believe that you have made a significant contribution to the Governments in which you have served and have shown great skill in overseeing the modernisation of the Defence Forces.
I look forward to continuing to work with you in Dail Eireann
Yours sincerely
Brian Cowen TD
Taoiseach