asked the Taoiseach whether the specific role of this country's nominee to the EEC Commission has yet been intimated to the Government; whether the Government have sought any specific role; and whether any possibility exists of obtaining a regional policy commissioner.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Commission Nominee.
3.
The areas of responsibility of the individual members of the new commission to be appointed upon enlargement have not yet been determined. Ireland's areas of interest are already well-known.
Is it to be our position that we will seek a specific role for our commissioner especially since we are interested in the development of regional policy?
That role is established ipso facto.
Would the Taoiseach discount the suggestion that our commissioner will be in charge of administration and information? In other words, is it to be the position that he will have an inferior position in the established commission?
The role of our commissioner has not been indicated yet. Up to now, as the Deputy is aware, in the Commission of Ten there have been three vice-presidents and in the expanded Commission of 14 there are to be five vice-presidents. The suggestion is now being made that rather than allocate a particular function to each commissioner, the administration generally would be divided among the five vice-presidents presiding over sectors and each of the other commissioners working within one or other of these sectors.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that it would not help us in our bargaining position for the development of regional policy that our commissioner would, so to speak, be simply in charge of the typist's pool?
That could be very pleasant.
Should there not be a political status attached to our commissioner.
I am surprised that the Deputy has any apprehension in this respect.
I hear that the Taoiseach has a special French tutor.
If we want a Latin tutor, we shall call on Deputy Coughlan.
I am your man— bog Latin.