asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the Government's attitude to the appointment of the new President of the European Commission and whether Ireland intends to put forward a candidate.
12.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European Commission.
11.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the appointment of Ireland's appointee to the next European Commission will be announced.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.
Deputies will be aware that in the case of the current Commission which took office on 5 January 1977 the President was designated by the European Council in July 1976 and consulted with the Governments of the members states in regard to the selection of the other members of the Commission. It is generally agreed that a similar procedure should be followed on this occasion. There was an initial exchange of views at the European Council in Venice in the course of which the case for an Irish candidate was put forward. Further consultations on this subject are to take place.
It would not be appropriate at this stage to say who Ireland's nominee to the Commission will be.
Has the Minister anybody in mind?
Would the Minister clarify the use of the phrase: "...the case for an Irish candidate"? Does that indicate that a specific individual was proposed from this country and, if so, who was that person?
We put forward our case for an Irish occupant of the presidency, as did many other countries.
Is the Minister saying that no specific name was put forward, that it was merely an abstract case that they should agree to an Irish officeholder in the presidency of the Commission?
The Deputy must appreciate that when the heads of state meet matters of this kind are entirely confidential.
A final supplementary from Deputy O'Keeffe. The Deputy cannot stand up and ask question after question all day long, non-stop.
It is most enjoyable.
The Chair cannot allow that.
The Chair must have my voice ringing in his ears, because this is the first time——
The Deputy has asked four supplementaries in succession without sitting down.
Could the Minister confirm or deny what is being reported in the papers, that a specific Irish name was put forward for this office and, if so, give the name of that person?
I will neither confirm nor deny.
An Leas-Cheann-Comhairle
That is a repetition of three supplementaries.
The Minister is filling those boots well.
Is it true the Minister is learning French?
Deputies should learn the rules whatever about French.