asked the Taoiseach if he has held consultations with any of the leaders of other EC countries regarding the composition of the new European Commission which takes up office on 1 January 1989; if a final decision has been reached regarding the Irish nominee to the next Commission; when he expects to announce the name of the Irish nominee; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers - New European Commission.
1.
An announcement on this matter will be made at the appropriate time and in accordance with the normal practice.
May I ask the Taoiseach, in view of the suggestion that Ireland could have a chance of the Presidency of the Commission, to make a decision immediately on this issue and to consider that decision in the light of the fact that previously he decided to support someone from this side of the House for that position? I hope he will not do another U-turn on this issue.
I would like to assure the Deputy that, as usual, I will make this appointment wisely, maturely and responsibly in due course and in the best interests of this country, the European Community and all other relevant considerations.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that it would be wise to make a decision and an announcement, with all the qualifications the Taoiseach has mentioned at a very early moment on the basis that a certain amount of position taking is already taking place among the other member Governments and would the Taoiseach not agree with me that it would be most unwise to follow the precedent that he set on the last occasion when he made an appointment very late in the day?
I am very grateful to all those who are helping me in this matter.
In the national interest.
I will come to my own decision in due course. I should like to assure Deputy Dukes that I am listening very carefully to what is said around Europe and what the prospects are in regard to the Presidency and other matters. All those issues will be taken fully into account by me and I think it would be as well now if there was not any more pressure put on me in this regard.
A final supplementary.
I can understand that the Taoiseach might feel that it might be inconvenient to have any more pressure put on him. May I ask what pressure has been put on the Taoiseach so far?
As the Deputy knows I am very sensitive to media criticism and comment. I find that the issue is being aired a great deal in the media for some reason which escapes me.
Could I ask——
I thought I had given quite some latitude on this question, Deputy.
Can we be sure that a decision on the appointment will be made before the next election comes and that the person will not return for it? It has happened before and we want to ensure that whoever the Taoiseach decides to send to Europe will stay for the full term.
Again I am very grateful to the Deputy for his help and for his advice.