John Bruton
Question:16 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment if it is proposed to hold an election to choose Ireland's representative on the Committee of the Regions established by the Maastricht Treaty; and if so, when.
Written Answers. - European Committee of the Regions.
Proinsias De Rossa
Question:45 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Environment if he will confirm that the nine Irish members of the proposed European Committee of the Regions, provided for in the Maastricht Treaty, will be democratically elected public representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 45 together.
The Treaty on European Union provides that the Committee of the Regions, which will be established when the Treaty is fully ratified, will consist of representatives of regional and local bodies. Members will fall to be appointed by the Council of Ministers acting on proposals from member states. Proposals in relation to Ireland's nine representatives, including the method of selection to be employed, will, therefore, be a matter for Government decision at the appropriate time. While I would not wish to prejudge that matter, I anticipate that account will be taken of the view that members of the Committee should be drawn from elected public representatives.