Vol. 437 No. 6
305 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for the Environment the criteria applied by the Government in making appointments to the EC Committee of the Regions; if consideration was given to appointing representatives from each of the main political parties on a proportional basis; and if not, the reason therefor.
The Government's primary concern in making nominations to the Committee of the Regions was to ensure that persons selected would have the necessary ability, experience and commitment to represent their regions and local communities with distinction. Other important considerations included the desirability of appointing local authority elected members, providing representation for every region and achieving gender balance. I am satisfied that all relevant criteria were given due weight and that the persons selected will prove very able representatives on the committee. It is the intention that future appointments will be made by the regional authorities which have been established under the Local Government Act, 1991 and the members of which are at present being selected by the relevant local authorities.
