Before the Order of Business I wish to announce for the information of the House that the Government has decided to nominate Mr. Pádraig Flynn to be a member of the European Commission, to take up office on 7 January 1995. This nomination has been conveyed to the President designate of the Commission, Mr. Santer, to the Governments of the other member states of the European Union and to the President of the European Parliament.
Nomination to European Commission.
The announcement by the Taoiseach is for the information of the House and no debate or statement may ensue from the information conveyed to us.
I thought it would be possible to take the opportunity to say something pleasant about a former Member—
Some other time, Deputy.
The Chair is usually very liberal in these matters. I am surprised.
It is customary and proper that announcements of this type are for information only.
On a point of order, surely the Chair would not deny me, of all people, an opportunity to congratulate Commissioner Flynn on his appointment? I am sure it was a unanimous decision, that the Labour Party agree with it. I wish Mr. Flynn well.