Vol. 481 No. 2
127 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will request the regional authorities to select the Irish members and alternative members to the EU Committee of the Regions: and whether all of the Irish members and alternative members will be selected by proportional representation by each of the regional authorities. [15893/97]
The existing members of the Committee of the Regions and their alternates were appointed for the period 26 January 1994 to 25 January 1998. I am at present considering the position in relation to nominations of Irish members of the committee. As of now I have not made a request on the lines indicated by the Deputy. The method to be used when a request is made in relation to such selection which is governed by the relevant provisions of the Local Government Act, 1991 (Regional Authorities) (Establishment) Order, 1993 (S. I. No. 394 of 1993) is broadly the same as that applying in the case of electing a cathaoirleach of a local authority.
