Vol. 486 No. 3
59 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the Government will agree the composition of Ireland's representation on the European Committee of the Regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22051/97]
186 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the method used to appoint the members of the EU Committee of the Regions complied fully with Irish law and our obligations under EU treaties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2459/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 186 together.
The Government made its nominations to the EU Committee of the Regions on 15 January, 1998. Formal appointments of the members and alternate members was made by the Council of Ministers on 26 January. The Irish members are serving members of local authorities.
In considering these appointments the Government was aware of the need to secure an appropriate gender balance, bearing in mind the recommendation of the Council of Ministers in this regard, as endorsed by the Committee of the Regions. The previous arrangements were most unlikely to achieve this important objective and consequently they were modified. The new arrangements comply with the relevant provisions of the Treaty and of Irish law and with the policy of successive Governments as regards gender balance in the making of appointments.
