Ruairí Quinn
Question:9 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the plans, if any, he has to visit Australia and New Zealand on official business in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5783/98]
Ceisteanna — Questions. - Ministerial Travel.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:10 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the plans, if any, he has to visit Frankfurt, Germany, on official business in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5784/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.
I do not have any plans to visit Australia, New Zealand or Frankfurt during 1998.
The Taoiseach will be aware that I have tried numerous ways to obtain a Government response in the House on its attitude to the appointment of the new President of the European Central Bank. The Taoiseach has responsibility for this matter. Has he had discussions with any of his counterparts on this issue? What steps, if any, is Ireland taking to ensure that one of the six directorate positions, including the presidency, is filled by someone representative of Irish interests in addition to the Governor of the Central Bank who is there ex officio?
I am not directly responsible for this matter. That is why the Deputy's questions were referred on. On our influence on those appointments, the Government states its view on them at the European Council when they arise. This did not arise at the European Council meeting in December.
Will the Taoiseach agree that the legal documents on the establishment of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt and the related operational activities clearly state that the appointment of the president of the bank is a matter for the Heads of Government, not ECOFIN? There is a political impasse and the president of the EMI, the presumed incoming president of the European Central Bank, is being challenged by a French nominee. As a consequence, the filling of the vacant post—
The Deputy is widening the scope of these questions which relate to foreign visits.
I could paper the walls of my office with the letters of rejection I have received from you, a Cheann Comhairle.
The question is not in order.
These questions relate only to foreign visits.
They are interrelated and hang on a decision to be taken by the Taoiseach in nine weeks which will critically affect the management of the new currency for which we will surrender the Irish punt.
This question has nothing to do with a visit to Frankfurt.
Deputy Quinn is broadening the scope of the questions which relate to visits.
They have nothing to do with surrendering anything.
With all due respect, a Cheann Comhairle, I am trying to elucidate if the Government has a policy on this matter and, if so, what it is.
That is not the question tabled by the Deputy.
If the Deputy tables a question on that matter I am sure it will be dealt with.
I have tabled numerous questions on it.
The questions with which we are dealing do not relate—
The Taoiseach, who has responsibility for making the decision, is refusing to answer my questions.
The question relates to a visit to Frankfurt.
Deputy Ahern is one of the most accommodating Taoisigh in the history of the State.
The Minister for the Environment and Local Government seems to regard the matter as amusing. Will the Taoiseach indicate whether he has had discussions with any of his counterparts concerning the appointment of the president of the European Central Bank? He will have to make a decision on the first Sunday in May.
This is not relevant to the question.
The Deputy is again broadening the scope of the question. I call Question No. 11.
This question is of considerable importance.
It is not the question on the Order Paper.
Your records, a Cheann Comhairle, will show that I have made numerous efforts—
The Taoiseach has offered to comment.
The matter did not arise at any of the three meetings of the European Council held prior to Christmas. There is still an impasse and the matter will have to be discussed at a meeting of the enlargement Council or another Council. If it is discussed, I will report to the House at that stage.
The job should be given to a Kerry man.