asked the Taoiseach if the post of Irish Commissioner in the EEC will be advertised; what qualifications will be necessary for this post; and if he will give details of the term of office of the person to be appointed.
2.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish EEC Commissioner.
1.
asked the Taoiseach if any decision has been taken to confine the projected appointment of an EEC Commissioner from this country to the Civil Service or to political business, industrial or trade union fields.
With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
The Treaty establishing the European Economic Community prescribes that members of the Commission shall be appointed by mutual agreement among the Governments of the member-States and that they shall be chosen for their general competence and undoubted independence. Members hold office for a period of four years—which is renewable.
No decision has been taken on the nomination of an Irish member of the Commission.
Whilst no specific person seems to be under contemplation at present from what the Taoiseach has said, would he say if any decision has been taken as to whether the person to be appointed should come from the political or the non-political field? Have the Government made any decision on this matter?
No.
Therefore it is open to a person coming from the non-political field?
It is, yes, although it is well known that the members of the Commission prefer a person with a political background.
Does the Taoiseach share that view?
I have not assessed it fully yet.