Phil Hogan
Ceist:233 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment when membership of the Committee of the Regions will be decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Committees of Regions.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:235 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment if the Regional Authorities will be appointing members of the Committee on the Regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 235 together.
The Treaty on European Union provides that the members of the Committee of the Regions will be appointed by the Council of Ministers acting on proposals from member states. Proposals in relation to Ireland's nine representatives — including the method of selection to be employed — therefore, are a matter for the Government. The timing of such proposals will depend on when the committee, which will be established when the Treaty is fully ratified, is likely to come into being.