Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
47 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance when he expects a decision will be made on the new appointment to the board of the European Central Bank to replace the Spanish member whose term expires on 31 May 2004; his assessment of the prospects of the Irish nominee securing the appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8924/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra56 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding Ireland achieving a position on the executive board of the European Central Bank. [8972/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 56 together.
The vacancy on the six member executive board of the European Central Bank to which the Deputies refer arises from the expiry of the non-renewable term of office of Mr. Eugenio Domingo Solans on 31 May next. The decision regarding the appointment is made by common accord of the Governments of the member states who have adopted the euro at the level of Heads of State or Government. It is based on a recommendation from the ECOFIN Council after it has consulted the European Parliament and the governing council of the ECB.
Three candidates have been nominated to fill this vacancy when it arises. Ireland's nominee is very well-qualified for the position. The eurogroup Ministers, at their meeting on 8 March last, decided that we will decide from among the three candidates on our recommendation to the Heads of State and Government by the time of the European Council at the end of this month. This would allow a detailed consideration by Ministers of the suitability of the candidates proposed. As part of our Presidency, I have convened an informal meeting of Ministers of the eurozone member states on 25 March 2004 in Brussels to consider the matter further.
