Gerry Adams
Ceist:103. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he discussed with the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, the election of a new EU Commission President. [28984/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 8 July 2014
Ceisteanna (103, 104)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:104. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his discussions on the election of a new EU Commission President with other Heads of State at the Brussels conference. [28985/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 104 together.
At its meeting on 27 June, the European Council agreed to propose Jean-Claude Juncker to the European Parliament as candidate for President of the European Commission. This decision was taken by way of a Qualified Majority Vote following a discussion chaired by President Van Rompuy. Two members of the European Council, Prime Minister Cameron and Prime Minister Orban, voted against the proposal. I was amongst the twenty six Heads of State and Government to vote in its favour.
Prior to the European Council and at the summit itself, I affirmed my support for Mr Juncker’s candidacy to fellow Heads of State and Government, including Prime Minister Cameron. I have supported Mr Juncker since his election as EPP lead candidate in Dublin last March and am delighted that agreement was reached on his nomination. He is a highly experienced and capable individual, with a clear commitment to ensuring the European institutions work effectively to support economic recovery and job creation across the EU, a priority I share.
I am, of course, conscious of the reservations that Prime Minister Cameron has expressed about the nomination process, which he raised again at the European Council. I have made clear that, while I do not share his position, I understand and respect it.