Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the commissioners-designate for their forthrightness in answering our difficult questions. On austerity and its effect on society, which as stated is a European-wide phenomenon, do the commissioners designate believe that through their work they will be able to impact on budgetary proposals in this country, and working with their colleagues in other international organisations, taking Germany as the major powerhouse in Europe, they can have a positive effect on it being resolved in Europe? Austerity is an issue going forward not alone for Ireland but elsewhere, particularly Greece. The UK and other eastern European countries are also affected. In the view of the commissioners-designate, how could they through their work assist civil society in countries that are really suffering? If left to five years time, it will be too late. I am not trying to put the delegates on the spot and will understand if my question is too knife-edged to answer. I was not aware the commission would have a remit in this area.