Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I understand from the past position that the choice of commissionership is dealt with by the Government and is done on the nomination of the Government. If the Deputy wishes us to consider names, we will do so.

On the date for the budget, it will be in December. We are having a discussion on a budgetary strategy beginning tomorrow. We will deal with those matters then and give an exact date.

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