Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I noted the announcement by the Taoiseach and the Government of the appointment of Ms Máire Geoghegan-Quinn to be the Commissioner from Ireland and I congratulate former Deputy and Minister, Ms Geoghegan-Quinn on her appointment. Deputy Bruton has reminded me here it is a little like Milton's sonnet,

They also serve who only stand and wait.

In making his nomination for the appointment of Ms Geoghegan-Quinn, has the Taoiseach had discussions with President Barroso in respect of possible portfolios to be awarded on her acceptance or does he have a priority portfolio in mind? While these appointments are for the European Union and not in respect of nationalist positions, most other countries have stated a preference for their nominees to be appointed to particular portfolios. Does he have any one in mind in that regard?

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