Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I do not believe there is precedent for requirement that the nomination of a proposed Commissioner by Government for consideration by the European Parliament would be brought for approval before the House. I am not aware that such is a requirement.

Everyone will be aware of the merits of the candidate concerned. Obviously, there were other prospective candidates who would equally be able to serve Ireland well in this situation. I had to take into account a number of points, one of which was the following comment from the President of the Commission:

To allow me to propose a properly balanced team to the Council and the European Parliament, I would therefore ask you all to see gender balance as a common goal and as a shared responsibility. I would therefore urge you to pay particular attention to the presence of women in the College as our discussions continue towards conclusion.

Quite apart from that aspect, the capacity and ability of the proposed nominee is well known to many Members of this House who recall a distinguished career in politics here in Ireland. Her work on the Court of Auditors is well regarded also.

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