Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Obviously other considerations come into play as regards that. As I have said, there are many people who could have completed this task. Deputies raised the portfolio question, but that is a matter exclusively for the President of the Commission. He has made it clear that portfolios are not assigned to countries, but to individuals. The matter is required to go before the European Parliament for its approval, so we must await that process and not assume its outcome. I have every confidence, however, that the capacity of Máire Geoghegan-Quinn will be reflected in a portfolio that will enable her to serve the college well and to serve her country well in the spirit in which commissioners are appointed.

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