Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The entire Oireachtas should have a role in scrutinising and ensuring there is accountability in the proposed appointment. This Bill should contribute substantially to the promised democratic revolution of which we heard so much from the Government parties prior to the last election.

Last week I spoke in the Chamber of the need to put forward the best possible candidate as Ireland's nominee to the European Commission. I also spoke of the need to secure an important economic portfolio in the interests of Ireland and the European Union.

The Ceann Comhairle was here yesterday to witness an unfortunate, unparliamentary and scurrilous contribution by the Taoiseach when he referred to my concerns for transparency and securing Ireland's national interests as "a personal rant".

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