Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together.

As I have said previously, most recently in my statement to this House on 5 November after the October European Council, I warmly welcome the appointment of the new European Commission, which took office on 1 November. This is a critical time of institutional change and renewal for the European Union. President Juncker and the 27 other new Commissioners were formally appointed by the European Council on 24 October. Earlier that week, they had been approved in a plenary vote of the European Parliament.

Ireland enjoyed a strong relationship with the previous Commission, most particularly in our shared work of addressing the challenges of promoting job creation and economic growth at home and across Europe. Ministers have already begun meeting formally with the relevant new Commissioners, and I look forward to strengthening Ireland's relationship with the college of Commissioners during the legislative term ahead.

After the Government's nomination of former Deputy, Phil Hogan, to be a member of the Commission, I wrote to and spoke with President Juncker about his possible portfolio. I was delighted that the former Minister was nominated as Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, one of the most important commisionerships in Europe. This is not only testament to his considerable experience and abilities, but also recognition of Ireland’s sustained commitment to the EU, and follows on from our success during last year’s Presidency of the EU, including in securing agreement on the Common Agricultural Policy reform package.

I was also pleased with the appointment of Federica Mogherini to the pivotal role of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and I look forward to working with her in her new capacity.

President Juncker has set out a clear agenda for the Commission for the next five years, focusing on jobs, growth and investment, on energy union and climate and on the digital single market. His agenda, and the Commission's work programme for 2015, both reflect the strategic agenda for the EU. That agenda was set out by the European Council in June this year.

President Juncker has my full support and I am delighted he is President of the Commission. He is a very experienced and capable politician. He understands that the European Union must remain focused on jobs and growth and on delivering for our citizens. I look forward to working with him.

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