Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

There is a report in the Ireland edition of The Timestoday which I did not think could possibly be true. Perhaps the Taoiseach might clarify the position. The position of Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland will become vacant if, as expected, Philip Lane is appointed as chief economist of the European Central Bank on 21 March. It is reported that the name of a former Fine Gael special adviser is being floated in senior political circles as a possible replacement for Mr. Lane. I ask the Taoiseach whether the Central Bank is now to be politicised. Ultimately, it will involve a Government decision following a selection process. Will the Taoiseach clarify whether he intends to appoint Mr. Andrew McDowell to the position of Governor of the Central Bank? What procedure does the Government intend to follow in the selection process?

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