Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Tánaiste agrees that the next five years will be critical for this country and for its representative on the 27-person Commission. Notwithstanding the importance of the portfolio of our current Commissioner, we must be cognisant of the importance of the finance portfolio because we are facing action from France and Germany on the unanimity rule on taxation. In that context, should we be considering someone who has a background in finance? Furthermore, the gender ratio of the current Commission is more than 2:1, male to female. In that regard, there is a case to be made for Ireland to nominate a female Commissioner this time around and to choose one from the many distinguished women in public life - in this House and elsewhere - who could fulfil this role very well. There is an opportunity for us to break new ground. Given the situation regarding Brexit, there is also a strong case to be made for Ireland to put forward a candidate for the Presidency of the European Commission. An Irish President of the Commission for the next five years would be beneficial in view of the fact that this is such a difficult time for our country.

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