Paul Bradford (Independent) | Oireachtas source

No; my poetry would be unsuitable for this refined House. I spoke on the matter last week. The purpose of our proposing No. 22 was to try to do politics slightly differently and ensure that a job as important as the Irish position on the European Commission would not simply be part of a game of political snakes and ladders but would be debated in detail and scrutinised in full. Thus we in this House, our colleagues in the other House and, more importantly, the Irish people who foot the bill through their taxes could be satisfied that we will send a candidate to Brussels in whom we have confidence and pride, and that we would not use the European Commission as a political dumping ground for someone we want to get off the domestic political pitch.

Various names have been mentioned and they have their pluses and minuses. We are entitled to sit down with the proposed candidate in this House and the Dáil and fully debate the suitability of the appointment. I need not remind my colleagues of appointments made during the 1980s and 1990s which we, wearing different political hats, saw as political stunts. I want to ensure that whoever is sent to Brussels on behalf of the Irish Government and people goes with the full support and goodwill of both Houses. It is not too much to ask for a debate on the matter. We will have a Cabinet reshuffle in the next week and perhaps this appointment will be part of the game of chess. It is a significant appointment. As Senator Heffernan pointed out, the person will receive an annual salary of approximately €250,000, significant pension entitlements, and Mercs and perks on an unprecedented scale.

We must ensure the right person is appointed. We should surely have a debate on the issue in the House. I, therefore, formally support the request and amendment proposed by Senator James Heffernan.