Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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119. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will report on the engagements and discussions he has had with other EU leaders on vacancies at the European Central Bank. [9660/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I have ongoing contact with my EU counterparts, including at the monthly Ecofin and Eurogroup meetings. In relation to vacancies at the European Central Bank, I was in direct contact with many of my counterparts in support of my nomination of the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, Professor Philip Lane, for the position of Vice President of the European Central Bank.

During these contacts, I received very positive feedback and expressions of support in relation to the candidacy from many Member States who acknowledged how well-qualified Professor Lane would be for the position. I believed, however, that it was crucial that the election of a new Vice-President be based on consensus. In this context, I decided that it would be in the best interests of the Euro-area as a whole to withdraw Professor Lane's candidacy in advance of any vote. I wish to reiterate my appreciation to Professor Lane for putting himself forward as a candidate, whose ability and expertise was widely acknowledged throughout the process.