Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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106. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken with the new European Commissioner for Trade, Mr. Phil Hogan; and his plans to meet with the Commissioner. [37407/19]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have maintained close contact with Commissioner Hogan throughout his time in office and publicly congratulated him on his nomination as the new European Commissioner for Trade, which was announced by President-elect von der Leyen on 10 September 2019. The European Parliament will hold hearings with all Commission nominees between 30 September and 8 October, with a vote on the whole Commission to take place on 23 October, after which the new Commission will take up office on 1 November.

Phil Hogan has been an excellent Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development who has served Ireland and the European Union very effectively over the past five years. His nomination to the key position of Commissioner for Trade is a positive reflection of his skills and of his contribution to the EU.  It is good news for Ireland and the EU.  

I look forward to speaking to Commissioner Hogan again in the near future and wish him every success as he prepares for his Parliament hearing.