Press release
Government statement on nomination for Member of the European Commission
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
The government has today agreed to propose Mr Michael McGrath, Minister for Finance, for nomination as a Member of the European Commission.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said:
"As a government and a country, we are lucky to have a person of such high ability and standing to bring forward as Ireland’s Commission nominee.
"Michael McGrath is a good colleague, a dedicated public servant, a skilled minister and an extremely hard worker.
"His new role will not only be above party politics, but above national politics too, as Commissioner McGrath will be tasked to take decisions in the European interest.
"As Taoiseach I will now bring forward this nomination to the meeting of the European Council on Thursday and Friday this week where we will also finalise the Council’s nominee for Commission President for the term ahead."
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said:
"It is my privilege to today recommend the appointment of Michael McGrath as the government's nominee to the European Commission. Michael has made a huge contribution to this government and the Irish economy, both as Minister for Finance and as Minister for Public Expenditure.
"I was conscious in bringing forward this recommendation of the need for Government to nominate somebody of a very high calibre for this position. With his ability and experience, Michael is an excellent candidate. I want to congratulate him and I wish him and his family the very best in the time ahead."
Minister Eamon Ryan added:
"In nominating Michael McGrath as our Commissioner, Ireland is sending one of its best and brightest politicians to Europe in what is a sign of our deep commitment to the European project. Michael is someone who has earned respect across the political spectrum for his decency, intelligence and unwavering commitment to public service. I wish him and his family all the best as they embark on this exciting new chapter in their lives."
Minister Michael McGrath said:
"As the Executive body of the European Union, the policies and laws proposed and implemented by the European Commission have a direct impact on almost 450 million people across 27 Member States. I am immensely excited to have the opportunity to help shape policy across the EU. Membership of the EU has been transformative for Ireland, and support for the EU remains high.
"25 years ago this month, I ran for election for the first time. I have enjoyed the journey since from Town Council to County Council to Dáil Éireann and to the Cabinet table as both Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and as Minister for Finance. I’d like to thank the people of Cork South Central for their outstanding support. I will be continuing in public service, but now in a different role and on a different stage."
The European Commission is composed of the College of Commissioners, with one member from each of the 27 EU Member States. Each Commissioner is responsible for a portfolio assigned to them by the Commission’s President. The Commission acts in the EU’s general interest, independent of EU Member States’ national governments, and is accountable to the European Parliament. It has the right of initiative to propose laws in a wide range of policy areas. The Commission also oversees the application of EU law. It implements the EU’s budget in cooperation with Member States and manages funding programmes.
In keeping with the provisions of the European Treaties, the Council of the European Union, in agreement with the Commission’s President-elect, adopts a list of Commissioners-designate based on suggestions from EU Member States. Each nominee must appear before the parliamentary committee in the European Parliament with responsibility for his or her proposed portfolio. The new European Commission is subject to a vote of consent by the European Parliament.