Geoghegan-Quinn nominated to EU Court of Auditors
Thursday, 29 July 1999 22:22
The Taoiseach has announced the nomination of Mrs. Maire Geoghegan Quinn as Ireland's member for the European Court of Auditors. Making the announcement, the Taoiseach said Mrs Geoghegan Quinn 'has a wide range of experience of all aspects of government and public administration. He said her ministerial positions dealing with EU affairs, tourism, transport and communications, and Justice will be particularly relevant to her new role.
The post carries a salary of £140,000. Mrs Geoghegan-Quinn had been linked to the Commissioner's job but that went to former AG David Byrne. Mrs Geoghegan Quinn has accepted the nomination stating that the "invitation is magnanimous on the part of the Taoiseach". "I have indicated to him my absolute commitment to fulfil the trust he has put in me," she added.
Ireland's permanent representation in Brussels will now formally notify the Council Secretariat of the nomination and it will be considered by the Budgetary Control Committee of the EU Parliament. A formal decision is expected in the Autumn. The EU treaties provide that the Members of the Court of Auditors be appointed for a term of six years by the Council. The term of the current Irish member of the Court, Barry Desmond, expires in Feb 2000.
