European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced former minister of finance Michael McGrath as the new EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law.
Ms von der Leyen unveiled the portfolios of her new Commission in Strasbourg, following weeks of lobbying by capitals and the resignation of Thierry Breton, the current French commissioner, who had been nominated for a second term.
She described the justice portfolio as an important and highly respected one.
Asked why Mr McGrath had been given justice given his track record as a finance minister and that the Irish Government had sought an economic portfolio, Ms von der Leyen said commissioners were responsible for the overall policies of the European Union.
"I think 20 member states at least asked for a strong economic portfolio. It is impossible to have 20 commissioners on strong economic [positions].
"Michael McGrath has an excellent track record, and he has experience in a leading ministry. So, working his way through political questions, the commissioners are not technical experts. They are political leaders.
"The rule of law is a very important topic for the political affiliation of Renew [Fianna Fáil's European political group], and we share the importance of the rule of law.
"He will be responsible for consumer rights, for example, [and so in] in all the topics where I think he will excel, and I think this is an important and highly respected portfolio."
Mr McGrath has welcomed his appointment, describing the rule of law as "a fundamental value of the European Union".
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She told reporters that 11 out of 27 commissioners were female, representing 40%, an increase from 22% following the first nominations from member states.
"That was unacceptable, so I worked with the member states and we were able to improve the balance to 40% women and 60% men. And it shows that, as much as we have achieved, there is still so much more work to do," she said.
Ms von der Leyen also appointed six executive vice-presidents, four women and two men.
She said the three had come from the member states that joined before the fall of the Iron Curtain, three from countries that joined afterwards.
"They are from the Baltics, Nordics and Eastern Europe, [they are] ministers and prime ministers, different backgrounds, but all with one common goal – and that is to make Europe stronger."
Following the announcement, Taoiseach Simon Harris said: "This is a strong and influential appointment for Ireland's Commissioner designate, Michael McGrath. I have worked closely with President Ursula von der Leyen in recent weeks and today's announcement is a vote of confidence in Ireland’s candidate.
"Anti-corruption and consumer protection will amongst his many powers and duties, as well as the wide-ranging justice portfolio. I have worked with Michael at Cabinet and he has the skillset and the work ethic to make a massive impact in this brief.
"Whilst the Commission still has to receive parliamentary approval, I would once again like to thank President Von der Leyen for the meticulous work that has gone into forming this European Commission," he said.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin congratulated Mr McGrath on his new portfolio.
In a statement, he said: "I have no doubt Michael will serve on the EU Commission with great energy and diligence in this significant role, protecting the rights of consumers, the rule of law and tackling corruption.
"It was important that the Irish Government nominated a Commissioner of the highest calibre, and Michael will no doubt bring all of his experience in Government here to his new job in Europe."
Latvia's Valdis Dombrovskis was named as the new Commissioner for Economy.
Lithuania's Andrius Kubilius will become the EU's first defence commissioner - a new role designed to build up European military manufacturing capacity in the face of Russian aggression in Europe's eastern flank.
Other names on the list of EU Commissioners include French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne in charge of industrial strategy, while Slovakia's Maroš Šefčovič will oversee trade policies.
The closely guarded process was held up by a row over the Slovenian candidate.
Ms von der Leyen is understood to have put pressure on the Prime Minister of Slovenia Robert Golob to replace his existing nominee with a female candidate,Marta Kos.
Her nomination has yet to be approved by a parliamentary committee in Ljubljana.
Additional reporting Reuters, AFP
