Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has not ruled himself out of contention for the role of Ireland's European Commissioner.
Ireland will have the opportunity to nominate a commissioner after then next European Parliament elections in June of next year.
The position is currently held by Mairead McGuinness who holds the Finance Services portfolio.
Under the Programme for Government arrangement between the coalition parties, Fianna Fáil will be able to put forward names for the role next year.
Asked about whether he was interested in the role Mr McConalogue, who is a Fianna Fáil member, said: "It's a really, really important role and it’s particularly pivotal for Ireland, a pivotal role too for the agriculture and fisheries community.
"I relish the opportunity every month and take... very seriously the importance of attending EU council meetings, delivered a new Common Agriculture Policy for Ireland over the last three years and also a new fisheries policy as well.
"But it’s very premature for the Government to even consider the matter, let alone who their nominee might be. It's something the Government will turn its attention to later on this year."
Additional reporting Joe Mag Raollaigh
