asked the Taoiseach if he will indicate, arising out of this country's membership of the EEC, the other appointments, besides the appointments of Commissioner and a Judge of the European Court, it is proposed to make and the procedure for filling such appointments.

36.

asked the Taoiseach the method of recruitment for the top EEC posts; and if he will take the necessary steps to ensure that only the best will be appointed to such positions of responsibility.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 36 together.

The Deputies presumably have in mind the appointment of Irish persons to fill positions with the institutions of the European Communities.

While the question of recruitment for posts in the secretariats of the institutions of the enlarged Communities is strictly a matter for the institutions concerned, the Government will be making recommendations regarding the filling of certain of the more senior posts. In this it is intended to put forward only those who are fully qualified and suitable for the posts involved.

How will they be selected?

As the Deputy is aware, the senior posts will be selected mainly on the recommendation of the Government. The junior posts will be filled by appointment directly by the Commission and by the institutions concerned. However, they would, I believe, have regard to preference lists submitted by the Government. Applications have been sought throughout the Public Service, not only in this country but abroad also, from people who would regard themselves as suitable for these posts. Interviews have taken place and certain preferences have been established as between the different candidates.

Is it reasonable to assume that the political qualifications of the applicants will play a big part in the appointments, as happens in other boards?

No, the Deputy may not assume that.

Would the Taoiseach not agree——

May I ask the Taoiseach if, in view of the depressed situation in the west of Ireland, with particular reference to Mayo, a person who would be qualified to speak and act on behalf of the depressed areas will be recommended by the Government?

If he were a better man than any other person who offered, he would be selected.

Can the Taoiseach state——

I have allowed two supplementaries on this question from Fine Gael. I am calling Question No. 37.

I tried to put a supplementary question a minute ago but I was pipped.

Deputy O'Hara was entitled to put a supplementary as he had a question down.

Would the Taoiseach agree that his statement that these senior appointments will be made on the recommendation of the Irish Government is at variance with the position as indicated by the Commission in Brussels, namely, that these appointments will be made by the Commission in their own discretion?

Perhaps I may have used the wrong words but, as the Deputy is aware, the senior appointments would certainly be made by the Commission but they would have regard to recommendations by the Government. I think that is the position. If I have stated otherwise I withdraw the import of that statement.

They are free to make their own appointments, having regard to what the Government have to say?

Yes.

I am calling Question No.37.

37.

andMr. G. Lynch asked the Taoiseach whether after entry to the EEC it will be necessary to create any new Departments; and if this action will necessitate the amalgamation of any existing Departments.

I see no reason to expect that entry to the European Communities will necessitate either the creation of any new Departments or the amalgamation of any existing Departments.