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TAOISEACH SIMON HARRIS has said he takes “gender equality extremely seriously” and that Ireland isn’t being “disrespectful” in only nominating Michael McGrath as European Commissioner.
Ursula von der Leyen, who was yesterday re-elected to another five-year term as European Commission president, had asked all EU countries to nominate a man and a woman as their candidate for European Commissioner.
Commissioners are regarded as the highest-ranking diplomats in the EU and are the people who are put in charge of drafting and amending various types of new European policy.
For Ireland, upon the formation of the current government, it was decided that Fianna Fáil would appoint the next EU Commissioner to replace Fine Gael’s Mairead McGuinness.
Speaking to reporters today from the MacGill Summer School in Co Donegal, Harris described Michael McGrath as an “exceptionally talented politician”.
He added that a Government “doesn’t lightly send their finance minister to Brussels, but we did that because we believe it’s important we send people of seniority, with real experience and substance”.
“I know Ursula von der Leyen will want to assemble the best team possible using all of the talent,” said Harris.
“For me as Taoiseach, it is my absolute determination to work closely with the European Commission and to put forward the case with others that Michael McGrath is a politician of real substance who can make a real impact in the European Commission.”
Harris added: “In terms of gender equality, I take that extremely seriously as well.”
He remarked that there have been occasions where Ireland has nominated two people for the role, but added that there have also been occasions where only a female was nominated for the role.
“On this occasion, we are just sending the name of Michael McGrath,” said Harris.
“That’s not to be in any way disrespectful to the view of the President von der Leyen – it’s for two reasons.
“One, the treaties do allow member states to decide their Commissioner,” said Harris.
“Secondly, we’ve just asked our finance minister to not be the finance minister, he has stepped down from cabinet and he’s now preparing very intensively – it’s important to provide him with that certainty.”
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Not to mention abandoned, by their siblings and treated like staff. There’s always one in the family that takes on the minding, and the rest take the “Micheal”.
The Micheal takers will be the first to have their hands out when the will is read.
@HisMastersAlibi: Unfortunately seen all too often. Some people have no morals.
Wow yet another survey that confirms what is common knowledge.
I’d say another three or four surveys will definitely fix this issue.
Well done to all that voted for more of this.
There is nothing about the unpaid carers who were denied their pensions under the 2012 legislation, they gave their lives to caring when caring was not even recognised and then found they had no entitlements when the caring was done, shame on FFG and those parties who have not changed such demonic legislation. Old age pensioners with no entitlement to an old age pension in their own country.
It makes me laugh when a survey states that loneliness is one of the biggest factors for carers. As a carer for nearly the whole of my 67 years, first helping to look after grandparents, then parents and for 38 years looking after a disabled child, I can tell you we may be lonely but more often than not we’re in a dark pit of depression and despair as well. Most carers see no future for themselves or their loved ones. I’m so glad my other child emigrated and won’t be coming back, as I don’t want her to go through what her father and I have over the years. She’s deserves the life the government and the HSE deprived us of.
@rosemary flowers: that is a big thing that is rarely acknowledged that carers as well as those they care for go through heavy levels of depression and anxiety throughout they’re lives,it’s not something to be taken likely at all.
Dont bother reading the next report which will be a report into the last report.I wouldnt hold my breath until the final report comes either.
@Willie Marty: ‘lessons learned’
‘We have an obligation to help those who enter the country’ – roderic o gorman.
Sod those that are currently in it regardless of nationality. The situation for carers and people who need help is set to worsen thanks to what’s in power,fabulous job up to now. Most parents won’t have they’re children to help them when they get old as they will have had to emigrate. Sod them aswel I suppose worked hard all they’re lives. The housing crisis is accelerating rapidly with waffle and useless timewasting in the dail with the same clowns. Whoever votes these fools back in and complains should shut up altogether.
Just when online to see what the average care giver salary in Ireland is. It is €28,696 p/a…. So here’s a mad thought for our Minister of Health to consider. Why not hire the full time (24/7…365) stay at home care givers on a salary of €28,686 , tax them on this income, charge them PRSI and USC on this as well , so as to ensure they are contributing towards a contributory pension down the road. Even if they were taxed at the low rate of tax, they would come out with at least €24,000 in their hand p/a = €461 p/w …. still not a fair salary for the work they do but at least it’s a better contribution than what they are on now.
@MIchael Costello: what care giver is on 29000 a year. They must be working 18.5 hours. Or are you including spouses income.
@MIchael Costello: or are you talking about care employees. In the private sector. Their average pay scale is probably about that amount.
Cost living doesn’t help bit government dont care and Irish people keep voting same bookers in
have your say