Former finance minister Michael McGrath has said his nomination as the EU’s next Commissioner for Justice is an indication of Ireland’s standing as a country.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said Mr McGrath had been given a “strong and influential appointment”.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen revealed the portfolios for the new team of commissioners in Strasbourg on Tuesday morning.
The appointment of the new commissioners still has to be ratified by the European Parliament.
Mr McGrath was awarded the Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law portfolio.
He said: “I am honoured to be proposed for the Justice portfolio by President von der Leyen and I look forward to engaging with the European Parliament ahead of the hearings for the new commission in the weeks ahead.
“The portfolio is a vitally important one for Europe: protecting our democratic values, rule of law and the rights of our citizens is fundamental to the future development of the EU and of the single market.
“It is the first time that Ireland will hold this portfolio and is a recognition of our standing as a country with a strong democratic and open society.”
He added: “In addition to the core justice elements of my portfolio, I am very pleased to be given responsibility for the protection of consumer rights across the EU.
“I welcome this opportunity to apply my skills to new areas of responsibility and I am grateful for the confidence placed in me by the Government and by President von der Leyen.”
The Commissioner for Justice is responsible for leading the EU’s efforts to tackle breaches of the rule of law by member states.
The commissioner is also responsible for enforcing legislation such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Ms von der Leyen said: “I have entrusted him (Mr McGrath) with the responsibility to take forward the European Democracy Shield.
“He will also lead our work on the rule of law, anti-corruption and consumer protection.”
She added: “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.”
Mr Harris said: “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 be 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 skill set and the work ethic to make a massive impact in this brief.”
Meanwhile, Tánaiste Micheal Martin congratulated Mr McGrath on his appointment.
I congratulate Michael McGrath on his appointment as the new EU Commissioner for Justice.
I’ve 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. pic.twitter.com/cNCY7qwkxV— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) September 17, 2024
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.”
Mr McGrath stepped down as finance minister several weeks ago to become Ireland’s EU commissioner nominee.
The nomination to become Ireland’s next EU commissioner was the choice of the Fianna Fáil party under the terms of an agreement between the three parties forming Ireland’s coalition government.
Fianna Fáil MEP for Dublin, Barry Andrews, said the role would call on Mr McGrath’s “significant political skills”.
He added: “Enforcement of the EU treaties is not just a matter for Hungary but for all member states and commissioner-designate McGrath will hopefully take a leading role over the course of this mandate.
“His financial acumen will not be wasted as he will be able to contribute to policy discussions on the new multi-annual financial framework (2027-2034) which are likely to kick off during next summer.”
