'I’m sure all of us here in Cork congratulate and wish him well': Michael McGrath confirmed as EU commissioner

Former finance minister and Cork TD Michael McGrath has said he would prepare the first-ever EU strategy to fight corruption in his new role as European commissioner for democracy, justice and rule of law at the European Parliament.

A committee of MEPs in the European Parliament voted to confirm Mr McGrath’s appointment to the role on Tuesday following a three-hour hearing during which he was questioned by three committees.

In his opening statement, Michael McGrath said he would introduce a so-called ‘Democracy Shield’ against information manipulation and foreign interference and emphasised that compliance with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights should be a precondition for the benefits of Union membership.

Mr McGrath also told MEPs he would prepare the first-ever EU strategy to fight corruption. Responding to questions about the upcoming Victims’ Rights Directive, he asked for Parliament’s support in the negotiations to safeguard important elements of the Commission’s proposal.

He also committed to work to protect women from violence and to develop the Digital Fairness Act to prevent consumers from exploitation, make sure that influencers are not misleading them, and that children are protected. The digitalisation of courts also featured prominently as a priority in the exchange.

Mr McGrath required a two-thirds majority of a voting committee of MEPs to be approved as commissioner and was successful in his bid.

He is one of more than 20 nominated commissioners to face three-hour-long questioning on their portfolios this week, after which representatives of various committees assess whether a candidate is qualified.

Based on the committee recommendations, the Conference of Presidents is set to conduct the final evaluation and declare the hearings closed on November 21.

Once all evaluation hearings have concluded, the election of the full college of commissioners is scheduled to take place between November 25 and 28.

The commissioner for justice is responsible for leading the EU’s efforts to tackle breaches of the rule of law by member states.

The wide-ranging portfolio includes responsibility for the protection of data, consumer rights, ensuring free and fair elections, media freedom, and tackling corruption and misinformation.

Wishing Mr McGrath well in his future role, Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central Simon Coveney said: “I’d like to wish Michael McGrath well in his new role as EU commissioner for justice. I think that Michael McGrath is more than qualified for the job of EU commissioner.

This is an important time for politics across the European Union and so sending someone who is experienced and talented is important to maintain Ireland’s credibility and influence at an EU level.

"I wish Michael, Sarah, and his family well in their new life between Carrigaline and Brussels.” 

Former lord mayor of Cork Deirdre Forde, who also served with Mr McGrath in the county council, said: “I watched the Joint Committees’ proceedings this morning and commissioner-designate Michael McGrath showed an outstanding grasp of this critical portfolio for the future of the EU and its Member States. 

I and I’m sure all of us here in Cork congratulate and wish him well in his future work.

Mr McGrath was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 2007. He entered a coalition government in 2020, first as the minister for public expenditure and reform, before taking over the finance portfolio in 2022.

Mr McGrath stepped down as finance minister in June after the Cabinet agreed to nominate him as Ireland’s next EU commissioner.