MEP Ciaran Mullooly clarifies committee membership and commitment to Irish fisheries

In a recent statement, Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly, representing the Midlands-North-West constituency, has addressed his committee memberships and his ongoing commitment to Irish fisheries. Mullooly, who joined the European Parliament with the Independent Ireland party, faced challenges in securing committee positions due to the competitive nature of assignments.

“As an Independent MEP from a small party, I was informed upon my arrival in Brussels that I would be unattached from any groupings and would therefore not sit on any committees,” Mullooly stated. “Nevertheless, I set out to try and get full voting places on both the agriculture (AGRI) and fisheries (PECH) committees as I had pledged.”
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Despite his efforts, Mullooly explained that the first preference for committee places typically goes to those MEPs who were members in the previous parliament. This practice made it difficult for him to secure positions on both committees. “I was told it would not be possible to get on either committee, even as a substitute, due to high demand,” he noted.

However, Mullooly successfully negotiated a place as a member of the important Regional Development Committee and secured a substitute position on the Agriculture Committee. This arrangement allows him to contribute and vote on key issues affecting Ireland when necessary, thanks to a bilateral agreement with another European Democratic Party MEP.

Mullooly also addressed his involvement with the Fisheries Committee, despite not being a formal member. “Even though I wasn’t offered a place as a substitute on the PECH Committee, I have pledged to monitor events at the PECH Committee here in Brussels and will work with all members and Irish MEPs for the good of Irish fishing,” he affirmed.

In closing, Mullooly emphasised his commitment to his constituents and his promises. “I did not renege on any commitment. I remain fully engaged and dedicated to advocating for Irish interests in the European Parliament.”