Posted on 16 September 2015
The archival papers of Peter Sutherland (PSP), a renowned Irish international figure, former Irish Attorney General and European Commissioner, are now available for consultation at the Historical Archives of the European Union and an inventory to the collection is published online. The archival fonds comprises 476 files concerning Sutherland’s mandate and responsibilities within the European Commission during the period 1984 – 1988.
Peter Sutherland's was the youngest serving member of the first Jacques Delors Commission where he was given the portfolio for “Competition, Social Affairs (with responsibility for the European Social Fund), Education and Training”. There was a reshuffle in the Cabinet of Delors at the end of 1985 and instead of "Education, Vocational Training and Youth", Sutherland was given responsibility for “Relations with the European Parliament”. However, Mr Sutherland's main responsibility lay in Competition and this portfolio was considered one of the most significant of the Commission posts. The Competition Rules of the Community were set out in several Articles of the Treaty of Rome. Their objective was to ensure that both Governments and commercial enterprises observed fair trading practices insofar as trade between member States was concerned. They were designed to ensure that consumers throughout the Community were not adversely affected by monopolies, cartels, inter-company agreements or arrangements, national Government subsidies or other discriminatory practices. The European Commission, through Sutherland who was in charge of the Competition Directorate had substantial powers of (1) fine in the event of breach, and (2) to ensure the observance of the Competition Rules.
The Cabinet which Sutherland appointed included future influential personalities in European circles such as Catherine Day and David O’Sullivan and these documents reflect the work of the Cabinet in the carrying out of its activities. The Archives would like to thank Sutherland’s Alma Mater, University College Dublin in assisting the HAEU in acquiring these important papers which enrich and complement the Archives’ existing holdings.
The documents are in English, French, German and Spanish.
Direct Access: Peter Sutherland’s fonds