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APPENDIX 1Orders of ReferenceDáil Éireann13th November, 1997 (1) (a)That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select Committee on European Affairs, consisting of 14 members of Dáil Éireann (of whom 4 shall constitute a quorum), be appointed to consider such Bills, the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of Foreign Affairs, as shall be referred to it by Dáil Éireann from time to time. (b)For the purpose of its consideration of Bills under paragraph (1)(a), the Select Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 78A(1), (2) and (3). (c)For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of his or her ex officio membership of the Select Committee in accordance with Standing Order 84(1), the Minister for Foreign Affairs (or a Minister or Minister of State nominated in his or her stead) shall be entitled to vote. (2) (a)The Select Committee shall be joined with a Select Committee to be appointed by Seanad Éireann to form the Joint Committee on European Affairs to— (i)consider such matters arising from Ireland’s membership of the European Communities and its adherence to the Treaty on European Union, as it may select, (ii)consider such— (I)programmes and guidelines prepared by the Commission of the European Communities as a basis for possible legislative action and such drafts of regulations, directives, decisions, recommendations and opinions of the Council of Ministers proposed by the Commission, (II)acts of the institutions of those Communities, (III)regulations under the European Communities Acts, 1972 to 1995, (IV)other instruments made under statute and necessitated by the obligations of membership of those Communities, as it may select, (iii)consider such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas, and (iv)represent the Houses of the Oireachtas at the Conference of European Affairs Committees (COSAC), and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas. (b)The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be 5, of whom at least 1 shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a member of Seanad Éireann. (c)The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 78A(1) to (9) inclusive. (d)The following persons may attend meetings of the Joint Committee and of its sub-Committees and may take part in proceedings without having a right to vote or to move motions and amendments: (i)members of the European Parliament elected from constituencies in Ireland (including Northern Ireland), (ii)members of the Irish delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and (iii)at the invitation of the Joint Committee or of a sub-Committee, as appropriate, other Members of the European Parliament. (3)The Chairman of the Joint Committee, who shall be a member of Dáil Éireann, shall also be Chairman of the Select Committee. APPENDIX 2Joint Committee on European AffairsList of Members
Deputy Jim O Keeffe replaced Deputy Gay Mitchell on 29 June 2000 Deputy Nora Owen replaced Deputy Ulick Burke on the 29th March 2001 Deputy John Bruton replaced Phil Hogan on the 4th October 2001 APPENDIX 3Meetings of the Joint Committee
APPENDIX 4Attendance at Meetings of the Joint Committee
*Deputy Nora Owen replaced Deputy Ulick Burke on the 29th March 2001 **Deputy John Bruton replaced Phil Hogan on the 4th October 2001 APPENDIX 5
Conferences, Meetings, etc. attended by the Joint Committee APPENDIX 6Minutes of proceedings of the Joint CommitteeMinutes of the meeting of 10 January 2001 1)The Joint Committee met at 2 p.m. in room G2, Kildare House. 2)Attendance: Deputies: Ulick Burke, Pat Carey, Bernard J Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Phil Hogan, Séamus Kirk, John McGuinness, Jim O’Keeffe, Seán Power and Jack Wall. Senators: Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Don Lydon, Paddy Burke (substituting for Maurice Manning) and Brendan Ryan. Also in attendance: Deputies John Browne (Wexford) and Tom Enright and Senators Rory Kiely and John Connor.
3)Minutes of the previous meeting. The minutes of the meeting of 21 November 2000 were agreed and signed. 4)Correspondence. The Joint Committee noted the following which had been received since the meeting of 19 December: _1Agenda for Coreper I 19th December 2000. _2Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Forum, Brussels, 8-9 February 2001. _3Summary report of the meeting of the Coordination Committee of the Euro-Mediterranean Forum of Women Parliamentarians, Rome 12th September 2000. _4Assembly of Western European Union: (i)Interim European Security and Defence Assembly, Forth Sixth Session. (ii)Address by the President of the Assembly at the opening of the 46th Session. _5European Parliament Committee on Citizen’s Freedom and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs in Brussels, 21 March 2001. _6Analytic Report XXIIIrd COSAC, Versailles, 16-17 October 2000. _7Letter from Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development regarding the European Communities (Veterinary Checks on Products Imported from Third Countries) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 292 of 2000) 08Agenda for Coreper 2 Thursday 11 January It was decided to send delegations to (i), (ii) and (v) above. 5)EU legislation: Presentations by Officials from the Department of the Environment and Local Government on the proposed directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment. The Chairman welcomed Geraldine Tallon, and Terry Sheridan from the Department. Ms Tallon and Mr Sheridan made presentations which were followed by a question and answer session with Members. The Chairman thanked the officials for their presentation and said the Committee would remain seized of the matter. Presentation by officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development on Legislative proposals arising from (i) the Commission’s White Paper on Food Safety and (ii) the recent BSE crisis. The Chairman welcomed Tom Moran, Phillip Kirwan, Martin O Sullivan, David Lynch and Kevin Smith from the Department of Agriculture and Food.Mr Moran made a presentation on the BSE crisis and took questions from Members. Due to pressure of time it was agreed that the Committee would return to these and related matters at its next meeting. 6)Annual report 2000 The draft report was adopted. 7)Draft Work Programme for 2000 The draft, as amended, was adopted. 8)Adjournment The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.33p.m. until 4pm on Wednesday 17th January. --------------------------- Bernard J. Durkan Chairman 17 January 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 17 January, 20011.The Committee met at 4.04 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House. Members present: Deputies Seán Barrett, Ulick Burke, Pat Carey, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, John McGuinness and Jack Wall; and Senators Paul Coughlan (in substitution for Maurice Manning) Dan Kiely, Don Lydon and Brendan Ryan. Apologies were received from Deputies Michael Collins, Séamus Kirk and Jim O’Keeffe; and Senator Helen Keogh. Deputies Tom Enright and Mary Upton attended pursuant to Standing Order 84(3) [Dáil]. 2.Minutes of Meeting The Minutes of the Meeting of 10 January, 2001, were agreed to. 3.Correspondence The Chairman advised the Committee that a request had been received from the Swedish Embassy to meet with a group of Swedish Lawyers on Friday, 16 February, 2001, at 2.30p.m. to discuss Ireland’s experience of adapting to and implementing EU Legislation. It was agreed that the Chairman (and Members available on that day) meet with this Group for an informal discussion in the matter. 4.Question and Answer Session with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development on Legislative proposals arising from (i) the Commission’s White Paper on Food Safety and (ii) the recent BSE crisis. The Chairman welcomed Mr. Tom Moran, Mr. Phillip Kirwan, Mr. Martin O Sullivan, Mr. David Lynch and Mr. Kevin Smith from the Department of Agriculture and Food. Mr. Moran outlined the main issues raised in the discussion on 10 January, and advised the Committee of developments in the intervening period. A detailed Question and Answer Session followed in which all Members participated. The Committee heard from Mr. Moran, Mr. Smith and Mr. Kirwan in reply. It was agreed that Mr. Joe Walsh, T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development be invited to the next Meeting of the Committee to discuss the matter further. The Chairman advised the Committee (i) that he would invite the Minister to attend at 2.45 p.m. on 31 January, (ii) Members should avoid repetition of debate on that date, and (iii) the Committee should consider inviting a representative of the European Commission to attend at an early date. 5.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 5.55p.m. until Wednesday, 24 January, at 2 p.m. ___________________ Mr. Bernard Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. January, 2001. JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 24 January, 20011.The Committee met at 2.00 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House. Members present: Deputies Ulick Burke, Pat Carey, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Seán Haughey, Phil Hogan, Séamus Kirk, John Mc Guinness, Jim O’Keeffe and Seán Power; Senators Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely and Don Lydon.
2.Minutes of Meeting The Minutes of the Meeting of 17 January, 2001, were agreed and signed. 3.Correspondence The following received since the meeting of 17 January, were circulated and noted by the Joint Committee: (i)Progress Report no. 01/1 of 5 January, 2001 from Curtin Dorgan Associates. (ii)Correspondence of 18 January from the Secretary to the Irish Parliamentary (iii) Association regarding a Parliamentary delegation from Finland. (iv)Correspondence of 16 January from the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus. (v)Coreper I, Agenda for 17 of January (No. 5241/01) together with points for Coreper II of 17 January. In relation to item (ii) it was agreed to meet with the Finnish delegation and, in relation to item (iii), it was agreed to meet with the Cypriot delegation on 13 or 14 of February. 4.Business of Committee It was agreed to invite ENFER Laboratories to the next meeting of the Joint Committee to discuss BSE testing. 5.Presentation by the Slovak Parliamentary Committee for European Integration. The Committee heard a presentation from the Slovak Parliamentary Committee for European Integration. The Delegation comprised – Mr. Frantisek Sebej, Chairman of Slovak Parliamentary Committee for European Integration, Mr. Rudolf Bauer, Member of the Committee, and Ms. Júlia Hurná, Clerk to the Committee. The delegation was also accompanied by Mr. Marcel Pesko, Chargé d’Affaires. 6.EU Legislation: Presentation From Curtin Dorgan Associates. The Committee heard a presentation from Ms. Maeve Montague of Curtin Dorgan Associates on report No. 01/1 of 5 January, 2001. It was agreed that further information be sought on the following: (i)Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No 1907/90 on certain marketing of eggs. (ii)Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1258/1999 on the financing of the common agricultural policy as well as various other Regulations relating to the common agricultural policy. (iii)Proposal for a Council Regulation on the common organization of the markets in the sugar sector. (iv)Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the animal- health requirements applicable to non commercial movement of pet animals. (v)Proposal for a Directive on Community Measures for the control of classical swine fever. (vi)Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and the Council on Insurance Mediation. (vii)Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 79/267/EEC as regards the solvency margin requirements for life assurance undertakings. (viii)Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 73/239/EEC as regards the solvency margin requirements for non life assurance undertakings. (ix)Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2820/98 applying a multiannual scheme of generalized tariff preferences for the period 1 July 1999 to 31 December 2001 so as to extend duty free access without any quantitative restrictions to products originating in the least developed countries. (x)European Communities (Purity Criteria on Food Additives other than Colours and Sweeteners) Regulations, 2000. (xi)European Communities (Infant Formulae and Follow on Formulae) (Amendment) Regulations, 2000. 7.Committee Travel and other business of the Committee. (i)The Committee had before it for consideration an estimate of expenditure for attendance at the II Euro-Mediterranean Forum, 8-9 February, 2001, Brussels, which was agreed to. In addition, it was agreed that the composition of the delegation be referred to the Convenors and the delegation be accompanied by a member of staff. (ii)Deputy Ulick Burke raised the matter of a response, if any, from SAC Alliance to previous correspondence. The Chairman undertook to have the matter investigated. 8.Discussion with Mr. Joe Walsh T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. The Committee heard a presentation from the Minister (who was accompanied by Mr. Tom Moran, Mr. Séamus Healy and Mr. Albert Costello of the Department) regarding the destruct/ testing scheme initiated in response to the outbreak of BSE. A question and answer session followed with all Members contributing. 9.Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 4.06 p.m. until Wednesday, 7 February, at 2 p.m. ___________________ Mr. Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. February, 2001. JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 7 February, 20011.The Committee met at 2.03 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House. Members present: Deputies Seán Barretô, Ulick Burke, Pat Carey, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Seán Haughey, Phil Hogan, Séamus Kirk, John Mc Guinness, Jim O’Keeffe and Jack Wall; Senators Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Don Lydon, Maurice Manning and Brendan Ryan.
Other Members attending: Senator Rory Kiely 2.Minutes of Meeting The Minutes of the Meeting of 24 January, 2001, were agreed and signed. In relation to the minutes of the Meeting of 19 December, 2000, the Committee noted that Deputy Austin Deasy should have been recorded as attending in substitution for Deputy Phil Hogan. 3.Correspondence The following received since the meeting of 24 January, were circulated and noted by the Committee. (i)Letters of 26 January from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment providing summaries of- (a)Proposal for a Regulation on the Community Patent, and (b)The European Communities (Legal Protection of Biotechnological Inventions) Regulations, 2000; (ii)Summary Agenda for Coreper I, 24 January, 2001; (iii)Provisional Agendas for Parts 1 and 2 of the 1905th Meeting of the Permanent Representatives Committee; (iv)Agenda for the 1906th Meeting of the Permanent Representatives Committee (Part 2); (v)Draft Agenda for the Meeting on 13 February of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs of the European Parliament. In relation to item (i) (b), Senator Ryan agreed to examine the summary and to advise the Committee of any matters that may require consideration by the Committee. In relation to item (v) the Committee agreed that the Clerk liase with the European Parliament with a view to attendance at this meeting by a Member of the Committee. 4.Dúchas and SAC Alliance In response to a query from Deputy Ulick Burke the Chairman advised that he intended to issue a letter to Dúchas requesting replies to issues raised at previous meetings in the matter. 5.Presentation by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources on the autonomous tariff Quota. The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Denis Maher, Sea Fisheries Division, Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. A question and answer session followed with Mr. James Lavelle and Mr. Maher in reply. 6.BSE: Discussion with ENFER Laboratories The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Michael O’Connor, ENFER Laboratories on BSE Testing. A question and answer session followed. 7.Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 3.48 p.m. until Wednesday, 13 February, at 2.30 p.m. ___________________ Mr. Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. 13th February, 2001. JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 13th February, 20011.The Committee met at 2.30 p.m. in Room G5, Kildare House. Members present: Deputies Seán Barrett, Ulick Burke, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Seán Haughey, Phil Hogan and Seán Power; Senators Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Willie Farrell (in substitution for Don Lydon) and Maurice Manning.
Other Members attending: Senator Rory Kiely 2.Minutes of Meeting The Minutes of the Meeting of 7th February, 2001, were agreed and signed. 3.Correspondence A provisional agenda for the 1907th meeting of the Permanent Representatives Committee (Part 1) was circulated and noted by the Committee. 4.Presentation by delagation from the Committee on Foreign and European Affairs of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus. The Committee heard a presentation from the Committee on Foreign and European Affairs of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus. The Delegation comprised: Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, Chairman of Committee on Foreign and European Affairs Mr. Christos Pourgourides, Member Mr Avraam Antoniou, Member Mr Andreas Philippou, Member Mr. Tasos Georgiou, International Relations Officer The delegation was also accompanied by: H.E. the Ambassador of Cyprus, Dr. Nicholas Emiliou and Secretary to the Embassy, Mr Nicos P. Nicolaou 5.Any Other Business (i)It was agreed to invite Mr. Charlie Mc Creevy, T.D., Minister for Finance to attend the next meeting of the Committee to discuss the recent Council of Ministers decision in relation to Ireland’s budgetary policy. (ii)It was agreed to invite Mr. Maurice O’Connell, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland to the meeting of the Committee scheduled to be held on 7th March. (iii)It was agreed to invite a representative of Dúchas to attend the next meeting of the Committee to discuss questions raised at previous meetings in relation to SAC’s. 6.Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 3.49 p.m. until Wednesday, 21 February, at 2.00 p.m. ___________________ Mr. Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. 21 February 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 21st February, 20011.The Committee met at 2.02 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House. Members present: Deputies: Ulick Burke, Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Phil Hogan, John McGuinness, Jim O’Keeffe and Jack Wall; Senators Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Don Lydon and Brendan Ryan.
2.Minutes of Meeting The Minutes of the Meeting of 13 February, 2001, were agreed and signed. 3.Correspondence from Dúchas The Committee had before it for consideration correspondence from Dúchas, which outlined the current position in relation to SAC’s. It was agreed to invite Dúchas to attend the next meeting of the Committee to answer all outstanding issues arising from previous meetings in the matter of SAC’s. 4.Discussion with Minister for Finance The Committee heard a statement from Mr. Charlie Mc Creevy, T.D., Minister for Finance regarding the Council Decision under article 99(4) of the Treaty in relation to the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines. A question and answer session followed with all members contributing. 5.Presentation by Curtin Dorgan Associates The Committee heard a presentation from Ms. Maeve Montague (with Mr. Jim Dorgan contributing) of Curtin Dorgan Associates on the continuing Review of EU Legislation. It was agreed to seek additional information on the following: Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Authority, and laying down procedures in matters of food; Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing measures to be applicable in 2001 for the recovery of the stock of cod in the Irish Sea (ICES Division VIIa); Proposal for a Council Regulation laying down control measures applicable to fishing for certain stocks of highly migratory fish; Proposal for a Council Regulation fixing for 2001 the fishing opportunities and associated conditions for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks, applicable in Community waters and, for Community vessels, in waters where limitations in catch are required European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulation, 2000, 6)Correspondence The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development enclosing copies of the European Communities (Specified Risk Material) Regulations, 2001 and the Diseases of Animals (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) (Specified Risk Material) Order, 2001. In view of the Committee’s consideration of matters related to BSE, the Chairman requested that Members give consideration to the compilation of a Report from the Committee in the matter. In addition, the Committee was advised that it may be possible to invite a nominee from the Veterinary Faculty of UCD to a future meeting of the Committee. 7)Any Other Business The Committee had before it for consideration an estimate of expenditure for attendance at the Euro – Mediterranean Forum of Women Parliamentarians in Malta on 2-3 March, 2002. The estimate was approved and Senator Helen Keogh was nominated to attend the Forum. 8)Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 3.55 p.m. until Wednesday, 7 March at 2p.m. ___________________ Mr. Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. March 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 7 March, 20011.The Committee met at 3.09 p.m. in Room G5, Kildare House. Members present: Deputies: Seán Barrett, Ulick Burke, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Seán Haughey, Séamus Kirk, Jim O’Keeffe and Seán Power; Senators: Dan Kiely, Don Lydon and Brendan Ryan.
Other Members attending: Senator John Connor 2.Minutes of Meeting The Minutes of the Meeting of 21 February, 2001, were agreed and signed. Correspondence The following received since the meeting of the Committee on 21 February were considered and noted by the Committee: General Correspondence (i)Coreper I Agenda, 7 February, (ii)Coreper II, Summary Agenda, 21 February, (iii)Coreper I, Agenda, 23 February, (iv)Coreper I, Summary Agenda, 28 February, (v)Press release from the Department of Foreign Affairs on the signing of the Treaty of Nice by Minister Cowen. (vi)Background to, and Provisional Version of, the Report of the 2331st Council Meeting on General Affairs, 26 – 27 February, 2001, (vii)Copy of the Address by An Taoiseach to the National Assembly for Wales, 1 March, 2001, (viii)Copy of the Keynote Address by An Taoiseach to the Wales, Europe and the World Forum, 1 March, 2001, (ix)Correspondence of 26 February from the Director of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions. In relation to item (iii) it was agreed to seek briefing from the Department of Social Welfare on Safe and Sustainable pensions and pension systems. Regarding item (iv), it was agreed to seek briefing from the Department of the Environment on the Preparation for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 and briefing on Climate Change. In addition, in relation to item (ix), it was agreed to hear a presentation from the Director of the European Foundation for the improvement of Living and Working Conditions. B)Committee Travel and other invitations. (i)The Committee had before it for consideration an invitation from the European Parliament to attend a meeting of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs with the National Parliaments and the Applicant Countries on 20 March, in Brussels, together with the required estimate and a statement as to the necessity of travel. It was agreed that, subject to availability of Members, a 2 Member delegation attend the meeting. (iii)Further to a decision of 10 January, to send a delegation to a Meeting in the European Parliament on a discussion on Citizens, Freedom and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs, the Committee considered and agreed an estimate prepared in accordance with the CPP Rules on Committee Travel. It was also agreed that, subject to availability of Members, the 2 Member delegation attending the Meeting on 20 March (see item (i) above) would also attend the Meeting on 21 March. (iv)The Committee had before it for consideration an invitation from the Embassy of the Czech Republic to attend a discussion with the Chief Negotiator for the accession of the Czech Republic on 13 March at the Office of the European Commission Representation in Ireland. It was agreed that Members seeking to attend this discussion should advise the Clerk to the Committee of attendance not later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, 8 March. C)EU Legislation (i)The Committee had before it for consideration summaries from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to Proposals on Insurance Mediation and Assurance Undertakings. The Committee noted that although the summaries provided were comprehensive, in view of the technical nature of the proposals in relation to Assurance Undertakings, a presentation in the matter should be sought. (ii)The Committee considered summaries received from the Department of Health and Children on Regulations relating to Food Additives and Infant Formula. It was agreed to hear a presentation in the matter. Circulation of Correspondence To allow reasonable notice, it was agreed that, where practicable, correspondence for consideration by the Committee is to be circulated on the morning of the date on which the Committee is to meet. In addition, Coreper Agendas received electronically are to be circulated electronically as soon as possible after receipt by the Committee Secretariat. 5)Discussions with Dúchas The Chairman welcomed Mr. Michael Canny, Assistant Secretary, Dr. Alan Craig, Director and Mr. Jim Kelly, Assistant Principal of Dúchas. A question and answer session in relation to Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s) commenced. In the course of proceedings, Senator John Connor deãlared an interest (in accordance with the provisions of the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995) in SAC’s as a designated area affects property held by him. On the conclusion of the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the visitors for attending and contributing. The visitors withdrew. 6.European Monetary Union The Chairman welcomed Mr. Maurice O’Connell, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland together with Mr. Tom O’Connell, Head of Economic Analysis, to the Meeting. Mr. Maurice O’Connell made a statement in relation to European Monetary Union. A question and answer session followed with Mr. Tom O’Connell, contributing also. On the conclusion of the question and answer session, the Chairman thanked the visitors for attending and advised the Committee that arrangements would be made to hear from the Euro Changeover Board, the Consumer Associations and Representatives of the commercial Banks and Credit Card Companies at future meetings of the Committee. 7.Report to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges (CPP) The Chairman advised the Committee that, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Orders, the Committee is required at least once annually, to review its role and procedures generally and report thereon to CPP. It was agreed to consider this matter further at the next meeting of the Committee. 8.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 5.10 p.m. until Wednesday, 14 March at 2p.m. ______________________ Mr. Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. March 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EURÏPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 14 March, 20011.The Committee met at 2.02 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Seán Barrett, Ulick Burke, Pat Carey, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Seán Haughey, Phil Hogan, Séamus Kirk, John McGuinness, Jim O’Keeffe and Seán Power and Jack Wall; Senators: Fintan Coogan (in substitution for Maurice Manning), Paul Coughlan (in substitution for Helen Keogh), Don Lydon and Brendan Ryan.
Other Members attending: Senator John Connor 2.Minutes of Meeting The Minutes of the Meeting of 7 March, 2001, were agreed and signed. 1.Correspondence The following received since 7 March, were considered by the Committee: (i)Coreper Agenda, 7 March and 9 March, 2001; (i)Correspondence of 28 February regarding a meeting of the COSAC Working Group in Stockholm on 8 and 9 April together with an estimate of expenditure involved; (ii)Correspondence from Parliamentary Legal Adviser regarding a European Law Conference scheduled to be held in Stockholm on 10-12 June, 2001 (iii)Review of E.U. Legislation; a.Response from the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. b.Response from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development indicating that the request should be addressed to the Department of Health and Children. In relation to item (ii) it was agreed to send a two member delegation accompanied by a member of staff. It was provisionally agreed to send a Member to the Conference detailed in item (iii). Regarding item (iv) (b) it was agreed to seek a summary from the Department of Health and Children. 1.Presentation by Director of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions. The Chairman welcomed Mr. Pierre Bodin and Ms. Bríd Nolan of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions. The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Bodin. A question and answer session followed. On the conclusion of the question and answer session the visitors withdrew. 2.Review of EU Legislation: Presentation by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on Assurance Undertakings. The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Billy Hawkes and Ms. Siobhán O’Leary of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on Proposals in relation to life and non- life assurance undertakings. A question and answer session followed. On the conclusion of the question and answer session the visitors withdrew. In the course of proceedings Deputy Seán Barrett made a declared an interest in accordance with the provisions of the Ethics in Public Act, 1995. 3.Review of Role and Procedures of the Joint Committee. The Chairman advised that Standing Orders require each Committee, at least once annually, to review its role and procedures, generally, and report thereon to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. In the course of the discussion on procedures, the following points were made: (i)Ministers of the Government should be required to consult with the relevant Committee in relation to proposals for decision at Council meetings prior to attending the Council Meeting at which the matter is to be decided; (ii)Consideration should be given to rationalising the Committee system in general; (iii)Committee meetings should not be scheduled to take place during Question Time or the Order of Business; (iv)Independent advice should be available to Committees rather than relying on briefing by Department officials; (v)Joint meetings of Joint Committees are a more efficient and effective method of considering certain items in which two or more Committees have an interest. It was agreed that the review of Role and Procedures be referred to the Chairman and the Convenors for additional consideration. 7.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 3.57 p.m. until Wednesday, 28 March at 2 p.m. ___________________ Mr. Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. March 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of 28 March, 20011.The Committee met at 2.07 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House. Members present: Deputies Seán Barrett, Pat Carey, Micheal Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Seán Haughey, Phil Hogan, Seamus Kirk and Seán Power; Senators Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Don Lydon, Maurice Manning and Brendan Ryan. Apologies were received from:Jim O’Keeffe, Jack Wall, Brian Crowley M.E.P. and John Cushnihan M.E.P. Also in attendance: Deputy John Bruton. 2.Minutes of previous meeting. The Minutes of the Meeting of 14 March, 2001, were agreed and signed. 3.Correspondence The following items received since the Meeting of 14 March, were noted by the Committee: (i)Coreper I Agenda, 16 March, 2001; (ii)Coreper II, Summary Agenda 21 March 2001; and (iii)Coreper I Agenda, 21 March 2001. In addition, the Committee had before it for consideration an invitation to a Conference in Berlin (2 and 3 May, 2001) together with the Estimate of Expenditure and the Statement as to the necessity of the travel prepared in accordance with the CPP Rules on Committee Travel. It was agreed that the Chairman, or his nominee, attend the Conference. 4.Consideration by Committee of Treaty of Nice The Committee had before it for consideration correspondence of 16 March, 2001, from the Private Secretary to the Government Chief Whip regarding the Committee’s request for a day long debate on the Treaty of Nice. In addition the Committee considered a draft Advertisement regarding the holding of public Meetings by the Committee for the purpose of hearing views from members of the public and other interested bodies on the Treaty of Nice. It was agreed- (i)to place the advertisement in the national newspapers as soon as may be, (ii)to seek sanction for the estimated expenditure of £6, 800 arising from such advertising, (iii)To invite IBEC and the Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed to attend the next Meeting of the Committee, and (iv)To issue invitations to the IFA, ICTU, the Institute of European Affairs, European Movement-Ireland, the ICMSA, Peace and Neutrality Alliance and the National Platform to attend forthcoming meetings of the Committee. 5.Review of EU Legislation: Presentation by officials of the Department of Health and Children The Chairman welcomed Mr. John O’Toole, Ms. Geraldine Kelly, Mr. Joe O’Donnell and Ms. Maeve O’Brien of the Food Unit of the Department. The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. O’Toole on SI 438 of 2000 (purity criteria of food additives) and SI 446 of 2000 (infant formula and follow-on formula). A question and answer session followed with Mr. O’Toole and Ms. Kelly in reply on behalf of the Department. It was agreed to invite (i) the EU Commissioner for Food and Food Safety, (ii) representatives from the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, and (iii) the Food Safety Authority to a Meeting of the Committee to discuss the issue of food safety and, in particular, the labelling of imported produce. In addition, it was agreed to seek a brief from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development on the experimental production base in operation in the UK that guarantees levels of integrity. 6.Review of EU Legislation: Presentation by Curtin Dorgan Associates The Committee heard a presentation from Ms. Maeve Montague of Curtin Dorgan Associates on Progress Report No. 01/3: 16 March 2001: It was agreed to seek summaries (and, in relevant cases, information regarding representation at Working Group) on the following: (i)Proposal for a Council Regulation on the use of inward processing arrangements for the management of certain agricultural markets; (ii)European Communities (Liability for Defective Products) Regulations, 2000; (iii)Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 91/671/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to compulsory use of safety belts in vehicles of less than 3.5 tonnes; (iv)Proposal for Council Regulation introducing special measures to terminate the service of officials of the Commission of the European Communities as part of the reform of the Commission; (v)Proposal for a Council Regulation on the statute and financing of European political parties; (vi)Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on occurrence reporting in civil aviation; and (vii)Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the activities of institutions for occupational retirement provision. In the course of proceedings, Deputy Seán Barrett made a declaration (of an interest in an insurance brokerage) in accordance with the provisions of the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995. 7.Additional matters for consideration by Committee It was agreed- (i)to issue a reminder the European Commission regarding those Directives applicable to employees of the Commission, (ii)to invite the Ambassador of Turkey to a Meeting of the Committee to discuss the document entitled “National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis”, and (iii)to invite the Ambassador of Sweden to a Meeting of the Committee to discuss the Swedish Presidency of the EU, and (iv)to invite Mr. Michael Monaghan and Mr. John Griffin of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of University College Dublin to the next meeting of the Committee to discuss BSE and related animal health issues 8.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 3.59p.m.until Wednesday, 4 April, 2001 at 2 p.m. _________________ Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee 4 April, 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 4 April, 20011.The Committee met at 2.02 p.m. in Committee Room 2, Leinster House. Members present: Deputies Matt Brennan (in substitution for Pat Carey), Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Seán Haughey, John McGuinness, Jim O’Keeffe, Seán Power and Jack Wall; and Senators Willie Farrell (in substitution for Don Lydon), Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Maurice Manning and Brendan Ryan. Apologies were received from Brian Crowley M.E.P. and John Cushnihan M.E.P. 2.Minutes of previous meeting. The Minutes of the Meetinç of 28 March, 2001, were agreed and signed. 3.Correspondence The following items received since the Meeting of 28 March, were noted by the Committee: (i)Letter from Mr. John Malone, Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, regarding the invitation by the Committee to Mr. John Griffin of the Veterinary College, UCD; (ii)Review of EU Legislation: Summaries from (I) the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, and (II) the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; (iii)Coreper I Agenda, 28 March and 30 March, 2001; (iv)Coreper II Summary Agenda, 28 March 2001; (v)Coreper I Agenda, 3 April and 6 April, 2001; (vi)Presidency Conclusions from the Stockholm European Council 23 and 24 March 2001 together with the Annexes to the Presidency Conclusions; (vii)Speech by Mr. Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission to the European Council, Stockholm, 23 March, 2001; (viii)Speech of An Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, T.D., at the Founders’ Dinner, Institute of European Affairs (29 March, 2001); (ix)Press release of 28 March, 2001, from the Department of Foreign Affairs re. (I) remarks by the Minster for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen, T.D., at the publication of the White Paper on the Treaty of Nice, and (II) Treaty of Nice-White Paper. In addition, the Committee had before it for consideration an invitation to a preparatory Parliamentary Conference in The Hague (14 May, 2001) together with the Estimate of Expenditure and the Statement as to the necessity of the travel prepared in accordance with the CPP Rules on Committee Travel. It was agreed that one Member attend the Conference. The Meeting was suspended from 2.13 p.m. until 2.23 p.m. 4.Treaty of Nice: Presentation by IBEC The Chairman welcomed Mr. Arthur Forbes and Ms. Heidi Lougheed of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation. The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Forbes summarising the views outlined in the European Monthly Newsletter (December, 2000) of the Irish Business Bureau. A question and answer session followed. 5.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 3.29 p.m. until Wednesday, 11 April, 2001 at 2 p.m. _________________ Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee 11 April, 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 11th April, 20011.The Committee met at 2.12 p.m. in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Seán Barrett, Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins (in substitution for Jack Wall), Tony Killeen (in substitution for Pat Carey), Jim O’Keeffe, Nora Owen and Seán Power; Senators: Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Don Lydon and Maurice Manning
2.Minutes of Meeting The Minutes of the Meeting of 4 April, 2001, were agreed and signed. 1.Correspondence The following received since 4 April, were considered by the Committee: (i)Coreper II, Summary Agenda, 4 April, 2001; (ii)Coreper I, Agenda, 11 April, 2001; (iii)Correspondence of 15 March, 2001, from the International Secretary of the Maltese Labour Party regarding a resolution of that organisation entitled “Malta: A Switzerland in the Mediterranean”; (iv)Correspondence of 6 April, 2001, from Mr. James Lavelle, Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, enclosing a note on Satellite Monitoring of Fishing Vessels as discussed at the Meeting of the Joint Committee on 9 February, 2001; and. (v)Invitation to COSAC Meeting, Stockholm, 20-22 May, 2001, together with the Estimate of Expenditure and the Statement as to the necessity of the travel prepared in accordance with the CPP Rules on Committee travel. In relation to item (iii), it was agreed that the correspondence be acknowledged, and regarding item (iv) it was agreed to seek a progress report from the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources on the effectiveness of Satellite Monitoring following its introduction on 1 January, 2000. In relation to item (v), it was agreed to send a six Member delegation accompanied by the Clerk to the Committee. In addition, the Chairman reported to the Committee following the COSAC Working Group Meeting, Stockholm 8-9 April, and proposed that the Committee meet to discuss its role and input to COSAC in advance of the COSAC Meeting in May 4.Discussion with Professor Michael Monaghan on Animal Health Issues. The Chairman welcomed Professor Michael Monaghan, Dean of Veterinary Medicine at UCD. Professor Monaghan outlined the role of the Expert Group formed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). A question and answer session in relation to FMD followed. On the conclusion of the question and answer session the Chairman thanked Professor Monaghan for his contribution and the visitor withdrew 5.Presentation on European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) The Chairman welcomed Ambassador Declan Kelleher, Ireland’s representative on the Political and Security Committee of the European Union together with Mr. Keith Mc Bean of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Committee heard a presentation from Ambassador Kelleher on ESDP. A question and answer session followed. On the conclusion of the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the visitors for attending and contributing. The visitors withdrew. 6.Consideration by Committee of Treaty of Nice (i)Presentation on the Treaty of Nice Following the issue of invitations to certain organisations and the responses to same, the Committee agreed to hear presentations on the Treaty of Nice as follows:
(ii)Consideration of written submissions The Committee noted 8 written submissions received from members of the public further to the advertisements placed in the national newspapers on Friday, 30 March, 2001 and Sunday, 1 April, 2001. It was also agreed that all submissions be acknowledged and included in the Report of the Committee on the Treaty of Nice. In addition, it was agreed to forward the submission relating to civil aviation to the Department of Public Enterprise for comment. 7.Scheduling of Committee Meetings Senator Dan Kiely referred to the scheduling of Committee Meetings generally and, in particular, that in recent weeks, the Joint Committee on European Affairs and Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government have been meeting at the same time. As 5 Members are Members of both Committees obvious difficulties in attending Committee Meetings arise. 8.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 3.59 p.m. until Wednesday, 25 April at 2 p.m. ___________________ Mr. Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. April 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 25 April, 20011.The Committee met at 1.40 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Seán Barrett, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Seán Haughey, Phil Hogan, Cecilia Keaveney (in substitution for Séamus Kirk, for part of the Meeting), Séamus Kirk, John McGuinness, Jim O’Keeffe, Nora Owen, Seán Power and Jack Wall; Senators: Paddy Burke (in substitution for Don Lydon, for part of the Meeting), Fintan Coogan (in substitution for Maurice Manning), Dan Kiely, Don Lydon and Brendan Ryan. Also in Attendance: Deputy John Bruton, Deputy Ned O’Keeffe, Senator Rory Kiely and Patricia McKenna M.E.P. Apologies were received from Senator Helen Keogh, Gerard Collins, Brian Crowley M.E.P., John Cushnihan M.E.P. and Proinsias De Rossa, M.E.P. 2.Election of Temporary Chairman In the unavoidable absence of the Chairman and the vice-Chairman, Deputy Pat Carey (proposed by Deputy Hogan) was elected temporary Chairman at 1.41p.m. Prior to taking the Chair, Deputy Carey advised members of an interest in proceedings in so far as he is also vice-Chairman of the European Movement-Ireland. Deputy Carey advised that he would take the Chair to facilitate debate only. 3.Minutes of previous meeting The Minutes of the Meeting of 11 April, 2001, were agreed and signed. 4.Presentations on the Treaty of Nice In attendance were Mr. Alan Gillis and Ms. Patricia Lawler of European Movement-Ireland. The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Gillis. A brief question and answer session followed with Ms. Lawler in reply on behalf of European Movement-Ireland. The Chairman took the Chair at 2 p.m. and welcomed Mr. Roger Cole and Mr. Fergus Mac Aogáin of Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA). The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Mac Aogáin which was followed by a question and answer session with questions being put to the representatives of both organisations. The Committee heard from Mr. Gillis, Mr. Mac Aogáin and Mr. Cole in reply. In the course of proceedings Deputy O’Keeffe advised of an interest in proceedings in so far as he is a member of the European Movement-Ireland. Deputy Carey repeated, for information, his interest as vice-chairman of that organisation. 5.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 3.30 p.m until Wednesday, 2 May, at 2 p.m. and agreed further that, if possible, a further Meeting be scheduled on Tuesday, 1 May to facilitate Committee consideration of the matters for discussion at the forthcoming COSAC Meeting. _________________ Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee 2 May, 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 2nd May, 20011.The Committee met at 1.33 p.m. in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Seán Barrett, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Seán Haughey, Phil Hogan, Séamus Kirk, John McGuinness, Jim O’Keeffe, Nora Owen, Seán Power and Jack Wall; Senators: Willie Farrell (in substitution for Don Lydon), Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely and Brendan Ryan. Other Members attending: Senator John Connor Apologies: Senators Avril Doyle and Rory Kiely, Brian Crowley MEP and John Cushnihan MEP. 2.Minutes of Meeting The Minutes of the Meeting of 25 April, 2001, were agreed and signed. 3.Preparation for COSAC The Committee had before for consideration: (a)Summary Report of COSAC Working Group, Stockholm, 9 April, 2001, (b)Discussion Document considered at the COSAC Working Group Meeting entitled “National Parliaments and the European Union”, and (c)Resolution submitted by the Committee on the Affairs of European Union of the German Bundestag for the XXIV th COSAC Meeting. The discussion focused on 3 main issues i.e. (i)whether a second Chamber should be added to the European Parliament; (ii)whether the Working Group should be established on a permanent basis; and (iii)the manner in which national parliaments should be involved in the post Nice Treaty “Future of Europe” debate. It was agreed that a draft position paper summarising the views expressed by Members be prepared for consideration by the Committee. 4.Correspondence The following received since 11 April, were considered by the Committee: (i)Invitation from the Minister for Finance to attend the Forum on the Second Report on Economic and Social Cohesion in Brussels, 21 and 22 May, 2001; (ii)Review of E.U. Legislation: (a)Holding reply from the Department of Health and Children regarding the proposal in relation to the European Food Authority; (b)Summary from the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding the proposal for a Council on the statute and financing of European Political Parties; (iii)Coreper I Agenda, 27 April, 2001 and Coreper II Agenda, 25 April, 2001; and (iv)Correspondence from Mr. McKenna, Head of Administration regarding arrangements for the duration of the Abbeylara and CTC Inquiries. In relation to item (i), it was agreed to send a 4 Member delegation accompanied by a member of staff, and regarding item (ii) (b) it was agreed to hear a presentation from the Department of Foreign Affairs in the matter. Members expressed concern at the proposed arrangements notified by Mr. McKenna, Head of Administration, and it was agreed that the Chairman and the Convenors meet with Mr. McKenna to discuss the matter further. 5.Treaty of Nice: Consideration of written Submissions. The Committee noted 7 further submissions received from members of the public further to the advertisements placed in the national newspapers on Friday, 30 March, 2001 and Sunday, 1 April, 2001. It was agreed that all submissions be acknowledged and included in the Report of the Committee on the Treaty of Nice. The Committee considered a submission from Afri and agreed to hear a presentation from that organisation on 9 May, 2001. The Committee noted correspondence from Proinsias De Rossa MEP and considered a request from Patricia McKenna MEP to invite the ATGWU to make a presentation on the Treaty of Nice. In view of the fact that the ATGWU had not responded to the advertisements placed in the national newspapers and that no request had been received from that organisation to make a presentation, it was agreed not to issue an invition to the ATGWU. 6.Presentations on the Treaty of Nice The Chairman welcomed Mr. Anthony Coughlan of The National Platform and Mr. Peter Cassells, Ms. Joan Carmichael and Mr. Frank Vaughan of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. The Committee heard presentations from Mr. Coughlan and Mr. Cassells. A question and answer session followed. At 3.14 p.m. Deputy Kirk (vice-Chairman) took the Chair. The Committee heard from Mr. Coughlan and Mr. Cassells in reply to questions put by Members of the Committee. On the conclusion of the question and answer session the vice-Chairman thanked the visitors for attending and the visitors withdrew. 7.Any Other Business It was agreed to request a briefing from the Department of Marine and Natural Resources on the EU Green Paper on the review of the Common Fisheries Policy. 8.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 3.46 p.m. until Wednesday, 9 May, at 2 p.m. ___________________ Mr. Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. 9 May, 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 9 May, 20011.The Committee met at 2.04 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Seán Barrett, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Seán Haughey, John McGuinness, Jim O’Keeffe, Nora Owen, Seán Power and Jack Wall; Senators: Helen Keogh, Don Lydon and Brendan Ryan.
Other Members attending: Senator Rory Kiely 2.Minutes of Meeting Further to the Committees decision in relation to para. 4 (iv) of the minutes of the Meeting of 2 May, the Chairman advised that prior to the Meeting the Chairman and the Convenors met with Mr. McKenna, Head of Administration and Mr. Judge, Principal Committee Clerk. The Chairman reported that he had received an assurance that the work of the Committee would continue uninterrupted. The Minutes of the Meeting of 2 May, were agreed and signed. 1.Correspondence (a)General Correspondence The following received since 2 May, were considered by the Committee: (i)Coreper II Agenda, 2-3 May, 2001, Coreper I Agenda, 3-4 May, 2001 and Coreper I Agenda, 10-11 May, 2001; (ii)Review of EU Legislation: Summary from the Department of Finance regarding the proposal for a Council Regulation introducing special measures to terminate the service of officials of the Commission; (iii)Correspondence from An Taisce re. forestry funding; (iv)Correspondence of 24 April, 2001, re. the work of the SAC Appeals Advisory Board; (v)Correspondence from the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, enclosing a speech by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany to the European Parliament on 4 April, 2001. In relation to item (i) and Coreper I Agenda of 10-11 May, 2001, it was agreed to seek presentations from the relevant Departments on the proposals contained at paragraph 47(2) and 53 of that Agenda. Regarding items (ii) and (iii) it was agreed to hear a presentation from the Department of Finance and An Taisce in the respective matters. Arising from the Committees consideration of item (iv) it was agreed to write to the Group previously before the Committee (which contended that information was difficult to obtain from Dúchas) and establish precisely the information sought from Dúchas. It was further agreed that the reply would then be forwarded to Dúchas for response. In addition, the Committee agreed to invite a member of the European Commission or of the staff of its representation in Ireland to discuss the issue of directives applicable to employees of the Commission. (b)Treaty of Nice: Consideration of written Submissions The Committee noted 1 further submission received from a member of the public further to the advertisements placed in the national newspapers on Friday, 30 March, 2001 and Sunday, 1 April, 2001. It was agreed that the submission be acknowledged and included in the Report of the Committee on the Treaty of Nice. The Committee also noted additional correspondence of 4 May, 2001, from Patricia McKenna, MEP, relating to a presentation by the ATGWU on the Treaty of Nice. It was agreed that (i), in the event of a written submission being received from the ATGWU, such submission will be considered by the Committee, and (ii) an invitation to make a presentation should not be issued. (c)Visiting Delegations The Committee agreed a request (i) from the Nordic Council to a Meeting on Wednesday, 27 June, 2001 and (ii) from Cumann Parlaiminteach to an informal Meeting with a parliamentary delegation from Hungary on Thursday, 7 June, 2001. 4.Discussion with Ambassador of Sweden The Chairman welcomed H.E. the Ambassador of Sweden, Mr. Peter Osvald. The Committee heard a presentation from Ambassador Osvald on Sweden’s Presidency of the European Union. A question and answer session followed. On the conclusion of the question and answer session the Chairman thanked Ambassador Osvald for his contribution and the visitor withdrew. 5.Presentations on the Treaty of Nice The Chairman welcomed Mr. Joe Brosnan, Ms. Brigid Laffan, Mr. Patrick Keating and Ms. Jill Donoghue of the Institute of European Affairs (IEA) and Mr. Joe Murray and Mr. Andy Storey of Afri. The Committee heard presentations from Mr. Brosnan of the IEA and Mr. Murray and Mr. Storey of Afri. A question and answer session followed. The Committee heard from Mr. Brosnan, Ms. Laffan and Mr. Story in reply to questions put by Members of the Committee. On the conclusion of the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the visitors for attending and the visitors withdrew. 6.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 3.59 p.m. until Wednesday, 16 May at 2 p.m. ___________________ Mr. Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. May 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 16 May, 20011.The Committee met at 2.09 p.m. in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Seán Barrett, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Eamon Gilmore (in substitution for Jack Wall), Tony Gregory, Seán Haughey, Billy Kelleher (in substitution for Pat Carey, for part of the Meeting), Jim O’Keeffe, Nora Owen and Seán Power: Senators: Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Don Lydon and Brendan Ryan.
Other Members attending: Senator Rory Kiely 2.Minutes of Meeting Senator Ryan raised the matter of EU Directives and Regulations applicable to the Commission and its employees. The Minutes of the Meeting of 9 May, were agreed and signed. Correspondence (a)General Correspondence The following received since 2 May, were considered by the Committee: (i)Briefing notes from the Department of the Environment and Local Government on Climate Change and the Preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development; (ii)Correspondence from H.E. Eric Pfister, Ambassador of Switzerland regarding the current institutional relationship between the European Union and Switzerland; (iii)Correspondence of 9 May, 2001, from Mr. Jim O’Brien of the European Parliament Office in Ireland regarding information visits to the Parliament; (iv)Coreper II Agenda, 10 May, Coreper I Agenda, 11 May and Coreper II Agenda, 16 May; In relation to item (ii), the Chairman advised that the Ambassador specifically requests information on the schedule for the ratification by the Houses of the Oireachtas of the bilateral agreements between the EU and Switzerland and it was agreed to seek a briefing from the Department of Foreign Affairs in the matter. It was further agreed to invite the Ambassador to a Meeting of the Committee. (b)Treaty of Nice: Consideration of written Submissions The Committee considered a submission received from the Irish Farmers’ Association on the Treaty of Nice. It was agreed that the submission be included in the Report of the Committee on the Treaty of Nice. 4.Presentation on the Treaty of Nice The Chairman welcomedMr Pat O’Rourke and Mr. Ciaran Dolan of the ICMSA. The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. O’Rourke on the Treaty of Nice. A question and answer session followed. The Committee heard from Mr. O’Rourke and Mr. Dolan in reply to questions put by Members of the Committee. On the conclusion of the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the visitors for attending and the visitors withdrew. 5.Preparation for COSAC The Committee had before it for consideration a background note and related documents detailing the issues to be addressed at the forthcoming COSAC meeting (Stockholm, 20-22 May, 2001). The Committee agreed that a submission containing the following be made: (i)a second Chamber should not be added to the European Parliament; (ii)the role of Committees on European Affairs of the national Parliaments of the Member States should be strengthened to ensure proper consultation by Government and the Institutions of the European Union; (iii)the role of COSAC should be similarly enhanced; and (iv)COSAC should play a direct role in the post Nice Treaty “Future of Europe” Debate. 6.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 4.01 p.m. until 11 a.m. on Thursday, 24 May, 2001. _______________________ Mr. Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. May 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 24 May, 20011.The Committee met at 11:18 a.m. in PRIVATE SESSION in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman) and Brian O’Shea (in substitution for Jack Wall): Senators: Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Don Lydon and Maurice Manning. Other Members attending: Deputy Proinsias De Rossa, MEP, Senator Rory Kiely
2.Minutes of Meeting The Chairman expressed his concern that there were no recording facilities in Committee Room 1 and it was agreed that this be conveyed to the appropriate authorities.. The Minutes of the Meeting of 16 May, were agreed and signed. 3.Correspondence (i)Correspondence from the Irish Centre for European Law enclosing a Programme for its Second Annual Congress (Offices of the European Parliament, Dublin 2, 24-25 May, 2001); (ii)A programme for the European Law Conference in Stockholm, 10-12 June, 2001, together with an estimate of expenditure prepared in accordance with the CPP Rules on Committee travel. In relation to item (ii), it was agreed that a number of the seminars were relevant to the ongoing work of the Committee and that one Member of the Committee attend the Conference. 4.Proposal for a Forum in Ireland on the Future of Europe in Ireland Deputy Proinsias De Rossa, MEP, outlined the content of a written submission to the Committee (but not received by the Committee Secretariat) on the Proposal for a Forum in Ireland on the Future of Europe. The proposal requests- (i)support in principle for a European level Convention on the future of Europe with both national and European Parliament representation; (ii)support in principle for a Forum in Ireland on the future of Europe, possibly based on the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation; (iii)support in principle for a consultative process to be engaged in by the Joint Committee on the possible modalities of an Irish Forum and on the possible format of a European Convention. It was agreed that further consideration of this proposal be postponed. 5.Draft Report of the Committee on the Treaty of Nice (a)The Committee had before it for consideration a draft Report on the Treaty of Nice. (i)Paragraph 1(Introduction) Subparagraphs 1.1 to 1.7, inclusive, agreed to. (ii)Paragraph 2 (Written Submissions to the Joint Committee) (I)Subparagraphs 2.1 to 2.3, inclusive, agreed to. (II)It was agreed that the written submission from Deputy De Rossa on the proposal for a forum in Ireland on the future of Europe be included in Appendix III. (iii)Paragraph 3 (Presentations to the Joint Committee) Subparagraphs 3.1 to 3.9.2, inclusive, agreed to. (iv)Paragraph 4 (Conclusion) (I)Subparagraphs 4.1 and 4.2, agreed to. (II)Subparagraph 4.3.1 amended by the substitution of the following for subparagraph 4.3.1: “4.3.1The Joint Committee has given careful consideration to the various opinions offered and submissions made.”. (III)Subparagraph 4.3.2, deleted. (IV)Subparagraph 4.3.3 amended by the substitution of the following for subparagraph 4.3.3: “4.3.2The Joint Committee having considered all the submissions concludes that the ratification of the Treaty of Nice is in Ireland’s interest economically, socially and politically. It is also in the interest of the European Union and the applicant countries.”. Draft Report, as amended, agreed to. (b)It was ordered that the Report be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, printed and published. It was also agreed that a a request be made to have a debate on the Report in Dáil Éireann on 31 May, 2001. (c)In addition the Committee also considered a draft press release in relation to the launch of the Report on the Treaty of Nice. It was agreed that the Committee would launch its Report on the Treaty of Nice on Tuesday, 29 May, 2001 at 2 p.m. in Room G2 in Kildare House. 6.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 12.28 p.m. until 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday, 29 May, 2001. _______________________ Mr. Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. May 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Tuesday, 29 May, 20011.The Committee met at 11.35 a.m. in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Jim O’Keeffe, Nora Owen and Seán Power; Senators: Maurice Manning. Other Members attending: Senator John Connor. 2.Minutes of previous Meeting The Committee had before it for consideration the minutes of the Meeting (in private session) of 24 May, 2001 at which the Report of the Joint Committee on the Treaty of Nice was adopted. In response to concerns expressed by Deputy Gregory, it was agreed that an additional page be inserted inside the cover of the Report stating that the Committee agreed that the dissent of Deputy Gregory to the recommendation contained in Report be recorded The Minutes of the Meeting of 24 May, were agreed and signed. 3.Presentation by EU Commissioner Bolkestein on Internal Market and Taxation The Chairman welcomed EU Commissioner Frederick Bolkestein. The Committee heard a presentation from Commissioner Bolkestein on (i) priorities for the internal market and (ii) taxation (including tax harmonisation). A question and answer session followed each presentation. On the conclusion of the final question and answer session the Chairman thanked Commissioner Bolkestein for his contribution and the visitor withdrew. 4.Any Other Business In response to a query from Deputy Nora Owen it was agreed that the Committee Secretariat would make every effort to contact absent Members and advise of the date and time of the next Meeting (including informal Meetings) of the Committee. 5.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 12.52 p.m. until Wednesday, 13 June at 2 p.m. __________________ Mr. Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 13 June, 20011.The Committee met at 2.03 p.m. in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Seán Haughey, Séamus Kirk, John McGuinness, Jim O’Keeffe, Seán Power and Jack Wall: Senators: Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Don Lydon and Brendan Ryan. Apologies: Nuala Ahern MEP, Deputy Seán Barrett, Brian Crowley MEP, John Cushnihan MEP, Senator Maurice Manning and Deputy Nora Owen. Other Members attending: Senator Rory Kiely. 2.Minutes of Meeting The Minutes of the Meeting of 29 May, were agreed and signed. 3.Correspondence The following received since 29 May, were noted by the Committee: (i)correspondence of 24 May, 2001 from the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources enclosing a Report on Satellite Monitoring of Fishing Vessels; (ii)Coreper I Agenda, 29 May and 1 June, 2001; (iii)Coreper I Agenda, 6 June, 2001; (iv)Coreper II Agenda 6 and 7 June, 2001; and (v)Coreper II Agenda, 13 June, 2001. 4.Briefing on the Review of the Common Fisheries Policy It was agreed to postpone the briefing by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources on the Green Paper on the Review of the Common Fisheries Policy. 5.Discussion on the Treaty of Nice The Committee considered various issues arising following the decision in the Referendum on the Treaty of Nice, in particular, the Forum on the Treaty of Nice and the manner in which the role of the Committee and its powers can be enhanced. Further consideration of this item was postponed. 6.Presentation by Foreign Minister of the Republic of Slovenia The Chairman welcomed the Slovenian Foreign Minister Dr. Drimitriq Rupel and the Slovenian Ambassador Mr. Marjan Setinc. The Committee heard a presentation from Dr. Rupel on the negotiation by Slovenia for accession to the European Union. A question and answer session followed. On the conclusion of the question and answer session the Chairman thanked Dr. Rupel for his attendance and the visitors withdrew. 7.Discussion on the Treaty of Nice The Committee recommenced its discussion on the future of the Treaty of Nice. It was agreed that the Chairman and the Convenors meet to formulate proposals based on the contributions of Members. It was also agreed that the Chairman and the Convenors, on behalf of the Committee, implement as many of these proposals as soon as possible. Further consideration of this item adjourned until the next Meeting of the Committee at which a report from the Chairman and the Convenors is to be heard. 8.Invitation to President of the European Commission The Chairman advised the Committee of his understanding that the President of the European Commission, Mr. Romano Prodi is to visit Dublin on 21 and 22 June, 2001, and it was agreed to invite Mr. Prodi to attend a Meeting of the Committee on either day. 9.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 4.08 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, 20 June, 2001. _______________________ Mr Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. June 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 20th June, 20011.The Committee met at 2.03 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Seán Barrett, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Séamus Kirk, John McGuinness, Jim O’Keeffe, Nora Owen and Seán Power; Senators: Don Lydon and Maurice Manning. Apologies: Gerard Collins M.E.P., Brian Crowley M.E.P., John Cushnihan M.E.P., Senators Helen Keogh and Dan Kiely. Other Members attending: Deputy John Gormley and Senator Rory Kiely. 2.Minutes of Meeting The Minutes of the Meeting of 13 June, 2001, were agreed and signed. 3.Proposals arising from Discussion on the Treaty of Nice (13 June, 2001) The Committee had before it for consideration a document containing the recommendations of the Chairman (following the Meeting of the Committee on 13 June and a further meeting with the Convenors, Deputies Carey and Wall) outlining issues to be addressed and proposed action following the Referendum on the Treaty of Nice. The Committee agreed the following: (a)a preliminary Meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs to discuss the matter be arranged as soon as possible; (b)invitations to issue to EU Institutions including the President of the Parliament and the Commission, relevant Senior Commissioners and Javier Solana, HR for CFSP; (c)in addition, senior representatives of EU Institutions visiting Ireland are to be reminded of need to seek meetings with the Committee; (d)Ministers to consult with the Committee to discuss policy issues for decision prior to relevant Council meeting and a report on the Danish system of consultation (inclusive of resources allocated to the relevant Committee) to be drafted as soon as possible; (e)although the proposals in relation to the formation of a Forum are welcome, the Forum should not be used to replace parliamentary debate, rather it should complement the work undertaken and services provided by the Committee; (f)need to ensure that the Members of the Houses nominated to the Forum have a particular knowledge of and interest in European Affairs; (g)to protect against the democratic deficit and to ensure effective scrutiny of voluminous legislative proposals, the Committee recommends the allocation of additional resources to the Committee; (h)need to extend Terms of Reference of Committee to include sufficient latitude to employ, without delay, legal or other appropriate experts on a short-term or long-term consultancy basis to assist the Committee in. providing a more informed debate on EU matters; (i)in view of the Resolution of the XXIVth COSAC (Stockholm, 20-22 May, 2001) a request is to be made to COSAC to convene an extraordinary Meeting to discuss the result of the Referendum in Ireland and the implications for Enlargement; and (j)Government should recognise the need for greater debate on European Affairs in each House including allocation of sufficient Government Time to debate Reports from the Committee. 4.Correspondence The following received since 13 June, were considered by the Committee: (a)Committee Travel (i)Programme for the ESDP Conference in Brussels, 2–3 July together with the Estimate of Expenditure and Statement as to the necessity of the travel prepared in accordance with the CPP Rules on Committee Travel; (ii)Invitation to a Meeting of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs in Brussels, 10-11 July together with the Estimate of Expenditure and Statement as to the necessity of the travel prepared in accordance with the CPP Rules on Committee Travel; (iii)Estimate of Expenditure and Statement as to the necessity of the travel prepared in accordance with the CPP Rules on Committee Travel in respect of the visit to the Netherlands, 11-13 July to discuss the Dutch Drugs Policy; (iv)Invitation from the Chairman of the Committee on European Integration Affairs of the Hungarian National Assembly to visit Hungary in the latter half of 2001; and (v)Invitation to the 1st Annual European Energy and Transport Summit Conference. In relation to items (i) and (iii), it was agreed to send a one Member and six Member delegation, respectively, and, regarding item (ii) it was agreed to send a delegation of at least a two Members. In addition, it was agreed to accept the invitation at item (iv) and that item (v) be referred to the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport. i.Review of EU Legislation (i)Correspondence of 18 May, 2001 from the Secretary General of the Department of Finance enclosing a briefing on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and Council on the activities of Institutions for occupational retirement provisions; and (ii)Correspondence of 11 June, 2001 from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs on Safe and Sustainable pensions and pension systems. Regarding item (ii), it was agreed that, the Chairman consult with the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Family, Community and Social Affairs to establish which Committee would be best placed to consider the issue of safe and sustainable pensions. 5.Review of EU Legislation: Presentation by Curtin Dorgan Associates The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Jim Dorgan and Ms. Maeve Montague of Curtin Dorgan Associates on Progress Report No.01/4 (14 April, 2001) It was agreed to seek summaries on the following: (i)Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No. 1254/1999 on the common organisation of the market in âeef and veal; (ii)Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No. 1251/1999 establishing a support system for producers of certain arable crops; (iii)Proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 91/630/EEC laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs; (iv)Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 80/987/EEC on the approximation of the laws of Member States relating to the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer; (v)Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending for the twenty-fourth time Council Directive 76/769/EEC relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations (pentabromodiphenyl ether); (vi)Proposal for a Council Regulation laying down the statute for executive agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community programmes; (vii)Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council setting standards of quality and safety for the collection, testing, processing, storage and distribution of human blood and blood components and amending Council Directive 89/381/EC; (viii)Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on reporting formalities for ships arriving in and departing from Community ports; (ix)Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the training of professional drivers for the carriage of goods for passengers by road. It was further agreed to seek the views of the farming organisations on item (iii) and, in relation to items (iv) and (vii), that the summaries include a comparative note on the present position and the implications of the proposal (to the consumer, in particular, in the case of item (vii)). It was also agreed that the periodic reports from the Consultants should include a comment on the position adopted by the relevant Minister of the Government in relation to each proposal. The Chairman thanked the visitors for attending and contributing and the visitors withdrew. At 3.08p.m. the Committee went into private session 6.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 3.19 p.m. until Wednesday, 27 June at 2 p.m. ___________________ Mr. Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. July, 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 27 June, 20011.The Committee met at 2.06 p.m. in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Seán Haughey, Séamus Kirk, John McGuinness and Jim O’Keeffe: Senators: Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely and Maurice Manning.
2.Minutes of Meeting The Chairman advised that, arising from certain technical difficulties, the minutes of the Meeting of 20 June were not available for consideration and it was agreed that same would be considered at the next Meeting of the Committee. 3.Correspondence The Coreper I Agenda, 29 June, 2001, was noted by the Committee: 4.Presentation by delegation from the Nordic Council The Chairman welcomed a delegation from the European Committee of the Nordic Council. The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Per Kaalund (Denmark), Chairman of the European Committee, on the Treaty of Nice and the implications of the result of the Referendum on the Treaty. A question and answer session followed. The Committee heard from Mr. Steingrímur J. Sigfússon (Iceland), Mrs. Marit Nybak (Norway), Mr. Lennart Daléus (Sweden), Mr. Ero Akaan-Pentilla (Finland) and Mr. Oystein Djupedal (Norway) in reply to the questions put by the Members of the Committee. On the conclusion of the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the visitors for attending and the visitors withdrew. 5.Presentation by the Ambassador of Switzerland, H.E. Eric Pfister The Chairman welcomed H.E., the Ambassador of Switzerland, Mr. Eric Pfister. The Committee heard a presentation from Ambassador Pfister on EU-Swiss bilateral relations. A question and answer session followed. On the conclusion of the question and answer session it was agreed that a report on the ratification by Ireland of the bilateral agreements be drafted and ordered that the relevant extract of the parliamentary debates be printed and appended to the draft Report. The Chairman thanked Ambassador Pfister for his attendance and the visitor withdrew. At 3.39p.m. the Committee went into private session 6.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 3.45 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, 4 July, 2001. _______________________ Mr Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. July 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 4 July, 20011.The Committee met at 2.03 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Seán Haughey, Jim O’Keffee, Nora Owen and Jack Wall; Senators: Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Don Lydon, Maurice Manning and Brendan Ryan.
Other Members attending: Senator Rory Kiely. 2.Minutes of previous Meetings The Minutes of the Meetings of 20 June and 27 June, 2001, were agreed and signed. 3.Correspondence The following received since the Meeting of 27 June were before the Committee for consideration: (i)Coreper II Agenda, 28 June, 2001: it was agreed to seek briefing from the relevant Government Departments on items 20, 21 and 24; (ii)Coreper I Agenda, 4 July, 2001: it was agreed to seek briefing from the Department of Public Enterprise on the proposal re. the establishment of the GALILEO joint undertaking; and (iii)Invitation to attend a Conference in Estonia (October, 2001) together with the Estimate of Expenditure and Statement as to the necessity of the travel prepared in accordance with the CPP rules on Committee Travel: it was agreed that a 2 Member delegation attend this Conference. 4.Informal Report of Chairman re. ESDP Conference The Chairman circulated for information the draft resolution of the ESDP Conference hosted by the Belgian Parliament (and attended by the Chairman (Brussels, 2 and 3 July, 2001)) and advised that he was not satisfied with either the content of the draft resolution or the manner in which it had been presented to the Conference for consideration. It was agreed to (a) postpone further consideration of this item pending receipt of the proceedings of the Conference, and (b) to invite the Ambassador of Belgium to attend a Meeting of the Committee to outline the priorities for the Belgian Presidency. It was further agreed that, at the commencement of each Presidency (of the European Union), the Ambassador of the relevant Member State be invited to attend a Meeting of the Committee to brief the Committee on the priorities of the Presidency. 5.Review of EU Legislation (i)Proposal to initiate process of consultation with Ministers of the Government The Committee noted (i) a document outlining the priorities of the Belgian Presidency of the EU, and (ii) a list of Council Meetings scheduled to held in the 6 month period to end 2001. Further to the recommendation of the Committee that it be consulted by Ministers of the Government prior to their attendance at Council Meetings at which proposals for EU Legislation are decided, the Chairman brought forward a draft letter for issue to all Ministers requesting briefing on policy matters for decision at Council Meetings to be attended by each individual Minister. Subject to a minor amendment to emphasise the need to reduce the democratic deficit, the draft letter was agreed to. In response to a question from Senator Keogh, it was agreed that a letter issue to the Minister for Foreign Affairs requesting appropriate briefing prior to the establishment of the proposed Forum. (ii)Recommendation of Committee regarding examination of Danish system of Consultation It was agreed that a delegation travel to the Danish Parliament to consider and report on the system of consultation by Government with parliamentarians regarding proposals for EU legislation. (iii)Presentation by the Department of Foreign Affairs The Chairman welcomed Assistant Secretary General, Mr. Frank Cogan and Mr. John Neary and Mr. Michael O’Toole of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Cogan on the statute and financing of European Political Parties. A question and answer session followed with Mr. Cogan and Mr. Neary in reply. The Chairman thanked the visitors for attending and the visitors withdrew. The Committee went into private session at 3.25 p.m. 6.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 3.33 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, 18 July, 2001. ________________ Mr Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 18 July, 20011.The Committee met at 2.05 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Noel Ahern(in substitution for Pat Carey), Seán Barrett, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Phillip Hogan, Cecilia Keaveney(in substitution for Michael Collins for part of the meeting), Seamus Kirk, John McGuinness, Jim O’Keeffe, Ned O’Keeffe(in substitution for Michael Collins for part of the meeting), Nora Owen and Seán Power,; Senators: Paddy Burke(in substitution for Maurice Manning), Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Don Lydon Apologies: Nuala Ahern MEP, John Cushnihan MEP, Sean Haughey Senator Brendan Ryan, Jack Wall Other Members attending: Avril Doyle M.E.P., Senator Rory Kiely 2.Minutes of Meeting The Minutes of the Meeting of 4 July, 2001, were agreed and signed. 3.Correspondence 4. The following received since 4 July, were considered by the Committee: (a) (i)Coreper II Agenda, 5 July 2001; (ii)Coreper I Agenda, 11 July 2001; (iv)Agenda for the General Affairs Council, 16 and 17 July, 2001; and (v)Coreper I Agenda, 18 and 20 July, 2001: it was agreed to seek a briefing from the relevant Government Department on item 16 The issue of considering COREPER Agendas and timely briefing by the Department of Foreign Affairs on items included on such Agendas was discussed and it was agreed that a Meeting with An Taoiseach and the Minister of Foreign Affairs be requested to discuss the establishment of structures ensuring systematic briefing and consultation of the Committee on matters for decision by the Institutions of the European Union. It was further agreed that the Chairman and the vice-Chairman represent the Committee at this Meeting (a)Correspondence of 9 July, 2001, requesting the opportunity for a presentation by the Irish National Co-ordinating Body of the European Year of Languages in early Autumn: it was agreed to have the presentation at a date to be decided. (c)Correspondence of 9 July, 2001 from the Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs of the Bundestag enclosing a resolution passed by the Committee: it was agreed 4.Review of EU Legislation (a)The Committee noted correspondence of 6 July from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, enclosing a summery of the EC (Liability for Defective Products) regulations, 2000; (b)Correspondence of 9 July, 2001 from the Department of Public Enterprise enclosing a summery of the proposal re. Training of professional drivers for the carriage of goods and passengers by road. It was agreed that the proposals be passed to the relevant Committees 5.Presentation by the Department of Finance The Chairman welcomed Mr. Pat Ring, Mr. Gearoid O’Keeffe, and Mr. Kieran Connolly of the Department of Finance. The Committee heard a presentation from a Mr. Connolly on the EU Commission Proposal for a Voluntary Early Retirement Scheme.A question and answer session followed. The Chairman thanked the visitors for attending and the visitors withdrew. 6Any other Business It was agreed that a delegation of the Committee would meet a delegation from the China Euro Parliamentarian Friendship Group on 25 September. It was agreed that a delegation of the Committee would receive a delegation of the Ukrainian Parliament at a date yet to be agreed. 7.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 4.58 p.m. _______________________ Mr. Bernard J. Durkan, T.D., Chairman of the Committee. May 2001 JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 25 July, 20011.The Committee met at 2.01 p.m. in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000 Members present: Deputies Seán Barrett, Mattie Brennan (in substitution for Michael Collins), Pat Carey, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Séamus Kirk, Jim O’Keeffe, Nora Owen, Seán Power and Jack Wall; Senators Paddy Burke (in substitution for Maurice Manning), Dan Kiely, Don Lydon and Brendan Ryan. Apologies: Deputy John McGuinness, Senator Helen Keogh and John Cushnihan MEP. Other Members attending: Senator John Connor, Jim Fitzsimons MEP, Liam Hyland MEP, Senator Rory Kiely, Joe McCartan MEP, Patricia McKenna MEP and Senator Jim Walsh 2.Minutes of Meeting The Minutes of the Meeting of 18 July, 2001, were agreed and signed. 3.Correspondence The following received since the Meeting on 18 July were considered by the Committee: (a)Correspondence (various) in response to the request for (i) a Meeting with An Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and (ii) prior consultation by Ministers of the Government with the Committee on policy matters for decision at Council Meetings during the Belgian Presidency of the EU: it was agreed that, on receipt of replies from all Members of the Government, a schedule of Meetings with each Minister be arranged; such Meetings to commence in September. (b) (i)Coreper II Agenda, 19 July, 2001. (ii)Agenda for the General Affairs Council Meeting, 20 July, 2001. (c)Responses from the Swedish Parliament (13 July, 2001) and the Belgian Parliament (23 July, 2001) to the request of the Committee that an extraordinary Meeting of COSAC be convened. (d)Review of EU Legislation (i)Correspondence of 18 July from the Department of Public Enterprise enclosing a summary of the EC (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations, 2000. (ii)Correspondence of 24 July from the Department of Health and Children enclosing a briefing note on the proposal (for a Directive) setting quality and standards in relation to human blood. (iii)Correspondence of 17 July from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development enclosing summaries of 3 proposals (i.e. common organisation of the market in beef and veal, support system for producers of certain arable crops, and minimum standards for protection of pigs); and related correspondence of 20 July from the Irish Farmers’ Association regarding the proposal on minimum standards for protection of pigs. The Committee agreed to hear presentations from the relevant Departments on each proposal. (e)Correspondence of 12 July from the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association Ltd. (ISME) regarding its proposal “E Connect” it was agreed to hear a presentation from ISME in the matter. (f)Correspondence of 4 July from Deputy Tony Killeen, Chairman of the Working Group of Committee Chairmen regarding declarations of interest by Members: it was agreed that (i) a letter issue to Deputy Killeen requesting that the issue of resources be addresses, and (ii) in view of the number of proposals for legislation considered by the Committee, advice be sought on the occasions on which declarations of interest should be made. 4.Discussion regarding violence at the G8 Summit in Genoa, Italy Following a lengthy discussion it was agreed that a letter issue to the Ambassador of Italy outlining the concerns of the Committee at the violent incidents at the recent G8 Summit in Genoa and the response of the Italian Authorities to those incidents. It was further agreed that the Ambassador be asked for his comments, if any, in the matter. 5.Presentation by the Ambassador of Belgium The Chairman welcomed the Ambassador of Belgium, H.E. Baron Alain Guillaume. The Ambassador delivered a presentation on the priorities of the Belgian Government for the Presidency of the European Union. A question and answer session followed. On the conclusion of the question and answer session the Chairman thanked Ambassador Guillaume and the visitor withdrew. 6.Committee Travel It was agreed that, if necessary, urgent proposals for travel requiring attention prior to the next meeting of the Committee in September shall be considered, in the first instance, by the Chairman and the Convenors, Deputies Carey and Wall. It was also agreed that, in each case, the recommendation of the Chairman and the Convenors together with relevant documentation be circulated to all Members of the Committee. 7.Consultancy The Committee heard a Report from the Chairman on the consideration (by the Chairman and the Convenors) of the tenders received in relation to the proposal for a consultancy on the review of EU legislation. The recommendation to engage Curtin Dorgan Associates was agreed to. 8.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 3.56 p.m. sine die. ___________________ Mr. Bernard J. Durkan, T.D. Chairman of the Committee. September, 2001. JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 5 September, 20011.The Committee met at 12 noon in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Seán Barrett, Pat Carey, Bernard J Durkan (Chairman), Seán Haughey, Séamus Kirk, John J McGuinness, Ned O’Keeffe (in substitution for Michael Collins), Seán Power, Jack Wall, Senators: Fintan Coogan (in substitution for Maurice Manning), Willie Farrell (in substitution for Don Lydon), Daniel Kiely, Brendan Ryan.
2.Correspondence The following correspondence, which had being previously circulated to Members, was noted: a)Letter dated 15 August, from the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, responding to the Joint Committees proposals for a process of prior consultation on policy issues regarding the European Council. b)Correspondence from Mr. Inigo Mendez de Vigo Montojo MEP on 20 July regarding the European Parliament reports on the Treaty of Nice and the future of Europe. The Joint Committee agreed that it should adopt a very proactive role in promoting debate on the European Union to inform the general public of the thinking of the Oireachtas on Community issues which arise. c)Letter from the Department of Finance’s regarding early retirement from the European Commission. d)Regarding the Working Group of Committee Chairmen, which was due to be convened later in the day to discuss a proposal to scale down the activities of the Committees to facilitate the inquiry into the Mini- CTC Signalling Project, the Joint Committee directed the Chairman to say that while it is important that the inquiry should proceed the Joint Committee would have to continue with its business during September to fulfil its obligations. EU Legislation: e)The correspondence of 20 July from Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment relating to the protection of employees in the event of insolvency of their employers and restrictions on the marketing of and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations. f)Correspondence of 31 July from the Department of Marine and Natural Resources on the Directive on Port State Control. It was agreed that the Joint Committee would return to this issue at a later date and also look at the question of the condition of employment of sea men, particularly non EU nationals. Committee Travel: g)2 Members should attend the meeting in the European Parliament in Brussels on the 17 and 18 of September, on the “Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe”. h)A Committee Secretariat official (plus a Member if Parliamentarians are attending) should attend the Riga meeting on the “Role of the European Affairs Committee of National Parliaments” on 28/29 September 2001. i)Six Members should attend the XXVth COSAC, which is scheduled for Brussels on 4/5 October. 3)Proposal Directive of the European Parliament and Council setting quality and standards in relation to Human Blood collections. Continuing its work on reviewing EU Legislation, the Joint Committee received a presentation on the above from the Department of Health and Children, represented by Mr. Gerry Coffey and Ms. Ann McGrane and from the National Medical Director of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Dr. William Murphy. The proposal, an extension of existing Community initiatives on blood safety, is an attempt to comprehensively address the quality, safety and efficiency requirements of blood collection. While Directive 89/381 covers industrially prepared medical products derived from Human Blood or plasma, a gap in Community Legislation exists in relation to Human Blood and Plasma intended for transfusion. Irish blood standards and requirements are already very high and go beyond the minimum requirements expected under the proposal directive. However, the proposal is welcome in that it will ensure minimum standards throughout the EU. While welcoming the proposal the Joint Committee Members felt it was imperative that: (i)Provision should be made in the Directive for a Member State to maintain or implement on its territory more stringent protective measures in respect of blood components for transfusion sourced from within the Community; (ii)The Directive should provide that a Competent Authority in a Member State is entitled to satisfy itself in relation to the safety and quality of blood components intended for import by that Member State; (iii)Provision should be made in the Directive to reflect the highest safety and quality standards available internationally; (iv)The Directive should make provision for an EU supervisory agency to act as the Competent Authority within the Community in respect of adherence to standards of quality and safety to ensure that the provision of the Directive are complied with in Member States. The Department of Health and Children officials agreed to report back to their Minister on the conclusions of the Joint Committee. It was agreed to return to this issue later in the year. 4)Any other business. No other business. 5)Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 1.15 p.m. until Wednesday 12 September. ________________________ Bernard J. Durkan Chairman to the Committee JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 12 September, 20011.The Committee met at 2.00 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Pat Carey, Bernard J Durkan (Chairman), John Ellis (in substitution for Seán Haughey), Phil Hogan, Séamus Kirk, John J McGuinness, Ned O’ Keeffe (in substitution for Michael Collins), Jim O’ Keeffe, Nora Owen, Seán Power, Senators: Paddy Burke (in substitution for Helen Keogh), Peter Callanan (in substitution for Don Lydon), Fintan Coogan (in substitution for Maurice Manning), Daniel Kiely.
Other Members attending: Mary Banotti M.E.P., Senator Rory Kiely 2.Response to terrorist attacks in the United States In view of the horrendous terrorist attacks in the United States yesterday, Tuesday 11th of September, the Chairman, Mr. Bernard Durkan recommended the adjournment of the meeting as a mark of respect and solidarity with the Government and People of the United States. He proposed that before adjourning the meeting, the members would express their views on yesterday’s atrocities and then stand silent for a minute in remembrance of the victims. The Committee agreed to the above. Deputies Ned O’Keeffe, Seán Power, John McGuinness, Nora Owen and Senators Fintan Coogan, Rory Kiely and Dan Kiely expressed condemnation of the abhorrent atrocities and extended their sympathies to all those bereaved. Particular condolences were extended to Irish people affected by the terrorist attacks. The Chairman, Bernard J. Durkan summarised the Committee’s condemnation of the atrocities and sentiments of sympathy for the innocent victims. The Committee stood for a minute in silence. The Chairman apologised to the witnesses, Ms. Joan Williams, Ms. Marie Heraughty and Captain James Kelly who were due to address the Committee, for the inconvenience caused by the unforeseen adjournment of the meeting. 3.Any other business. No other business. 4.Date and time of next meeting The Joint Committee agreed to go into Private Session to decide on a suitable date and time for the next meeting. 5.Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 2.26 p.m. until Wednesday 19 September when the items proposed for today’s meeting would be discussed. ________________________ Bernard J. Durkan Chairman to the Committee JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 19 September, 20011The Committee met at 2.01 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Bernard J Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Phil Hogan, Dinny McGinley, Jim O’ Keeffe, Jack Wall Senators: Ernie Caffrey (in substitution for Helen Keogh), Fintan Coogan (in substitution for Maurice Manning), Joe Costello (in substitution for Brendan Ryan), Dan Kiely
Other Members attending: Senators: Paddy Burke, John Connor, Rory Kiely 2Correspondence The Joint Committee noted the following Correspondence: Correspondence dated the 12th September from Mr. Gerry Coffey of the Blood Division of the Department of Health and Children outlining the proposed amendments to the EU Directive on Blood Safety and Quality as discussed by the Joint Committee on 5 September 2001. 3Presentation by the Department of Marine and Natural Resources on the EU Commission Green Paper on the Review of the Common Fisheries Policy. The Chairman welcomed Ms. Sara White and Mr. James Lavelle from the Department of Marine and Natural Resources. The Committee heard a presentation from Ms. White on the Review of the CFP. A questions and answer session followed. The Joint Committee expressed concern about the benefits for Ireland under the current CFP and that it wants to ensure that a reviewed CFP would take Ireland’s needs into account. On the conclusion of the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the visitors for attending and the visitors withdrew. 4Presentation by the Department on Marine and Natural Resource on the proposal for a Directive on matters relating to Port State Control The Chairman welcomed Captain James Kelly from the Department of Marine and Natural Resources and invited him to make a presentation on a proposed Directive on matters relating to Port State Control. A questions and answers session between the Members and Captain Kelly followed the presentation. While the Committee. welcomed the on-going cooperation between British and Irish Marine Authorities it expressed concerns that a passenger vessel that was allowed to leave an Irish port was subsequently detained for safety reasons in the UK earlier this year. The Joint Committee indicated that it would pursue this issue again at a later date and requested that the Department of Marine and Natural Resources respond to the Committee in relation to the concerns expressed by the Committee on the issue of Port State Control. The Chairman thanked Captain Kelly for attending and the visitor withdrew. 5Presentation by the National Co-ordinating Body of the European Year of Languages The Chairman welcomed Ms. Marie Heraughty and Ms. Joan Williams, representatives of the Co-ordinating Body of the European Year of Languages. They gave an informative presentation to the Committee outlining the programme planned by the Co-ordinating Body to promote the learning of languages in Ireland. The Members of the Committee, acknowledging the importance of promoting the learning of languages in Ireland, expressed support for the work of the Co-ordinating Body and wished them well in the implementation of their programme. 6Any other business No other business 7.Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 4.01p.m. until Wednesday 26 September at 2.00 p.m.. ________________________ Bernard J. Durkan Chairman to the Committee JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 26 September, 20011The Committee met at 2.02 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Bernard Allen (in substitution for Phil Hogan), Seán Barrett, Mattie Brennan (in substitution for Séan Power), Pat Carey, Bernard J Durkan (Chairman), John Ellis (in substitution for Albert Reynolds), Tony Gregory, Seán Haughey, Cecilia Keaveney (in substitution for Michael Collins), Séamus Kirk, John McGuinness, Jim O’ Keeffe, Ned O’ Keeffe (in substitution for Michael Collins), Nora Owen, Senators: Willie Farrell (in substitution for Dan Kiely), Helen Keogh, Mick Lanigan (in substitution for Don Lydon), Maurice Manning Apologies : Brian Crowley MEP, Senator Rory Kiely Other Members attending: Senators: Paddy Burke, John Connor, Rory Kiely 2Correspondence The Joint Committee noted the following item of correspondence: Correspondence from the Austrian Embassy regarding a visit to Ireland of the former Austrian Vice Chancellor Dr. Erhard Busek, who requested a meeting with the Committee. The Committee agreed to meet informally with Dr. Busek on Tuesday 2 October 2001. 3Presentation by the Director of Consumer Affairs on the implications for the Irish Public from the Introduction of the Euro The Chairman, Bernard J Durkan welcomed Ms. Carmel Foley, the Director of Consumer Affairs and Ms. Pauline Mulligan. Ms. Foley gave a presentation to the Committee outlining the actions that her Organisation is taking to ensure that the consumer is protected during the transition from the Punt to the Euro. The Director spoke about the National Code on Euro Changeover and the work of her Office to try to get Irish businesses to sign up to the Code. A thorough questions and answers session followed with Members voicing concerns about the possibility of hidden price increases accompanying the changeover. The Director, responding to the concerns, stated that her Office would be vigilant in monitoring the lead up and changeover period of the Euro. She mentioned in particular that retailers and services who accept the National Code have agreed to an exact exchange and where that is not possible to round up or down their exchange prices so as not to exploit the consumer. The Director added that her Organisation will be involved in promoting awareness in the lead up to the changeover. On the conclusion of the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the visitors for attending and they withdrew. 4Presentation by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on a Proposal for a Regulation on the Community Patent The Chairman welcomed Dr. Jacob Rajan, Mr. Pat Colgan and Mr. Brian Hehir from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Dr. Rajan gave a presentation outlining the Commission’s plans to harmonise the law of patents across the EU. A question and answer session followed the presentation. The Committee and the Department’s delegation agreed with the broad trust of the Proposal and accepted that it would have beneficial effects. The Chairman thanked the delegation for attending and the visitors withdrew. 5Any other business The Committee agreed to lay the following before the House; “That Dáil Éireann takes note of the Report of the Joint Committee on European Affairs on the Treaty of Nice.” 6.Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 3.47 p.m. until Wednesday 3 October at 12.00 noon. _______________________ Bernard J. Durkan Chairman to the Committee JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 3 October, 20011The Committee met at 12.05 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Seán Barrett, John Bruton (in substitution for Phil Hogan) Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Jim O’ Keeffe, Nora Owen, Seán Power Senators: Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Don Lydon, Maurice Manning Apologies : Séamus Kirk TD, Nuala Ahern Other Members attending: Senator Rory Kiely COE 2Correspondence The Joint Committee noted the following item of correspondence: Correspondence dated 27 September from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development regarding adoption of legislation previously noted by the Committee in its proposal stage. 3Presentation by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Director of Asylum Support Services The Chairman welcomed Mr. Noel Waters, the Director of the reception and Integration Agency (formerly the Asylum Support Services Agency), and Ms. Catherine Byrne, David Costello and Paul Byrnes from the Department of Justice, Equality and law Reform. Mr. Waters made a presentation to the Committee which was followed by a question and answer session. During the course of the debate the following matters were addressed: _New figures indicate that the number of applicants for asylum have levelled out at about 900 per month; _Romania and Nigeria account for the largest numbers of asylum seekers _Local resentment has eased off as people are getting used to the asylum seekers _Voluntary health screening is being increasingly accessed by asylum seekers, especially families; Health care is free and asylum seekers are subject to the same waiting periods as Irish Citizens; Education is provided in the community; Policy of the directorate is to integrate the applicants while protecting their own cultural identity; _7% of all applicants are granted asylum; a further 9% are permitted to stay on the grounds of parenthood, marriage or other special circumstances; _Backlogs in processing applications are reducing; Interviews are now outstripping applications; _Some EU Countries have designated some of the countries of origin of some applicants as safe countries and automatically refuse applications on that basis; _Asylum seekers are not permitted to work; an order repatriating an asylum seeker is also an exclusion order. The Chairman thanked the delegation for their participation and the visitors withdrew. 4Report on the Visit of by Chinese Parliamentary Delegation The Joint Committee noted the Report of the informal meeting of 25 September with the China Euro Parliamentary Friendship Group. 5Any other business The Chairman announced that Deputy John Bruton was joining the Committee in place of Deputy Phil Hogan. 6.Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 1.24 p.m. until Wednesday 17 October at 2.00 p.m. ________________________ Bernard J. Durkan Chairman to the Committee JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 10 October, 20011The Committee met at 2.05 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: John Bruton, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Seán Haughey, Tony Killeen (in substitution for Albert Reynolds), Séamus Kirk, Jim O’ Keeffe, Nora Owen, Seán Power Senators: Dan Kiely, Don Lydon, Brendan Ryan Apologies : Jack Wall TD, Senator Rory Keily COE, Mary Banotti MEP 2.Minutes. The minutes of the meeting of 3 October 2001 were agreed. 3.Correspondence. The Joint Committee noted the following items of correspondence: a.Formal notification of the order of the Dáil of 4 October appointing Deputy Bruton to the Joint Committee b.Notification of the Follow up conference on the Parliamentary dimension of the European Security and Defence Policy 6 and 7 November. The Chairman advised that notification of this conference had been received and it was agreed that the Chairman should attend. 4.Motions The Chairman advised that three motions had been submitted by Deputy John Bruton for discussion at the meeting. He informed the meeting that, following discussions with Deputy Bruton, it had been agreed that one of the motions, which dealt with a series of issues concerning the future development of the EU which were likely to arise at the forthcoming Inter Governmental Conference and constitutional convention in Laeken, in December next, could alternatively be disposed of by appointing a Rapporteur to the Committee to prepare a detailed report on the matters concerned. It was agreed that Deputy Bruton be appointed Rapporteur to the Committee. The Chairman announced that procedurally the Committee must report on matters comprehended by its terms of reference to the Houses and he proposed that with the Committee’s agreement, the motions agreed would form the basis of a report of the Committee to the Houses. Motion 1 (as amended) – appendix 1 – which dealt inter alia with terrorism and proposed responses including the introduction of a European Arrest Warrant and a common definition of terrorism. The motion was introduced by Deputy Bruton. Following contributions from members it was agreed that the draft motion (as amended) should be noted by the Joint Committee and sent to the Minister for his views in advance of further consideration by the Joint Committee. Motion 2 - appendix 2 – which dealt with proposals for a new treaty of the European Union, enhancing the democratic legitimacy and public recognition of the EU institutions and suggesting means of achieving this. The motion was introduced by Deputy Bruton and following contributions from members it was agreed to make the following report to Dáil and Seanad Éireann Report of the Joint Committee on European Affairs. ‘That the Joint Committee on European Affairs, in pursuance of Paragraph 2 (a)(i) of its Terms of Reference calls for consideration to be given to the adoption of a new Treaty of the European Union with the express purpose of enhancing the democratic legitimacy of, and public identification with, the activities of the European Union institutions, for example, by means of providing for the election of the President of the European Commission either directly by the people of Europe at the time of each European Election, or indirectly by the introduction of a system of election of the President and Members of the European Commission following the European Elections, similar to the method of election of the Taoiseach and Members of the Government by Dail Eireann following an Election’ 5Presentation by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment The Chairman welcomed Mr. Michael Cunniffe from the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment who made a brief presentation on issues relating to economic immigration in Ireland. Following the presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to the floor and the following matters were raised: _The weekly average last year was approximately 350 applications rising to 600 by the beginning of this year. The number has now increased to approximately 1,000 per week. _Permits are generally issued within 16 days; most employers could get their permits in approximately 20 working days. _The number of processing staff in the Department increased by 70%. And accommodation has doubled; _There has been no evidence that either unemployment is increasing despite recent layoffs or that demand for third country or non-EEA labour is easing; _No evidence so far of labour substitution; _There has been some evidence of abuse of migrant workers (reported cases of Filipino nurses). These issues are referred to the employment rights section of the Department; _A large number of people are coming from the accession countries, such as Latvia; _Nursing, Construction and IT account for the main concentrations; _Standard essential requirements are that there is a specific vacancy which can not be either domestically or throughout the broader European economic area; _Most come on 12 month visas and specific arrangements have been made for some who have not settled and who have found alternative work. However this is not common as it could encourage trafficking; _After working for 5 years immigrants can apply for naturalization; _There were problems with middlemen and some of these have since been blacklisted; _The Department has no role in organizing accommodation or other facilities; _Employers must conform to normal employment provisions and standards including minimum wages; The Chairman thanked Mr. Cunniffe for his participation. 6Any other business No further business was discussed 7.Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 4.20 p.m. until Wednesday 17 October at 2.00 p.m. ________________________ Bernard J. Durkan Chairman to the Committee JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Tuesday, 16 October, 20011The Committee met at 11.10 a.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000. The Committee was suspended at 11.10 until 11.20. Members present: Deputies: John Bruton, Pat Carey, Bernard J Durkan (Chairman), Senators: Paul Coughlan, Willie Farrell, Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Apologies: Deputies: Seán Barrett, Seán Haughey, Séamus Kirk, Nora Owen, MEPs: Nuala Ahern, Brian Crowley, John Cushnihan, Proinsias de Rossa, Pat The Cope Gallegher, John Hume Also in attendance: Mary Banotti MEP, Pat Cox MEP, Avril Doyle MEP, Senator Rory Kiely CoE 2Correspondence The Joint Committee noted the following item of correspondence: Correspondence from Amnesty International’s European Union Office 3Address by the President of the European Parliament, Madame Nicole Fontaine The Chairman, Bernard J. Durkan TD welcomed the President of the European Parliament, Madame Nicole Fontaine and members and staff of the European Parliament to the meeting. During the course of his introduction the Chairman underlined the commitment of the vast majority of Irish Parliamentarians to the European project and the European Institutions. Following the introduction Madame Fontaine addressed the Joint Committee and after a comprehensive and detailed presentation a question and answer session ensued during which the following matters were addressed: _The need to reinforce democratic ties and links between parliaments and the European Parliament. _The important role of COSAC; pooling of ideas and information; _The convention including members of EU and National Parliaments _The Nice referendum results; if a new protocol to satisfy Irish concerns would require further ratification; could enlargement (up to 20 Members) proceed without ratification of Nice; Will enlargement eventually extend to Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and perhaps Turkey. _If there is an enhanced role for the Houses/EU Affairs Committee in respect of EU Legislation _Role (and definition) of Civil Society; How best to include participation of citizens; _EU impact on domestic law – tools like common warrants are useful but EU won’t interfere with domestic rights to pass domestic regulation. _The National Forum – need to keep people in the loop. The Chairman thanked Mme Fontaine for addressing the meeting and presented her with a gift on behalf of the Joint Committee. 4Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 12.19 p.m. and the members assembled at the entrance for a photograph. The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 17 October at 2.00 p.m. ________________________ Bernard J. Durkan Chairman to the Committee JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 17 October, 20011The Committee met at 2.06 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: John Bruton, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J Durkan (Chairman), Seán Haughey, Séamus Kirk, Jim O’ Keeffe, Nora Owen, Seán Power, Jack Wall Senators: Don Lydon, Brendan Ryan Apologies: Seán Barrett, Nuala Ahern MEP, Brian Crowley MEP Other Members attending: Senator Rory Kiely CoE 2Minutes. The minutes of the meeting of 10 October 2001 were agreed. 3Correspondence. The Joint Committee noted the following item of correspondence: A list of Statutory Instruments received since June to date. 4Presentation by the Department of Public Enterprise on an EC Regulation on the Internal Market in Electricity The Chairman, Mr. Bernard J. Durkan TD welcomed Mr. Fintan O’ Brien, Ms. Neasa Lehane and Mr. Micheál Ó Méalóid from the Department of Public Enterprise. Mr. O’ Brien made a presentation on EC (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulation 2000 and subsequent Statutory Instrument No. 445 of 2000. A question and answer session followed, during the course of which the following matters were addressed. _The establishment of Eirgrid as an independent state owned company to control the transmission of electricity; _The provisions of the directive require the decoupling of transmission from supply; _The role of the Electricity regulator; reports to Houses annually; staff of 20; subject to FOI; _Impact of directive not believed to be negative for the consumer; _Consolidating bill due in 2002; _Low domestic prices in Ireland is a disincentive to competition. The Chairman thanked the Delegation and they withdrew. 5Presentation the Joint Committee’s consultants on proposed EU legislation, Curtin Dorgan Associates. The Chairman welcomed Mr. Jim Dorgan and Ms. Maeve Montague of Curtain Dorgan Associates. They presented their fifth report on proposed EU Legislation which was circulated to the Committee. Mr. Dorgan recommended that, in addition to the electricity directive just discussed the Committee could also look at the Directive on sheep and goat meat and the Directive on the allocation of slots in congested airports. The committee also considered a proposal from Deputy Kirk to look at the Directive on EU Transport – installation and use of speed limitation devices (ref 01100) and a proposal from Deputy Bruton to look at the proposal for the application of universal accounting standards. It was agreed to seek the views of a representative group from the approximately 100 Irish quoted companies. 6Any other business The Committee went into private session at 3.15 p.m. The proposals for the rapporteur project before the Committee were agreed. 7.Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 3.22 p.m. until Wednesday 24 October. ________________________ Bernard J. Durkan Chairman to the Committee JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 24 October, 20011The Committee met at 11.30 a.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Seán Barrett, John Bruton, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J Durkan, Seán Haughey, Séamus Kirk, John McGuinness, Jim O’ Keeffe, Nora Owen Senators: Daniel Kiely, Don Lydon, Maurice Manning,, Brendan Ryan Apologies : Seán Power TD, Senator Rory Kiely CoE 2Minutes. The minutes of the meeting of 16,17 October 2001 were agreed 3Correspondence. (i)The Joint Committee noted the following item of correspondence: (ii)letters of 19 and 22 October re. Invitation to the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Forum, 8 November in Brussels – 1 Member. Also attached is letter expressing concern about short notice from Clerk of House of Commons. (iii)Seminar on the Future of Europe – Invitation for an Official to attend, 22-23 November Maastricht (iv)Annual Report of the Committee of Petitions of the European Parliament (v)Letter of invitation to conference on ‘21st Century Projects – Parliaments in the Process of European Enlargement’ – Ljubljana, Slovenia – 15/16 November. (vi)Letter from Mr. Brian Cowan, Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding the Forum for Europe. (vii)Letter from H.E. Mr. Gunaltay Sibay, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey enclosing draft constitutional amendments establishing and enhancing a range of fundamental freedoms and rights. (viii)Notification from the Irish Parliamentary Association of a forthcoming visit of a Parliamentary delegation from the Slovak Republic – 20-22 November. (ix)Declarations from the Heads of State and Governments of the European Union a)Preparation for the introduction of the Euro b)European Commission review of the Economic Situation c)Follow up to the September 11 attacks and the fight against terrorism 4European aspects of terrorism - Presentation by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. John O’ Donoghue The Chairman, Bernard J Durkan welcomed the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. John O’ Donoghue. The Minister made a presentation outlining new proposals to combat terrorism. The Chairman thanked the Delegation and they withdrew. 5.Any other business 6.Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 3.22 p.m. until Wednesday 24 October. ________________________ Bernard J. Durkan Chairman to the Committee JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 7 November, 20011The Committee met at 2.05 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Seán Barrett, John Bruton, Pat Carey, Bernard J Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Seán Haughey, Jim O’ Keefe, Seán Power Senators: Willie Farrell (in substitution for Don Lydon), Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Maurice Manning, Brendan Ryan Apologies: Nora Owen TD Other Members attending: Senator Rory Kiely CoE, Senator John Connors CoE 2Correspondence. The Joint Committee noted the following item of correspondence: _Letter from the Chairman of the European Integration Committee of the Polish Parliament regarding the end of his term as Chairman of the Committee. It was agreed to reply extending the best wishes of the Joint Committee. _Letter dated 1 November from Deputy Tony Killeen, Chairman of the working group of Committee Chairman regarding sanction for Committee travel _Correspondence received from the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus dated 6 November regarding Cypriot – Turkish relationships in the advent of EU membership. 3Committee Travel _Estimates for proposed Committee visits to a conference in Slovenia on 15/16 November entitled “Parliaments in the Process of EU Enlargement” and to Hungary from 19-22 November were circulated. It was agreed that delegations should visit Slovenia and Hungary. _Forum on Europe Following on from the Chairman’s brief oral account of his recent visit to Estonia for discussions on the Future of Europe, there was a short discussion on the question of whether the Joint Committee should make a submission to the Forum on Europe. It was agreed that the Secretariat should be asked to bring forward a draft proposal based on the pre-Nice and post-Nice discussions by the Joint Committee and that the item should be put on the agenda of a forthcoming meeting for discussion and decision on the way forward. 4Presentation by the Turkish Ambassador on proposed amendments to the Turkish Constitution. The Chairman, Deputy Bernard J. Durkan welcomed the Turkish Ambassador HE Mr. S. Günaltay _ibay and Embassy Counsellor, Ms. Nesrin Bayazit. The Ambassador made a presentation outlining proposed amendments to the Turkish Constitution aimed at bringing it more into line with the Community’s acquis requirements. This information is broadly contained in a letter, which the Ambassador sent to the Joint Committee on 10 October. There followed a very frank and open discussion on a number of issues of concern to members viz. standards of democracy and democratic freedoms in Turkey, human rights, the role of the army, freedom of the press, the death penalty, freedom of minorities, the imprisonment of parliamentarians, prisoners and hunger strikes, the issues of Cyprus’s accession to the EU. The Ambassador, attempting to answer the question put by Members, said that his Government had attempted to guarantee human rights and come into line with the EU acquis. However, he said that the Turkish constitution is a product of history, culture and society, which represents the will of an Islamic nation, in Europe but very much on the periphery. He argued that in the particular situation, which obtains in his country, the Turkish authorities have no option but to be more restrictive than in other European countries. He pointed out the difficulties that Islamic countries can face from the threat of fundamentalism taking control. For this reason therefore Turkey has to be vigilant and circumspect as to how liberal it can be. He insisted that Turkey would have to keep the death penalty for terrorism and some other crimes. He claimed that many problems have been dealt with eg new prisons have been built. He acknowledged that the army has much more power than EU armies, but claimed that it is a force for good with strong democratic ties. Members returned to challenge some of these positions. On the question of the accession of Cyprus he bluntly said that if Cyprus became a member of the EU, Turkey would annex Northern Cyprus. He mentioned that his Foreign Minister had made a similar statement recently in Turkey. However, on further questioning, he claimed that the problem lies with the Greek Cypriots who refuse to negotiate as equals with their Turkish neighbours. In support of this he referred to the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, whom he quoted as saying that negotiations must take both sides into account and “ that the equal status of both parties must be recognised”. He claimed that Turkish Cypriots would accept this but Greek Cypriots would not. He equated the Cyprus situation with the peace process in Northern Ireland and the acceptance there of negotiations between equal partners. It was agreed that the transcript of this meeting would be sent to the Houses. 5.Any other business a)The proposals for the rapporteur project before the Committee were agreed. It was further agreed that the drugs issue should be on the agenda for next week’s meeting and that the Garda Commissioner and the Garda Head of the Drugs Unit should be invited. It was also agreed that the Commissioner should be invited to give evidence to the Joint Committee. b)It was agreed that three Members and the Chairman would accept an invitation to meet with the Chairman of the Belgian Senate Committee on European Affairs at a lunch hosted by the Belgian Ambassador on 13 November. c)It was also agreed that the European report on Sellafield should be discussed by the Joint Committee when it becomes available. d)Senator Ryan questioned the proposed EU legislation on Arrest Warrants in relation to whether countries other than EU member States are included. It was agreed that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform should be invited to answer the question. 6.Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 3.22 p.m. until Wednesday 24 October. ________________________ Bernard J. Durkan Chairman to the Committee JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 14 November, 20011The Committee met at 2.04 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Seán Haughey, Séamus Kirk, Jim O’ Keefe, Nora Owen, Seán Power Senators: Willie Farrell (in substitution for Dan Kiely), Helen Keogh, Don Lydon, Brendan Ryan Apologies: Nuala Ahern MEP, John Bruton TD Other Members attending: Senator Rory Kiely CoE 2Minutes of the previous Meeting The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting of 7 November 3Correspondence. The Joint Committee noted the following items of correspondence that were received since the last meeting; _Correspondence from the Department of Foreign Affairs outlining details of available sources of information and documentation relevant to the work of the Joint Committee on European Affairs. _Correspondence outlining the procedures for the National Forum on Europe _Progress Report No. 01/6 from the Joint Committee’s consultants on EU legislation, Curtin Dorgan, to be presented to the Committee at the meeting of 13 November 2001. 4Presentation by the Assistant Garda Commisioner and the Head of the National Drugs Unit on European aspects of the drugs issue The Chairman, Mr Bernard J. Durkan TD welcomed Assistant Commissioner Mr. Joseph Egan and Mr. Detective Superintendent Barry O’Brien, the Head of the National Drugs Unit. Detective Superintendent O’Brien made a presentation on the topic of ‘Combatting Drugs within the EU’ and following the presentation both Officers responded to questions presented by committee members. The following matters addressed during the debate: _Improvements in co-operation measures to reduce access through European routes _New policy to focus resources on harder drugs _Focus on the Dublin Liverpool connection as a major supply route 5Presentation by Curtin Dorgan Associates on proposed EU legislation Mr Jim Dorgan and Ms Maeve Montague, the consultants to the Committee were welcomed by the Chairman. Mr Dorgan presented their Progress Report 01/6 and outlined the following main points of interest; _3.2 Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No 404/93 on the common organisation of the market in bananas. Com (2001) 477. (Item 01116) _3.3 Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the energy performance of buildings. Com (2001) 226. Item (Item 01133) _3.4 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and Council on cross border payments in Euro.Com (2001)439.(Item 01134) _3.5 Proposal for a Council Regulation prohibiting the export of certain goods and services to Afghanistan, strengthening the flight ban and freeze of funds and other financial resources in respect of the Taliban of Afghanistan and repealing Council Regulation 337/2000. Com (2001) 43. Also, two related Sis. (Items 01141-3) _3.6 Proposal of a Council Directive concerning the status of third country nationals who are long-term residents. (Com (2001) 127). Item 001150. _3.7 Proposal for a Council Regulation on jurisdiction and the recognition enforcement of judgements in matters of parental responsibility. (Com(2001)505) Item 01151 It was agreed that a presentation be sought on item 3.4. It was agreed to seek a presentation from the relevant Departments for items 3.2, 3.3, 3.6, 3.7 6Any other business There was no other business 7Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 3.43p.m. until Wednesday 21 November. ________________________ Bernard J. Durkan Chairman to the Committee JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 21 November, 20011The Committee met at 2.07 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Matt Brennan (in substitution for Pat Carey), John Bruton, Michael Collins, Seán Haughey, Séamus Kirk(Chairman), John McGuinness, Jim O’ Keefe Senators: Don Lydon, Jim Walsh (in substitution for Dan Kiely), Brendan Ryan Apologies: Deputies Seán Barrett, Bernard J Durkan, and Seán Power Other Members attending: Senator Rory Kiely CoE, 2Correspondence. The Joint Committee noted the following item: _Correspondence from the Joint Committee on Broadcasting and Parliamentary Information forwarding a Communication on a new framework for co-operation on activities concerning the information and communication policy of the European Union. 3Discussion with the Parliamentary Delegation of the Slovak Republic The Chairman, Séamus Kirk TD, welcoming the Parliamentary Delegation of the Slovak Republic led by Mr Jozef Migaš MP, Chairman of the Slovak Parliament, acknowledged the steady and substantial progress made by the Slovak Republic in preparation for accession to the EU. Mr Megaš introduced the other Members of the delegation – Ms Jana Halušková MP, Party of the Democratic Left, Mr Ján Cuper MP, Movement for Democratic Slovakia, Mr Jozef Ku_ma MP, Party of the Democratic Coalition, Mr Pál Farkas MP, Hungarian Coalition Party. There was an open discussion, principally on the question of enlargement, with all of the visiting Parliamentarians, as well as the Members, contributing. During the discussion Mr Megaš and the other Parliamentarians made the following points:- _The three priority political decisions for the Slovak Republic are joining the OECD, EU and NATO. They have joined the first and are now determined to accede to the two others. _Steady progress is being made on all aspects of the Community acquis. In doing so it has been necessary for their Parliament to deal with approximately 150 negotiation points each month _All parties support membership of the EU (a minority in the Movement for Democratic Slovakia, which includes the former Prime Minister, is against) _75% of the population is for accession to the EU _Slovakia will be ready to join the EU in 2004 _The result of the Irish Nice referendum sent shock waves through Slovakia as they had always felt that Ireland was very pro-EU and pro-enlargement. The Chairman and the Members warmly supported the candidacy of Slovakia for EU membership and pointed out that while the Irish population had voted against Nice, this was not to be seen as a rejection of enlargement. On the contrary Ireland would be strongly favour of early membership for the candidate countries who can meet the acquis requirements Responding to a question on minorities the delegation said that the necessary legislation is in place to ensure minority rights in Slovakia. They added that these rights would obviously be enhanced within the EU. 4Any other business There was no other business 5Adjournment This meeting of the Joint Committee on European Affairs was adjourned at 3.05 p.m. until Wednesday, 28 November at 1.00 p.m. Prior to the adjournment, the Chairman announced that next Wednesday the Committee is scheduled to will meet with a distinguished visitor, Mr Armand De Decker, President of the Belgian Senate. (Belgium currently holds the Presidency of the EU). ________________________ Bernard Dukan Chairman of the Joint Committee JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 28 November, 20011The Committee met at 1.32 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: John Bruton, Pat Carey Michael Collins, Bernard J. Durkan (Chairman), Tony Gregory, Seán Haughey, John McGuinness, Jim O’ Keefe, Nora Owen Senators: Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Don Lydon, Maurice Manning, Brendan Ryan Apologies:Deputies Séamus Kirk TD Other Members attending: Senator Rory Kiely CoE, 2Correspondence. The Joint Committee noted the following items of correspondence; _Letter from Deputy John Bruton re: Curtin Dorgan report _Letter from Deputy Chairman of the Seimas re: Members views on issues related to the future development of Europe _E-mail to Deputy Durkan re: ECAS events on Thursday 29 November. _Letter from Members of the European Parliament re: World Day of Fasting. _Letter from the President of the Belgian Senate Armand De Decker re: the Third European Inter parliamentary Space Conference. _Letter from the Ambassador of Turkey re: recent developments regarding the Cyprus issue _Briefing on the European parliament resolution on the deliberations of the Committee on Petitions during the parliamentary year 2000-2001 and a Report on the deliberations of the Committee on Petitions during the parliamentary year 2000-2001. 3Discussion with the President of the Belgian Senate, Mr. Armand De Decker The Joint Committee was visited by the President of the Belgian Senate, Mr Armand De Decker who wished to discuss the Future of Europe and the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). The Chairman, Mr Bernard J. Durkan TD, welcomed President De Decker and invited him to make a presentation before the Committee. The following are some of the main points, which arose during the discussion; Nice There was an exchange of views on the future of Europe with particular emphasis on the public’s negative view of the EU. Responding to the Chairman, Mr De Decker said that the opinion of the Belgian public would not be very different to the Irish public in relation to the referendum on the Nice Treaty. He added that a large democratic deficit exists in many of the EU Member States and he blamed much of this on what he termed excessive control by bureaucrats in Europe. He maintained that Nice would be the last Treaty in the EU to be negotiated by non-elected officials alone and in this respect he feels Nice will be seen as a historic juncture in the existence of the EU. He believes the proposed Convention to be announced at Laeken, which will involve National Parliaments, the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament, as well as some input from civil society, will lead on to more transparency and give more say to Parliamentarians in the 2004 IGC. A number of Members cautioned that, without a great deal of explanation and reassurance, it was not certain that the electorate in Ireland would reverse their decision on Nice at a future referendum. Doubts were cast on the way the matter was been approached at present and worries were expressed that if the necessary campaign to convince the public is delayed until after a new government takes office it may be too late. European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) Mr De Decker said that he and the President of the Belgian Lower House had been given a task by their Government to look at the role of Parliaments in relation to the ESDP. They started off from the premise that EU parliaments should have a collective view on ESDP, as this would inter alia, give more say to smaller member States. They also came to the view that COSAC would not be able to effectively deal with this issue. They had first suggested, at the Conference on European Security and Defence Policy held in July 2001, the creation of a new ad hoc defence and security assembly consisting of delegates from National Parliaments and the European Parliament. However, this was not acceptable to a number of member States. At a follow-up meeting of the same conference early November 2001, they changed the assembly model to a twice-yearly conference of EU National Parliaments and the European Parliament on the ESDP, which would be attended by five delegates from each Parliament. President De Decker agreed with Deputy Owen that Ireland had expressed concerns about the proposed establishment of a security and defence assembly and in particular the proposals which related to representation. Members also expressed concern about the level of involvement of the European Parliament. President De Decker agreed that the European Parliament’s role should be balanced. However, he argued strongly for his proposal saying that if the national parliaments did not join together on ESDP the European Parliament would take the matter over on its own. President De Decker pointed out that the Rapid Reaction Force is not a European Army. Rather it is intended to offer the potential for a European response to conflict in or near Europe with each Member State deciding on the level of its involvement. He claimed that EU spending on defence was 60% of US defence spending but only 10% as effective. In time he said this could evolve into a more cohesive unit, but only with the consent of all member States. Belgium does not want the larger countries dictating the terms of the RRK and therefore he feels that a parliamentary scrutiny system of some sort is needed. Among the comments made by Members during this portion of the debate were; ºThere has always been strong public support for international peacekeeping in Ireland. ºSome Members mentioned the importance of the preservation of Irish neutrality. ºThe need for so much secrecy on ESDP was questioned. 4Any other business There was no other business 5Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 3.02 p.m. ________________________ Bernard Durkan Chairman of the Joint Committee JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 6 December, 20011The Committee met at 11.14 a.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Seán Haughey, Séamus Kirk(Chairman), John McGuinness, Jim O’ Keefe, Nora Owen Senators: Willie Farrell (in substitution for Don Lydon), Helen Keogh, Dan Kiely, Maurice Manning Apologies: Deputies John Bruton, Bernard J Durkan Other Members attending: Senator John Connor CoE, Senator Rory Kiely CoE, 2Correspondence. The Joint Committee noted the following items of correspondence; Correspondence dated 5 December 2001 from the Chairman of the Committee for European Integration in the Czech Republic inviting Members to visit the Czech Parliament next January. It was agreed that four Members would attend on behalf of the Committee. 3EU Legislation – Presentation by Officials from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment The Chairman welcomed two Officials from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Eamon Carey and Mr John Hoban. They made a presentation on a proposed EU Regulation Sales Promotions in the Internal Market. Following the presentation there was a question and answer session. It was agreed that that the Joint Committee should seek the views of appropriate bodies such as RGDATA; IFA; IBEC. It was also agreed that the Director of Consumer Affairs should also be asked her views and an invitation should issue to the EU Commissioner Mr. David Byrne. 4Any other business There was no other business 5Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 11.54 a.m ___________________ Bernard Durkan Chairman of the Joint Committee JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 12 December, 20011The Committee met at 4.03 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Seán Barrett, John Bruton, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J Durkan(Chairman), Seán Haughey, Séamus Kirk, Jim O’ Keeffe, Nora Owen, Seán Power Senators: Don Lydon, Maurice Manning Other Members attending: Senator Rory Kiely CoE, 2Minutes of the Previous meetings The minutes of the meeting of 6 December 2001 were agreed 3.Correspondence. The Joint Committee noted the following items of correspondence; (i)Briefing from the Department of Foreign Affairs on a proposed Regulation laying down the Statute for Executive Agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community Programmes. (ii)List of Statutory Instruments received by the Committee since October 2001. (iii)Draft Report of the meeting of the COSAC Chairmen on 1 December 2001. The Committee agreed the COSAC report. 4.Presentation by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus The Chairman welcomed the Cypriot Ambassador, HE Dr Nicholas Emiliou who made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session with the Members followed. The Ambassador expressed the view that Cyprus’s accession to the EU would positively contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the Union. He stated that accession is the natural outcome of a longstanding relationship between Cyprus and the other member States and that Cyprus was ready to face the challenges accession would bring. When questioned on the political divisions in Cyprus, Dr Emiliou stressed that accession is a vital element in achieving a permanent settlement. 5Presentation by the French Minister with responsibility for European Affairs Mr Pierre Moscovici, the French Minister with responsibility for European Affairs and his Delegation were welcomed by the Chairman. Mr Moscovici made a presentation to the Committee following which he responded to Members questions. 6Any other business There was no other business 7Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 5.51 p.m. ________________________ Bernard Durkan Chairman of the Joint Committee JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRSMinutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 19 December, 20011The Committee met at 2.35 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000. Members present: Deputies: Seán Barrett, John Bruton, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Bernard J Durkan(Chairman), Seán Haughey, Séamus Kirk, Jim O’ Keeffe, Nora Owen, Seán Power Senators: Don Lydon, Maurice Manning Other Members attending: Senator Rory Kiely CoE, 2Minutes of the Previous meetings The minutes of the meeting of 13 December 2001 were agreed 3Correspondence. The following item of correspondence, received by the Committee since the last meeting on 12 December, were considered 1.The Committee’s Work Programme was agreed 2.Letter from Ms. Nicole Fontaine President of the European Parliament thanking the Committee for a chance to meet and discuss issues with the Committee was noted. 3.Letter from Tunne Kelam the Vice President of the Riigikogu President of the Estonia and European Union Conference following from the 8th International Conference “Estonia and the European Union” was noted 4.Letter from Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment re: Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 80/987/EEC. On the Approximation of Laws relating to the protection of Employees in the event of the insolvency of their Employer was noted 5.Letter from the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment enclosing copies of SI No. 547 of 2000. – Prohibition of the Export of certain goods and services to Afghanistan and strenghtening of the flight ban (Amendment) (No 2). Regulations, 2001 was noted. 6.Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen’s opening address to the Danish Parliament (Folketinget) on the Tuesday 4 December 2001. was noted 7.A copy of the November 2001 Issue of the magazine from the Institute of European Affairs was noted. 8.Letter of invitation to the Wilton Park Conference 670 “Enlarging the European Union “in Bulgaria 18-21 March 2002. – it was agreed to attend this conference. 9.A copy of the Ministerial Declaration of the DOHA WTO Ministerial 2001 adopted on 14 November 2001. – it was agreed to look at this issue in the new year. 10.Special edition of the Agence Europe 17th December 2001 was noted 11.Briefing material from the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform on – Draft Council Regulation on Jurisdiction and the Recognition and enforcement of Judgements in matters of Parental Responsibility – it was agreed to take no further action on this matter. 4Work programme of the Committee The Chairman referred to previous correspondence with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Taoiseach and each of the Ministers last July in which the question of consultation with the Committee was addressed. Following discussions, it was agreed that the Minister for Foreign Affairs should be invited before the Committee to discuss proposals to improve the consultation process and that a letter should issue to the Taoiseach advising him of the Committee’s view of the importance of putting in place an appropriate consultation process supported by sufficient resources as a matter of urgency. The Chairman referred to the current proposals for Dáil Reform and said that the proposal to have a committee week exclusively for Committee work will not work for this Committee. It was agreed that this Committee should continue to meet every week as it had done heretofore. Deputy O’Keeffe referred to the recent resolution of the Dáil in relation to enlargement of the European Union. It was agreed that the Committee should seek submissions from the public and from interested parties or organizations on this matter and thereafter the Committee should hold hearings on this important issue. It was agreed to proceed with this proposal in the new year with the placement of advertisements in the National newspapers as a first step. Deputy Owen proposed that Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs be invited to a meeting in the new year to discuss the Laeken Declaration and the convention. The proposal was agreed. 5.Proposed Legislation – Presentation by officials from the Department of Finance on a Proposal for a Regulation on cross border payments in Euro. (Com(2001) 439) The meeting was joined by Mr Colm Breslin and Mr. Patrick Howard from the Department of Finance. Mr. Breslin made a presentation on the proposals for a regulation on cross border payments. Following the presentation there was a discussion during which Members voiced their concerns at a proposal to exclude payments made by cheque from the draft regulation thereby permitting banking institutions to apply higher charges for processing euro cheques. 6Any other business It was agreed that the Committee should have a working lunch in January to discuss the work of the Committee in advance of the next formal meeting. 7.Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 4.09 p.m. ________________________ Bernard Durkan Chairman of the Joint Committee APPENDIX 7Joint Committee on European AffairsDraft 2002 Work Programme·Convention on Future of Europe ·EU Enlargement ·European aspects of the Drugs problem ·EU Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna (Special Areas of Conservation) ·Report on the Future of Europe |
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