Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2005 > Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, 2003/3

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

An Comhchoiste um Chumarsáid, Muir agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2002/3

agus

CLÁR OIBRE 2004

Feabhra 2004

HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

ANNUAL REPORT 2002/3

and

WORK PROGRAMME 2004

February 2004

Table of Contents

1. Content and Format of Report

This report has been prepared pursuant to Standing Order 84 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Dáil Éireann) and Standing Order 69 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Seanad Éireann) which provide for the Joint Committee to-

• undertake a review of its procedure and its role generally
• prepare an annual work programme
• lay minutes of its proceedings before both Houses
• make an annual report to both Houses .

At its meeting on 10 February 2004, the Joint Committee agreed that all these items should be included in this annual report.

2. Functions and Powers

The Dáil Select Committee was established by Order of Dáil Éireann of 16 October 2002 to consider Bills, Estimates for Public Services and the terms of any international agreement involving a charge on public funds which come within the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

The Dáil Select Committee under the same Order was enjoined with a Select Committee of Seanad Éireann, established by Order of Seanad Éireann of 17 October 2002, to form the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Among the principal functions of the Joint Committee are to consider –

• public affairs administered by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
• matters of policy for which the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is responsible
• legislative and expenditure proposals of the Department
• scrutiny of EU legislative proposals
• certain matters relating to bodies under the aegis of the Department

The Orders of Reference of the Dáil Select Committee and the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 1.

3. Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Convenors and Membership

Deputy Noel O’Flynn was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee on 12 November 2002. Senator Michael Finucane was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on 12 November 2002. The Chairman of the Joint Committee is also Chairman of the Dáil Select Committee.

Deputies Martin Brady and Eamon Ryan are the Convenors of the Committee whose function it is to ensure the availability and attendance of Members or their substitutes for meetings of the Committee and, in particular, to ensure Members’ availability for divisions.

The Members of the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 2.

4. Establishment of Sub-Committee

Standing Order 81(3) (Dáil) and Standing Order 65(3) (Seanad) confer on Committees the power to appoint sub-Committees and to refer to such sub-Committees any matter covered by its orders of reference and to delegate any of its powers to such sub-Committees, including power to report directly to the Dáil and Seanad.

The Joint Committee agreed at its meeting on the 27 November 2002 to create a sub-Committee to consider Information Communication Technology.

It was also agreed that the Sub-Committee would consist of seven Members (six Dáil and one Seanad). The Orders of Reference of the sub-Committee are set out in Appendix 1. The Members of the sub-Committee are set out in Appendix 2.

At its first meeting on 18 February 2003 the Sub-Committee elected Deputy Noel O’Flynn as Chairman.

5. Meetings, Attendance and Recording

Meetings of the Joint Committee, Select Committee and sub-Committee took place in the Committee rooms in Leinster House 2000. Meetings were in public unless otherwise ordered by the Committee.

Televised coverage of public meetings of the Committee were broadcast live within the Leinster House complex and was available for subsequent public broadcasting by RTE and TV3.

An Official Report (Parliamentary Debates) of public meetings of the Committees is published and may be purchased from the Government Publications Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. The Official Reports may also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas website at www.irlgov.ie/oireachtas.

Copies of other reports published by the Joint Committee may be obtained from the Clerk, Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. A list of these reports is set out at paragraph 9.

6. Number and Duration of Meetings

The Joint Committee met on twenty-four occasions in the year under report. The number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 57 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in paragraph 7 below and at Appendix 3.

The Dáil Select Committee met on eight occasions in the year under report and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 10 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in paragraph 7 below and at Appendix 4.

The Sub-Committee on ICT met on twelve occasions during the year and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 35 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in paragraph 7 below and at Appendix 5.

Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee and sub-Committee meetings in public session are attached at Appendix 6 and Appendix 7.

7. Work of the Committee

7.1 Joint Committee

On the twenty-four occasions the Joint Committee met, it dealt with the following matters:

• Work Programme for 2003
• The Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy
• Financial Crisis facing RTÉ
• Report on the Common Fisheries Policy
• Rapporteur’s Report on Local Radio
• Issues regarding An Post
• Report on Forestry in Ireland
• Policy Issues facing Broadcasting
• The Irish Box
• Replacement Tonnage
• Harbour/Landing fees
• Local Radio and Broadcasting Commission of Ireland
• Mobile Phone Market
• Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (Eligible Customer)(Consumption of Electricity) Order 2003
• Aquaculture Industry
• Meeting with Local Fishery bodies prior to December’s EU Agriculture & Fisheries Council
• Fisheries (Miscellaneous Commercial Licences)(Alterations of Duties) Order 2003

• Scrutiny of the following EU legislative proposals:
• COM (2002) 404: a Proposal for a Regulation concerning monitoring of Forests and environmental interaction
• COM (2002) 488: a Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and the Council concerning the alignment of measures with regard to security of supply for petroleum products.
• COM (2002) 739: a proposal for a Council Regulation on the management of the fishing effort relating to certain fishing community fishing areas and resources and modifying regulation.
• COM (2002) 672: a proposal for a Council Regulation for the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures for the protection of juveniles of marine organisms
• COM (2002) 773: Amended proposal for a Council Regulation establishing measures for the recovery of cod and hake stocks
• COM (2003) 63: 63 Re: establishing the European Network & Information Security Agency
• COM (2003) 92:Re: Ship-source pollution and the introduction of sanctions for pollution offences.
• COM (2003) 237: Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing measures for the recovery of cod stocks
• COM (2003) 229: a Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing measures on enhancing maritime transport security.
• COM (2003) 319: Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the management of waste from the extractive industries.
• COM (2003) 374: Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing measures for the recovery of the Northern Hake stock.

A copy of the Joint Committee’s work programme for 2004 is at Appendix 8.

7.2 Dáil Select Committee

On the 7 occasions the Dáil Select Committee met, it dealt with the following matters:

• Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Bill 2003 Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2002 Digital Hub Development Agency Bill 2002 [Seanad]
• Revised Estimates for the Department of Communication, Marine and Natural Resources – Vote 30
• Oil Pollution of the Sea (Civil Liability and Compensation) (Amendment) Bill 2003
• Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003 [Seanad]

7.3 Sub-Committee on Information Communication Technology

On the twelve occasions that it met, the Sub-Committee on ICT dealt with the following matters:

• Election of Chairman
• Work Programme
• Provision of a National high-speed Broadband infrastructure including the costs to users
• Delivery of Government, business and commerce functions through the national high speed broadband infrastructure
• Examination of issues for the Report on Broadband.
• Consideration of the draft Report on Broadband

8. Groups and Individuals attending before Committee

In the year under report, the Joint Committee met with the following organisations, groups and individuals:

• Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources
• Common Fisheries Review Group
• BIM
• The Marine Institute
• The Management of RTÉ
• The RTÉ group of Unions
• NUI
• The Commission for Communication Regulation
• An Post
• TICO
• Communications Workers Union
• TV3
• KFO
• ISWFO
• IFPO
• The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland
• The Consumer Association of Ireland
• ComReg
• O₂
• Vodafone
• Meteor
• 3 Ireland
• FISTA
• IFA
• Irish Fisherman’s Organisation
• Irish Fish Processors & Exporters Association
• South & East Fisherman’s Organisation
• CFB
• NFB
• WFB

The Sub-Committee on Information Communication Technology met with the following groups and individuals –

• Mr. Tom Cahill- Independent National Data Centre
• Mr. John McAleer – Director South Western Regional Authority
• Ms. Nana Luke- director of E-Training International and chairperson of Telework Ireland
• Mr. Eddie Sadlier - A Community Garda in Tallaght
• Mr. Robert Fitzsimons - Ireland WAN
• Mr. David Long & Mr. Christian Cook - Ireland Offline
• Ms. Deirdre Matthews (teacher), Ms. Annie O’Connell and Ms. Ruth Devine Students - St. Vincent’s Secondary School Dundalk
• Ms. Ursula O’Sullivan- SHB
• Mr. Seamus Dooley NUJ Donal O’Braonáin & Cristen Tilley - RTE Group of Unions
• Dr. Ricky Richardson - Health Technology Consultant
• Mr. Jerome Morrissey- National Centre for Technology in Education
• Mr. Brendan Butler & Ms. Michelle Quinn - ICT Ireland, IBEC
• Mr. Pat Shanahan - Atlantic Technology Alliance
• Ms. Francis Buggy - Broadband as an enabling technology to address existing and potential inequality
• Mr. Peter Finnegan and Ryan Meade - Dublin City Development Board
• Mr. Joe Macri- Microsoft
• Mr. Martin Murphy & Una Halligan- HP
• Mr. Phil Smith & Mr. Yogesh Desai - CISCO
• Mrs. Catherine E. Walshe- Senior Citizen - The experiences of Senior Citizens interacting with computer technology and how broadband can affect the quality of lives for Senior Citizens
• Ms. Sadhbh McCarty- Gender perspective
• Mr. Brian Boyle & Mr. Don Bailey Disability Federation of Ireland- Disability perspective
• Mr. Cameron Milliken, Mr. Tom Tynan, Mr. John Tyrell, Mr. Eugene Murray and Mr. Bob Hansford. – IAWS/AXIA
• Dr. Sarah Skerratt- Digital Divide – Regionalisation
• Ms Etain Doyle, Mr. John Doherty, Ms Isolde Goggin and Mr. Gary Healy ComReg
• Mr. Dan Flinter & Ms Jennifer Condon - Enterprise Ireland
• Mr. George Young, Mr. David Healey and Mr. Tommy McCabe of the Telecommunications and Internet Federation of IBEC
• Mr. Ed Brophy and Mr. Mark Mohan from NTL.
• Mr. Willie Fagan and Ms Grainne McLaughlin from Chorus
• Mr. Andrew Kelly, Mr. Niall Norton, Mr. Laurence McAuley - Mobile Phone operators - Vodafone, O2, Meteor
• Mr. John McSweeney and Mr. John Wyse – ESB (national backbone)
• Dept. of Finance – Mr. Dave Doyle, Mr. Paul Byrne & Mr. Jim Duffy- State funding
• Mr. Colm Butler - Information Society Policy Unit
• Mr. Brendan Touhy (Secretary General), Niall O’Donnchú, Stephen O’Connor- Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
• Mr. Ronan Lupton & Mr. Eamonn Walsh - MCI
• Mr. Bernard Keogh - Global Crossing
• Ms. Siobhan Masterson, Mr. Paul McSweeney & Mr. Brian Carolan- Telephone Users Group, IBEC
• Mr. Jimmy Stewart- C2K, Northern Ireland
• Mr. William H. Melody- Economist
• Mr. Martin Cronin & Mr. Adrian Devitt - Forfas
• Mr. Ruairi Jennings - Irish Broadband
• Mr. Colm Piercy - Digiweb
• Mr. Iarla Flynn of ALTO
• Mr. McMahon, Mr. Hamilton & Mr. Andrew Kelly - Meteor
• Minister Dermot Ahern T.D., Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources
• Minister Mary Hanafin T.D., Minister for State at the Department of the Taoiseach responsible for the Information Society.

9. Reports

9.1 Joint Committee Reports

During the year under report, the Joint Committee published the following reports:

• “Local Radio: The Licencing Process – a review of the licencing system as experienced by Local Radio Stations in Ireland
• EU Scrutiny Report on COM (2002) 404 - a Proposal for a Regulation concerning monitoring of Forests and environmental interaction
• EU Scrutiny Report on COM (2002) 488 - a Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and the Council concerning the alignment of measures with regard to security of supply for petroleum products.
• EU Scrutiny Report on COM (2003) 63 - a Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European Network and Information Security Agency
• EU Scrutiny Report on COM (2003) 92 - a Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of sanctions, including criminal sanctions, for pollution offences
• EU Scrutiny Report on COM (2002) 672 - a Proposal for a Council Regulation for the Conservation of Fisheries Resources through technical measures for the protection of juveniles of Marine organisms
• EU Scrutiny Report on COM (2002) 739 - a Proposal for a Council Regulation on the Management of the fishing effort relating to certain fishing areas and resources and modifying Regulation (EEC) 2847/93

9.2 Work in Progress

• Report on broadband
• Scrutiny of EU legislative proposals

10. Travel

The Joint Committee undertook the following travel in accordance with its Orders of Reference in connection with its work programme.

11. Functions and Powers

The Joint Committee is currently satisfied with its present procedures and role. The Joint Committee noted the transfer of the forestry remit from the Minister from Communications, Marine & Natural Resources to the Minister for Agriculture & Food.

Noel O’Flynn T.D.

Chairman

10 February 2004

Appendix 1 – Orders of Reference
Joint Committee on Communications,
Marine and Natural Resources

Orders of Reference

Dáil Éireann on 16 October 2002 ordered:

1. 1. That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources consisting of 11 members of Dáil Éireann (of whom 4 shall constitute a quorum), be appointed to consider -
      
      1. such Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources;
      2. such Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; and
      3. such proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within the meaning of Standing Order 157 concerning the approval by the Dáil of international agreements involving a charge on public funds,

      as shall be referred to it by Dáil Éireann from time to time.

      
      
   2. For the purpose of its consideration of Bills and proposals under paragraphs (1)(a)(i) and (1)(a)(iii), the Select Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 81(1), (2) and (3).
   3. For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of his or her ex officio membership of the Select Committee in accordance with Standing Order 90(1), the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (or a Minister or Minister of State nominated in his or her stead) shall be entitled to vote.
2. 1. The Select Committee shall be joined with a Select Committee to be appointed by Seanad Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to consider -
      
      1. such public affairs administered by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources as it may select, including, in respect of Government policy, bodies under the aegis of that Department;
      2. such matters of policy for which the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is officially responsible as it may select;
      3. such related policy issues as it may select concerning bodies which are partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or appointed by Members of the Government or by the Oireachtas;
      4. such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select;
      5. such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be referred to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order 81(4);
      6. the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and the Joint Committee shall be so authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act;
      7. such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies specified in paragraphs 2(a)(i) and (iii), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select;

      Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993;

      
      

      Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body or by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; and

      
      
      8. such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas,

      and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

      
      
   2. The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be five, of whom at least one shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and one a member of Seanad Éireann.
   3. The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 81(1) to (9) inclusive.
3. The Chairman of the Joint Committee, who shall be a member of Dáil Éireann, shall also be Chairman of the Select Committee.”.

Annual Report 2002/03 and Work Programme 2004

Seanad Éireann on 17 October 2002 ordered:

1. 1. That a Select Committee consisting of 4 members of Seanad Éireann shall be appointed to be joined with a Select Committee of Dáil Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to consider –
      
      1. such public affairs administered by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources as it may select, including, in respect of Government policy, bodies under the aegis of that Department;
      2. such matters of policy for which the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is officially responsible as it may select;
      3. such related policy issues as it may select concerning bodies which are partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or appointed by Members of the Government or by the Oireachtas;
      4. such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select;
      5. such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be referred to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order 65(4);
      6. the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and the Joint Committee shall be so authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act;
      7. such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies specified in paragraphs 1(a)(i) and (iii), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select;

      Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993;

      
      

      Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body concerned or by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources;
      and

      
      
      8. such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas,

      and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

      
      
   2. The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be five, of whom at least one shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and one a member of Seanad Éireann.
   3. The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 65(1) to (9) inclusive.
2. The Chairman of the Joint Committee shall be a member of Dáil Éireann.”.

Annual Report 2002/03 and Work Programme 2004
Sub-Committee on Information Communications Technology

Order Establishing a sub-Committee 27 November 2002

1. That-
   
   1. a sub-Committee (to be called the sub-Committee on Information Communication Technology) be established to consider issues in relation to information communications technology which are referred to it, from time to time, by the Joint Committee
   2. the sub-Committee shall report to the main Committee not later than three months from the date of any matter being referred to it ;.
   3. the sub-Committee shall consist of 7 Members:
   4. the quorum of the sub-Committee shall be three,
   5. in relation to the matters specifically referred to it in paragraph (a) above, the sub-Committee shall have only those functions of the Joint Committee which are set out in sub-paragraphs (2)(a)(i) and (ii) (Dáil) and in sub-paragraphs (1)(a)(i) and (ii) (Seanad) of the Joint Committee’s Orders of Reference;1
   6. the sub-Committee shall have all the powers of the Joint Committee, namely, those contained in Standing Order 81(1), (2) and (4) to (9) (Dáil) and in Standing Order 65 (1), (2) and (4) to (9) (Seanad)2: provided that the powers to print and publish evidence, to travel and to engage persons with specialist or technical knowledge shall, in each case, be subject to the approval of the Joint Committee.”.

   ¹ Key to subparagraphs of main Committee’s Orders of Reference referred to: (i)= public affairs administered by Departments; (ii)=matters of policy under Ministers’ responsibility; (iii)=bodies which are partly or wholly funded by the State; (iv)=Statutory instruments; (v)=EU Legislation (vi)=Strategy Statements (vii)=Annual reports required by law to be laid before the houses (viii)=other matters referred by the Dáil/Seanad.

   
   

   ² Key to paragraphs of Dáil/Seanad Standing Orders referred to: (1)= take evidence; (2)= invite submissions; (3)=establish sub-committees; (4)=draft legislative change; (5),(6)=meet Ministers re policy/proposed legislation; (7)=meet principal office holders in State Bodies; (8)= consultants; (9)=travel.

   
   

Annual Report 2002/03 and Work Programme 2004
JOINT COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATION
MARINE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

List of Members

Annual Report 2002/03 and Work Programme 2004
JOINT COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS,
MARINE AND NATURAL RESOURCES – ICT SUB-COMMITTEE.

List of Members

Annual Report 2002/03 and Work Programme 2004

Meetings of the Joint Committee

Annual Report 2002/03 and Work Programme 2004

Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

Annual Report 2002/03 and Work Programme 2004

Meetings of the Sub-Committee

Appendix 7 – Minutes of the Proceedings of the Sub- Committee
Sub Committee on Information Communication Technology
Proceedings of the Sub-Committee
18 February 2003

1. The Joint Committee met at 3.00 p.m in Committee Room1, LH2000.
2. Attendance
   The following Members were present:-
   

   Deputies: Martin Brady, Thomas Broughan, Simon Coveney, Denis O’Donovan, Noel O’Flynn, and Eamon Ryan.

   
   
   

   Senator Brendan Kenneally

   
   

In Private Sessio

3. Item discussed in Private Session.
4. Any Other Business
   As there was no other business the committee adjourned

Noel O’Flynn

Chairman

February, 2003

Appendix 7 – Minutes of the Proceedings of the Sub- Committee
Sub Committee on Information Communication Technology
Proceedings of the Sub-Committee
26 February 2003

1. The Joint Committee met at 2:30p.m in Committee Room3, LH2000.
2. Attendance
   The following Members were present:-
   

   Deputies: Martin Brady, Noel O’Flynn, Thomas Broughan, Simon Coveney, Eamon Ryan and Denis O’Donovan.

   
   
   

   Apologies from Senator Brendan Kenneally

   
   

In Private Session

3. Item discussed in Private Session.
4. Item discussed in Private Session.
5. Item discussed in Private Session.
6. Any Other Business
   As there was no other business the committee adjourned

Noel O’Flynn

Chairman

March, 2003

Appendix 7 – Minutes of the Proceedings of the Sub- Committee
Sub Committee on Information Communication Technology
Proceedings of the Sub-Committee
11 March 2003

1. The Joint Committee met at 3.00p.m in Committee Room3, LH2000.
2. Attendance
   The following Members were present:-
   

   Deputies: Martin Brady, Thomas Broughan, Simon Coveney, Noel O’Flynn, Eamon Ryan and Peter Kelly*, Senator Brendan Kenneally.

   
   
   

   * In substitution for Deputy Denis O’Donovan
   Also in attendance was Deputy Peter Power

   
   

In Private Session

3. Item discussed in Private Session.
4. Item discussed in Private Session.

In Public Session

5. The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Dermot Ahern TD made a presentation to the Committee on the national high speed broadband infrastructure including the costs to users. This was followed by a question and answer session.
6. The Minister for State in the Taoiseach’s Office, Mary Hanafin made a presentation to the Committee on the delivery of Government, business and commerce functions through the national high speed broadband infrastructure. This was followed by a question and answer session.
7. Any Other Business
   As there was no other business the committee adjourned

Noel O’Flynn

Chairman

March, 2003

Appendix 7 – Minutes of the Proceedings of the Sub- Committee
Sub Committee on Information Communication Technology
Proceedings of the Sub-Committee
20 May 2003

1. The Joint Committee met at 3.00p.m in Committee Room4, LH2000.
2. Attendance
   The following Members were present:-
   

   Deputies: Martin Brady, Thomas Broughan, Simon Coveney, Noel O’Flynn, Eamon Ryan and Denis O’Donovan, Senator Brendan Kenneally.

   
   

In Private Session

3. Item discussed in Private Session
4. Any Other Business
   As there was no other business the committee adjourned

Noel O’Flynn

Chairman

May, 2003

Appendix 7 – Minutes of the Proceedings of the Sub- Committee
Sub Committee on Information Communication Technology
Proceedings of the Sub-Committee
4 June 2003

1. The Sub-Committee on ICT met at 10.00 a.m to 1.25 p.m in Committee Room 4 & from 2.19 p.m to 5.50 p.m in Committee Room3 LH2000.
2. Attendance
   The following Members were present:-
   

   Deputies: John McGuinness*, Noel O’Flynn, Thomas Broughan, Simon Coveney, Eamon Ryan, Denis O’Donovan and Senator Brendan Kenneally.

   
   
   

   * In substitution for Deputy Martin Brady

   
   

In Public Session

1. Presentations
   Each of the following individual groups made presentations to the Committee. Each presentation was followed by a question and answer session.
   
   1. Mr. Tom Cahill from the Independent National Data Center.
   2. Mr. John McAleer from the South Western Regional Authority.
   3. Ms. Nana Luke Director e-Training International and Chairperson Telework Ireland.
   4. Mr. Eddie Sadlier from the Tymon Bawn Community Group Tallaght.
   5. Mr. Robert Fitzsimons from Ireland WAN.
   6. Mr. David Long from Ireland Offline.
   7. Ms. Deirdre Matthews, Ms. Annie O’Connell and Ms. Ruth Devine from St. Vincent’s Secondary School Dundalk.
   8. Ms. Ursula O’Sullivan from the Southern Health Board.
   9. Mr. Seamus Dooley from the NUJ and Mr. Donal O’Braonáin from the RTE Group of Unions.
2. Any Other Business
   As there was no other business the committee adjourned sine die

Noel O’Flynn

Chairman

Appendix 7 – Minutes of the Proceedings of the Sub- Committee
Sub Committee on Information Communication Technology
Proceedings of the Sub-Committee
5 June 2003

1. The Sub-Committee on ICT met at 10.00a.m in Committee Room2 LH2000.
2. Attendance
   The following Members were present:-
   

   Deputies: Martin Brady, Noel O’Flynn, Thomas Broughan, Simon Coveney, Eamon Ryan, Denis O’Donovan and Senator Brendan Kenneally.

   
   

In Public Session

3. The Joint Committee sent the following two motions to the Sub-Committee;
   To examine, consider and report to the Joint Committee on all aspects of the provision of a national high-speed broadband infrastructure including the costs to users and on the potential to deliver Government, business and commerce functions through the same infrastructure.
   

   The following made presentations;

   
   
   1. Dr Ricky Richardson, Health Technology Consultant
   2. Jerome Morrissey on the National Center for Technology in Education
   3. Brendan Butler on ICT Ireland, IBEC
   4. Pat Shanahan on Atlantic Technology Alliance
   5. Frances Buggy on Broadband
   6. Peter Finnegan, Dublin City Development Board
   7. Joe Macri, Microsoft
   8. Una Halligan, HP
   9. Phil Smith, CISCO
   10. Catherine E. Walshe, Senior Citizen

   Each presentation was followed by a Question and Answers session with the Members.

   
   
4. Any Other Business
   As there was no other business the committee adjourned

Noel O’Flynn

Chairman

June, 2003

Appendix 7 – Minutes of the Proceedings of the Sub- Committee
Sub Committee on Information Communication Technology
Proceedings of the Sub-Committee
24 June 2003

1. The Sub-Committee on ICT met at 10.00a.m to 1.00p.m in Committee Room4 & from 2.00p.m to 5.00p.m in Committee Room1 LH2000.
2. Attendance
   The following Members were present:-
   

   Deputies: Martin Brady, Noel O’Flynn, Thomas Broughan, Simon Coveney, Eamon Ryan, Eoin Ryan* and Senator Brendan Kenneally.

   
   
   

   * In substitution for Deputy Denis O’Donovan.

   
   

In Public Session

3. In the preparation of a report to the Joint Committee, the sub-Committee invited groups and parties who have an interest in the area of Broadband and the delivery of Government, Business and Commerce functions through the national broadband infrastructure to make presentations to the sub-Committee
   

   The following groups made presentations;

   
   
   1. Ms. Sadhbh McCarty on the gender perspective.
   2. Disability Federation of Ireland on the disability perspective.
   3. IAWS – AXIA on the Canadian experience.
   4. Dr. Sarah Skerratt on digital divide, digital delay and rationalization.
   5. ComReg on the work of the regulator as it applies to Broadband.
   6. Enterprise Ireland on the Irish experience and need for Broadband.

   Each presentation was followed by a Question and Answers session with the Members.

   
   
4. Any Other Business
   As there was no other business the committee adjourned

Noel O’Flynn

Chairman

June, 2003

Appendix 7 – Minutes of the Proceedings of the Sub- Committee
Sub Committee on Information Communication Technology
Proceedings of the Sub-Committee
1 July 2003

1. The Sub-Committee on ICT met at 10.00a.m to 1.37p.m in Committee Room1 & from 2.39p.m to 7.04p.m in Committee Room4 LH2000.
2. Attendance
   The following Members were present:-
   

   Deputies: Martin Brady, Noel O’Flynn, Thomas Broughan, Simon Coveney, Eamon Ryan and Senator Brendan Kenneally.

   
   

   Also in attendance was Deputy Sean Ardagh

   
   

In Public Session

3. The Joint Committee sent the following two motions to the Sub-Committee;
   To examine, consider and report to the Joint Committee on all aspects of the provision of a national high-speed broadband infrastructure including the costs to users and on the potential to deliver Government, business and commerce functions through the same infrastructure.
   

   The following groups made presentations;

   
   
   1. Telecom and Internet Federation of IBEC.
   2. ESAT.
   3. Eircom.
   4. NTL and Chorus.
   5. Mobile Phone Operators with the Telecom and Internet Federation of IBEC.
   6. ESB.
   7. Department of Finance.
   8. Information Society Police Unit.

   Each presentation was followed by a Question and Answers session with the Members.

   
   
4. Any Other Business
   As there was no other business the committee adjourned

Noel O’Flynn

Chairman

July, 2003

Appendix 7 – Minutes of the Proceedings of the Sub- Committee
Sub Committee on Information Communication Technology
Proceedings of the Sub-Committee
8 July 2003

1. The Sub-Committee on ICT met at 10.00a.m in Committee Room1 LH2000.
2. Attendance
   The following Members were present:-
   

   Deputies: Martin Brady, Noel O’Flynn, Thomas Broughan, Simon Coveney, Eamon Ryan and Senator Brendan Kenneally.

   
   

In Public Session

3. The Joint Committee sent the following two motions to the Sub-Committee;
   To examine, consider and report to the Joint Committee on all aspects of the provision of a national high-speed broadband infrastructure including the costs to users and on the potential to deliver Government, business and commerce functions through the same infrastructure.
   

   The following groups made presentations;

   
   
   1. Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
   2. MCI/Global Crossing.
   3. Telephone Users Group of IBEC.
   4. Mr. Jimmy Stewart of Northern Ireland on the Classroom 2000 project.
   5. William H. Melody, an Economist.
   6. Forfas.
   7. Irish Broadband/Digiweb/Alto.
   8. Meteor.

   Each presentation was followed by a Question and Answers session with the Members.

   
   
4. Any Other Business
   As there was no other business the committee adjourned

Noel O’Flynn

Chairman

July, 2003

Appendix 7 – Minutes of the Proceedings of the Sub- Committee
Sub Committee on Information Communication Technology
Proceedings of the Sub-Committee
23 July 2003

1. The Joint Committee met at 11.00a.m in Committee Room4, LH2000.
2. Attendance
   The following Members were present:-
   

   Deputies: Martin Brady, Thomas Broughan, Simon Coveney, Noel O’Flynn, Eamon Ryan and Denis O’Donovan, Senator Brendan Kenneally.

   
   

In Private Session

3. Item discussed in Private Session.
4. Any Other Business
   As there was no other business the committee adjourned

Noel O’Flynn

Chairman

July, 2003

Appendix 7 – Minutes of the Proceedings of the Sub- Committee
Sub Committee on Information Communication Technology
Proceedings of the Sub-Committee
29 October 2003

1. The Joint Committee met at 2.00p.m in Committee Room 2, LH2000.
2. Attendance
   The following Members were present:-
   

   Deputies: Thomas Broughan, Simon Coveney, Noel O’Flynn, Eamon Ryan and Senator Brendan Kenneally.

   
   
   

   Deputy Batt O’Keeffe attended in substitution for Deputy Martin Brady.

   
   

In Private Session

3. Item discussed in Private Session.
4. Any Other Business
   As there was no other business the committee adjourned

Noel O’Flynn

Chairman

July, 2003

Appendix 7 – Minutes of the Proceedings of the Sub- Committee
Sub Committee on Information Communication Technology
Proceedings of the Sub-Committee
10 December 2003

1. The Joint Committee met at 10.09 a.m. in Committee Room 4, LH2000.
2. Attendance
   The following Members were present:-
   

   Deputies: Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Denis O’Donovan, Noel O’Flynn, and Senator Brendan Kenneally.

   
   

In Private Session

3. Item discussed in Private Session.
4. Any Other Business
   As there was no other business the committee adjourned

Noel O’Flynn

Chairman

January 2004

Appendix 8 - Work Programme 2004
JOINT COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS, MARINE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
WORK PROGRAMME 2004

1. Meeting with the Minister Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to discuss matters such as:
   1. Fisheries/Marine
   2. Communications - Broadcasting Policy;
   3. Communications – Broadband/internet/telephony (mobile/fixed landline);
   4. National Postal Policy;
   5. National Energy Policy (Oil/Gas/ Electricity/Bord na Mona/Sustainable Energy and Renewable Energy)
   6. Other matters within the remit of the Minister as may arise from time to time.
2. Meetings with Industry/Commercial/Regulatory Organisations:
   1. Energy Industry/Commercial/Regulatory Organisations;
   2. Broadcasting Industry/Commercial/Regulatory Organisations (TV, Satellite and Radio);
   3. Communications Industry/Commercial/Regulatory Organisations, including the postal services;
   4. Fishing Industry/Commercial/Regulatory Organisations.
3. Consideration of Statements of Strategy under Public Service Management Act.
   The Department’s Strategy Statement as referred to the Committee.
4. Conferences and Fact Finding Missions:
   Attendance at Conferences and relevant fact finding missions relative to subject matters within the Orders of Reference of the Committee.
5. Delegations:
   Meet with delegations of counterpart Committees of other Parliaments.
6. Meeting with State Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources as deemed necessary by the Committee:
7. Miscellaneous Matters:
   Various matters administered by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, which may arise at short notice.