In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session.

4.Item discussed in Private Session.

5.Item discussed in Private Session.

6.Item discussed in Private Session.

Public Session

7.Presentation by An Bord Gáis.

Mr. Gerry Walsh, CEO of An Bord Gáis made a presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and answer session. It was agreed to invite Flowgas in if possible.

8.Any Other Business

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned sine die at 5:31 p.m.

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

25^th January, 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 25 January 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 3:00 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Apologies Senator Marc McSharry

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

Public Session

6.Presentation on non-ionising radiation from mobile phones handsets and masts by Officials from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Officials from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources made a presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and answer session.

7.Presentation on non-ionising radiation from mobile phones handsets and masts by the Irish Doctors’ Environmental Association.

Dr. Elizabeth Cullen, Mr. Con Colbert and Mr. Enda D’Alton of the Irish Doctors’ Environmental Association made a presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and answer session.

The Committee agreed to go into to private session to discuss matters pertinent to a draft report on the issue of on non-ionising radiation from mobile phones handsets and masts.

In Private Session

8.Item discussed in Private Session

9.Any Other Business

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned sine die at 5:35 p.m.

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

2^nd February, 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 2 February 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 10:03 a.m. in Committee Room 3, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

Public Session

5.Review of the viability and finances for all divisions and subsidiaries of An Post — Presentation from Irish Postmasters Union.

The Irish Postmasters Union made a presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and answer session. On the proposal of Deputy John McGuinness it was agreed, cross party, to call on the Minister to bring forward a strategic vision for The Post Office within 2005.

6.Review of the viability and finances for all divisions and subsidiaries of An Post — Joint presentations from the Communications Workers Union (CWU), the Civil and Public Services Union (CPSU), the Public Services Executive Union (PSEU) and the Associations of Higher Civil and Public Servants (AHCPS).

Mr. Steve Fitzpatrick, (CWU), Mr. Eoin Roynane (CPSU), Mr. Tom Geraghty, (PSEU) and Mr. Sean O’Riordain (AHPCS) made a joint presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and Answer

7.Review of the viability and finances for all divisions and subsidiaries of An Post — Presentation by An Post Management.

The management of An Post made a presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and answer session.

8.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 2.02pm to reconvene on the 23^rd February to continue the question and answer session with the An Post Management, as the room was required for a meeting.

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

9^th February, 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 9 February 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 2:32 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

Deputies Tommy Broughan, Bernard J. Durkan, Martin Ferris, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Peter Kelly, Tom McEllistrim, Noel O’Flynn (in the Chair), John Perry and Eamon Ryan

Senators: Brendan Kenneally and Marc MacSharry

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

6.Item discussed in Private Session

7.Item discussed in Private Session

8.Item discussed in Private Session

9.Item discussed in Private Session

10.Item discussed in Private Session

Public Session

11.Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals

COM (2004) 478 - a Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the second “Marco Polo” programme for granting of Community financial assistance to improve the environmental performance of the freight transport system (“Marco Polo II”) and COM (2004) 654 - A Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on market access to port services.

Mr. Reg McCabe, Transport & Logistics Council, IBEC’s and Mr. Liam Lacey, Managing Director, Irish Ferries, Freight Division made a presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and answer session.

Officials from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources made a presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and answer session.

It was agreed to report on COM (2004) 478.

The Committee was not satisfied on COM (2004) 654 and it was agreed to return to this legislative proposal for further scrutiny. Further, as part of its scrutiny it was agreed that the Clerk should arrange a visit to Dublin Port.

COM (2004) 497 — A Proposal for a Council Regulation — European Fisheries Fund.

Officials from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources made a presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and answer session.

It was agreed to report on COM (2004) 497

12.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 5.31 p.m.

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

23^rd February, 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 23 February 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 2:02 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

Apologies from Deputy Eamon Ryan

Other Members attending:

Deputies Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan and Michael Moynihan

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

6.Item discussed in Private Session

7.Item discussed in Private Session

8.Item discussed in Private Session

9.Item discussed in Private Session

10.Item discussed in Private Session

Public Session

11.Review of the viability and finances for all divisions and subsidiaries of An Post — Presentation by An Post Management.

The management of An Post made a presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and answer session.

12.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 5.40 p.m.

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

2^nd March, 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 2 March 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 5:30 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

6.Item discussed in Private Session

Public Session

7.Review of dominance in the mobile phone market — presentation by ComReg of its research and EU endorsement.

The Commissioners of the Commission for Communication Regulation made a presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and answer session.

8.Statement on the Mobile Phone Market

The Chairman read into the record the statement on the Mobile Phone Market as agreed by the Joint Committee in Private Session.

9.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 6.37 p.m.

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

23^rd March, 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 23 March 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 2:30 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

Deputy Michael Lowry also attended.

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

6.Item discussed in Private Session

7.Item discussed in Private Session

In Public Session

8.Presentation by Bantry Concerned Action Group (B.C.A.G.) regarding E.S.B. power lines and the connection of wind farms to the national grid.

The Bantry Concerned Action Group made a presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and answer session.

9.Presentation on the tailings pond at Silvermines

Officials from the Department made a presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and answer session.

9.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 4.01 p.m.

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

5^th April, 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 5 April 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 9:35am. in Committee Room 4, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

Apologies were received from Deputy John Perry, Senator Marc MacSharry and Senator Kathleen O’Meara.

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

In Public Session

5.Motion referred to the sub-Committee on Salmon drift netting, draft netting and angling.

It was agreed to refer the following motion to the sub-Committee on Salmon drift netting, draft netting and angling

“That the sub-Committee on Salmon drift netting, draft netting and angling, established on 9 February 2005 complete its examination on the matter set out in its Orders of Reference and report back to the Joint Committee by 30^th June 2005.”

6.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 9.46am.

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

18^th May, 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 18 May 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 2:32 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

Deputies Thomas Broughan, Bernard J. Durkan, Martin Ferris, Peter Kelly, Denis O’Donovan, Noel O’Flynn (in the Chair) and John Perry

Senators: Michael Finucane, Marc MacSharry and Kathleen O’Meara.

Apologies were received from Deputy Dermot Fitzpatrick.

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

6.Item discussed in Private Session

In Public Session

7.Summary of travel to Argentina and Chile

The Chairman gave a summary of the visit to Argentina and Chile.

8.Presentation by Digital Hub Development Board.

Mr. William Burgess and Mr. Phil Flynn of the Digital Hub Development Board made a presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and answer session.

9.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 5.10 pm

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

25^th May, 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 25 May 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 10:02 a.m. in Committee Room 3, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

Deputies Martin Brady, Thomas Broughan, Bernard J. Durkan, Martin Ferris, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Peter Kelly, Tom McEllistrim, Denis O’Donovan, Noel O’Flynn (in the Chair), John Perry and Eamonn Ryan.

Senators: Brendan Kenneally and Marc MacSharry.

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

6.Item discussed in Private Session

7.Item discussed in Private Session

8.Item discussed in Private Session

9.Item discussed in Private Session

10.Item discussed in Private Session

In Public Session

11.Review, with Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ), The RTÉ 2004 Annual Report

RTÉ made a presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and answer session.

12.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 12:52 pm

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

22^nd June, 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 22 June 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 3:10pm. in Committee Room 1, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

6.Item discussed in Private Session

7.Item discussed in Private Session

9.Item discussed in Private Session

10.Item discussed in Private Session

In Public Session

11.Review of BioEnergy

The Committee received presentations from Mr. Brian Cassidy and Mr. Micheál Lyons, of Cork City Council, from Mr. George McCarthy, Mr. Gerard Egan and Mr. Richard Lowe of Coillte, from Dr. Eugene Hendrick and Mr. Joe O’Carroll of COFORD, from Mr. Bernard Rice of Teagasc, from Mr. Simon Dick of Clearpower Ltd, from Ms. Barbara Maguire, Mr. John Jackson and Mr. Colm MacDonnald of the IFA, and from Mr. Tom Bruton of the Irish BioEnergy Association. Following the presentations there was a question and answer session.

12.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 7:02 pm

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

29^th June, 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 29 June 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 10:05am. in Committee Room 1, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

6.Item discussed in Private Session

In Public Session

7.Motion re Criminal Law Framework for Enforcement of Law against Ship-Source Pollution

Marine Minister Pat ‘the cope’ Gallagher made a presentation to the members, there followed a short question and answer session. The members agreed to send a message to the Dáil and Seanad that it had completed its deliberations.

8.Commission for Energy Regulation

The Commission for Energy Regulation made a presentation to he members on press reports of a 36% price increase in energy. This was followed by a question and answer session.

9.Review of Energy carbon tax and emission trading

The Committee received presentations from Mr. Tom O’Mahony (Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government), Dr. Ken Macken, Ms. Maria Martin and Mr. Conor Barry (Environmental Protection Agency), Mr. John Fitzgerald (ERSI), Mr. Donal Buckley, Mr. David Manning, Mr. Owen Wilson, Mr. John Reilly and Ms. Paula Nielan from the Climate Change Working Group from IBEC. Following the presentations there was a question and answer session.

10.Report in relation to the Motion re Criminal Law Framework for Enforcement of Law against Ship-Source Pollution

Members considered and agreed the draft report on the motion re Ship Source Pollution

11.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 4:56 pm

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

13th July, 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 13 July 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 10:04am in Committee Room 3, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

In Public Session

5.Review of broadcasting legislation with RTÉ, BCI, Screen Producers of Ireland, TG4, TV3, Sky, Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, Community Radio Forum, Dublin Community Radio Ltd, Irish Hard of Hearing Association, Northwest Television, Setanta, City Channel, NTL/Chorus and RTÉ Trade Union Group.

The Committee received presentations from the NUJ, Sky and the RTÉ Group of Unions. The presentations were followed by a question and answer session.

The meeting was suspended at 11:14am and reconvened in Committee Room 4 at 1:34pm.

The Committee received presentations from Dublin Community TV, Community Radio Forum of Ireland, BCI, Screen Producers of Ireland, City Channel, Setanta, Northwest Television, Irish Hard of Hearing Association, NTL, Chorus, TV3, TG4 and RTÉ. The presentations were followed by a question and answer session.

6.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 6:37 pm.

_________________

John Perry,

Vice Chairman

26th July, 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 26 July 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 2:05pm in Committee Room 4, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

6.Item discussed in Private Session

7.Item discussed in Private Session

8.Item discussed in Private Session

9.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 3:08 pm.

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 27 September 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 2:35pm in Committee Room 4, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

6.Item discussed in Private Session

7.Item discussed in Private Session

In Public Session

8.Review on the Shell Corrib gas field development project with Minister Noel Dempsey

The Minister made a presentation on the development of the Corrib gas field project. The presentation was followed by a question and answer session.

9.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 6:15 pm.

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

October 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 5 October 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 12:32pm in Committee Room 3, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

Deputies Martin Brady, Thomas Broughan, Bernard J. Durkan, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Peter Kelly, Noel O’Flynn (in the Chair), John Perry and Eamon Ryan.

Senators: Michael Finucane and Brendan Kenneally

Apologies for Deputy Martin Ferris, Deputy Denis O’Donovan, Senator Kathleen O’Meara and Senator Marc MacSharry.

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

6.Item discussed in Private Session

7.Item discussed in Private Session

8.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 1:37 pm.

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

October 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 19 October 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 2:31pm in Committee Room 3, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

Other members attending - Senator Tom Morrissey

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

Public Session

5.Review of capacity and development of commercial ports with Dublin Port Company, Port of Cork Company and Drogheda Port Company

The Committee received a presentation from Mr. Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork Company this was followed by a question and answer session.

The Committee received a presentation from Mr. Enda Connellan, Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company. This was followed by a question and answer session.

6.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 5:41 pm.

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

November 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 2 November 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 10:05 am in Committee Room 3, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

Deputies Martin Brady, Thomas Broughan, Bernard Durkan, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Peter Kelly, Tom McEllistrim, Denis O’Donovan, Noel O’Flynn (in the Chair) and Eamon Ryan.

Other members attending — Deputy Fiona O’Malley and Deputy Michael Collin.

3.Travel Report

The Chairman and Senator Kenneally reported to the Committee on their visit to Lackan weir at the invitation of Deputy John McGunniess. The members were advised as to the problems regarding the remedial works that had been carried out to the weir and fish pass and how this was of concern as some 1,000 salmon were being killed. It was agreed that the Clerk would write to the Manager of the Southern Fisheries Board and request his observations on the report of the members.

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

6.Item discussed in Private Session

Public Session

5.Review of Energy

The Committee received a presentation from Dr. Brian O’Gallachóir (UCC) on Energy policy development dealing with wave energy, wind forecasting, energy in buildings, biofuels & transport, and photovoltaics. This was followed by a question and answer session.

The Committee received a presentation from Mr. Martin Howley and Mr. Morgan Bazilian of Sustainable Energy Ireland and author of Energy in Ireland. This was followed by a question and answer session.

The meeting suspended at 12:12pm and resumed at 2:38pm

The Committee received a presentation from IBEC on Energy use issues for Irish Industry. The IBEC delegation included Mr. Brendan Butler (IBEC), Mr. Donal Buckley (IBEC), Mr. David Manning (IBEC), Mr. Dick Budden (Wellman), Mr. Bert-Ove Johansson (Boliden Tara Mines), Mr. Alan Buckley (Lisheen Mine), Mr. Colin Mills (BOC Gases), Mr. Patrick Dunne (Intel) and Ms. Karina Howley (Intel). This was followed by a question and answer session.

The Committee received a presentation from the ESB. This was followed by a question and answer session.

6.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 6:02 pm.

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

November 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 8 November 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 1:31pm in Committee Room 4, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

Other members attending: Deputy Jackie Healy-Rea.

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

Public Session

5.Consideration of proposal to rehabilitate the tailings pond at Silvermines

The Committee received a presentation from Mr. Michael Guilfoyle. This was followed by a question and answer session.

6.Consideration of telecommunications issues in the Black Valley with Eircom and the Black Valley Community Group

The Committee received a presentation from the Black Valley Community Group. This was followed by a question and answer session.

The Committee received a presentation from Eircom. This was followed by a question and answer session.

It was agreed to give this matter further consideration, in Private Session, at another Joint Committee meeting.

7.EU Scrutiny

The Committee received a presentation from the Department on COM(2005)362 - Proposal for a Council Directive on animal health requirements for aquaculture animals and products thereof, and on the prevention and control of certain diseases in aquatic animals. This was followed by a question and answer session. It was agreed to consider a draft report on this scrutiny.

The Committee received a presentation from the Department on COM(2005)328 - Proposal for a Council Decision amending Decision 2004/465/EC on a Community financial contribution towards Member States Fisheries control programmes. This was followed by a question and answer session. It was agreed to consider a draft report on this scrutiny.

The Committee received a presentation from the Department on COM(2005)361 - Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council repealing Council Directive 90/544/EEC on the frequency bands designated for the coordinated introduction of pan-European land-based public radio paging in the Community. This was followed by a question and answer session. It was agreed to consider a draft report on this scrutiny.

8.Consideration of S.I. No. 320 of 2005 (Internal Market in Natural Gas) Regulations 2005 and S.I. No. 287 of 2005 (Cross-Border Electricity Network Access)

The Committee received a presentation from the Department on the two Statutory Instruments. This was followed by a question and answer session. However, it was not possible for the Department to be definitive in regard to certain questions and it may be necessary to reconvene the scrutiny of the Statutory Instruments.

9.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 5:05 pm.

_________________

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

November 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 15 November 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 2:03pm in Committee Room 4, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

6.Item discussed in Private Session

Public Session

7.Discussion with Ms. Anne Grete Holmsgaard from the Danish Parliament to the Committee on the Danish Model of Energy Policy

The Committee received a presentation from Ms. Holmsgaard. This was followed by a question and answer session.

8.Discussion with Sustainable Energy Ireland

The Committee received a presentation from Sustainable Energy Ireland. This was followed by a question and answer session.

9.Discussion with Bord na Móna

The Committee received a presentation from Bord na Móna. This was followed by a question and answer session.

10.Discussion with Ballina Chamber of Commerce

The Committee received a presentation from Ballina Chamber of Commerce on the issue of the extension of the gas grid to Ballina and Mayo in general. This was followed by a question and answer session.

11.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 5:54 pm.

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

November 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 16 November 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 10:04 a.m. in Committee Room 4, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

Deputies: Thomas Broughan, Bernard Durkan, Martin Ferris, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Peter Kelly, Denis O’Donovan, Noel O’Flynn (in the Chair) and Eamon Ryan.

In Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

Public Session

6.Discussion with the Office for the Regulation of Electricity & Gas, OFREG, Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation (NIAER).

The Committee received a presentation from Mr. Dermot MacCann, Acting Head of the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation and Mr. John FitzGerald, member of the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation. This was followed by a question and answer session.

7.Discussion with Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).

The Committee received a presentation from Mr. Tom Reeves, Chairman of the Commission for Energy Regulation, Ms. Regina Finn, Commissioner and Mr. Michael G. Tutty, Commissioner. This was followed by a question and answer session.

The Commission for Energy Regulation undertook to revert with replies to the questions raised by Deputy Bernard Durkan, which it was not possible to reach due to the meeting being required to conclude at 2:15pm.

8.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 2:16 pm.

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

November 2005

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee 30 November 2005

1.The Joint Committee met at 2:05 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Lh3000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present: -

Deputies: Thomas Broughan, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Peter Kelly, Thomas McEllistrim, Noel O’Flynn (in the Chair) and John Perry.

Senator: Brendan Kenneally.

Apologies from Deputy Fiona O’Malley.

Private Session

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

Public Session

5.Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005.

The Chairman confirmed the intention to refer the Bill to Committee and the need to have this competed in advance of the 13^th December. There followed a discussion and it transpired, during this that the guillotine proposed for the completion of the Second Stage reading was being lifted. Several Deputies wished to have recorded, in the strongest manner possible, their objections to the guillotine and the manner of rushing the Bill.

6.Consideration of Motion regarding (i) Regional Fisheries Boards (Postponement of Elections) Order 2005, and (ii) Fishers (Miscellaneous Commercial Licences) (Alteration of Duties) Order 2005.

The Committee received a presentation from Marine Minister, Pat ‘the cope’ Gallagher Minister for state at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. This was followed by a question and answer session.

7.Report on Motion regarding (i) Regional Fisheries Boards (Postponement of Elections) Order 2005, and (ii) Fishers (Miscellaneous Commercial Licences) (Alteration of Duties) Order 2005.

The Committee agreed the draft report on the motion.

8.Any Other Business

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 2:52 pm.

Noel O’Flynn,

Chairman

December 2005