Apologies: Aengus O’Snodaigh

Other: Patricia McKenna

1. Motion on European Legislation on genetically modified or ‘Novel’ food (Motion attached)

The Motion was proposed by Deputy Michael Mulcahy. Following discussion on the motion it was agreed that:

• A report would be requested of the Department of Health and Children on the substantive issue
• The Sub-Committee on Scrutiny would ask the departmental coordinators to include, in future, a notification of all Commission decisions (as is the case already with Council decisions)

The committee went in to private session at 2.29 pm

The committee adjourned at 2.46pm

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 11 February 2004

The Committee commenced in Public session at 2.07pm

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Seán Haughey, Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’Keefe, Ruairí Quinn, Aengus ó Snodaigh and Mae Sexton.

Senators: Paul Bradford, Don Lydon and Ann Ormonde.

Apologies: Were received from Fergal Quinn.

1. Discussion on the Lisbon Agenda. Module 1 Competitiveness.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Gerard de Graf, Head of Internal Marketing DG European Commission, Mr. Andrew Mc Dowell and Declan Hughes of Forfas and John Fingleton, Head of Competition Authority.

Following a brief introduction to the topic, the Chairman invited Mr de Graaf to commence. Mr. Fingleton then made a presentation and he was followed by both Mr. McDowell and Mr. Hughes.

There followed an exchange of questions and answers.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the contributors.

2. Correspondence.

1. Correspondence from Mr. Pol Marck, Secretary General, Parliamentary Association for Euro-Arab Cooperation Euro-Arabe regarding the Euro-Arab Parliamentary Dialogue. This is an invitation to attend a conference in Tunisia on 27-28 April 2004. It was agreed to send 2 Members
2. Correspondence from Mr. Matthias Wissmann regarding the ‘Berlin conference for European Cultural Policy’. - It was agreed to send 2 Members.

3. Adjournment

There being no further business the Committee was adjourned at 3.39pm until 18 February 2004.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

24th February 2004

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 18 February 2004

The Committee commenced in Public session at 11.10 am.

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Seán Haughey, Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’Keefe, Ruairí Quinn and Mae Sexton

Senators: Don Lydon, Ann Ormonde and Feargal Quinn.

1. Discussion with the Minister of State Dick Roche TD in advance of the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council.

The Chairman welcomed the Minister of State and made brief introductory remarks, following which he invited the Minister of State to make a presentation.

Following the Minister of State’s presentation the Chairman invited questions on the General Affairs issues followed by the External Relations issue.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the Minister of State and his officials.

2. Correspondence

1. Correspondence received regarding a meeting of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs of the European Parliament on 16 and 17 February 2004 – It was agreed to note this item.
2. Email regarding a Briefing on the Cohesion Report to be held in the Commission’s Dublin Office on Thursday 19^th February – It was agreed to note this item.
3. Correspondence received regarding a meeting of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs of the European Parliament on 16 and 17 February 2004 – It was agreed to note this item.

3. Adjournment

There being no further business the Committee was adjourned at 12.29 pm until 25th February 2004.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

25 February 2004

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 25 February 2004

The Committee commenced in Public session at 2.00 pm.

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Barry Andrews, Marian Harkin, Seán Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’Keefe, Mae Sexton, Arthur Morgan (in substitution for Aengus Ó Snodaigh).

Senators: Paul Bradford, John Dardis, Don Lydon, Ann Ormonde, Feargal Quinn.

1. Correspondence.

1. A letter, which the Taoiseach has issued to his European Council colleagues regarding the forthcoming Spring European Council. – The Minister referred to this at our last meeting – it was agreed to note this item.
2. Draft Presidency Conclusions for the Spring European Council. 25^th – 26^th March 2004. – it was agreed to deal with this item at the meeting on 10 March.
3. Provisional list of “A” Items for the Council of the European Union (General Affairs and External Relations) Monday 23^rd February 2004. – This list should be associated with the brief for last weeks pre-CAERC meeting – it was agreed to note this item.
4. Resolutions, Decisions and Opinions adopted by the European Parliament at its part-session 12^th-15^th January 2004.- it was agreed to note this item.
5. Resolutions, Decisions and Opinions adopted by the European Parliament at its part-session 29^th January 2004.- it was agreed to note this item.
6. Correspondence received from Mr. Daniel Valtchev, Chairman of the European Integration Committee of the Bulgarian parliament, thanking us [Chairman Mitchell] for the hospitality extended during his recent visit to Dublin.- it was agreed to note this item.
7. Correspondence received from Mr. Povilas Andriukaitis Deputy Chairman of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania extending an invitation to attend an international conference entitled ‘European Union Enlargement and Eastern Dimension’ which will be held on the 30^th of April in Lithuania. – This conference takes place on the day before accession. The Lithuanian delegation to COSAC last week proposed simultaneous debates in each Parliament for this particular week. They now propose to host this conference. It was agreed to send 2 Members.

2. Minutes.

The minutes of the meetings of 11^th and 18^th February were agreed.

3. Discussion on the Lisbon Strategy, Module 2: More and Better Employment

The Chairman made a brief introduction and welcomed the following witnesses: Mr Antonis Kastrissianakis, Director, European Commission Directorate A Employment and ESF Policy Coordination, Employment and Social Affairs DG; Mr. Sean Gorman, Assistant Secretary, Labour Force Development, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Mr Padraig Cullinane, Principal Officer Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with responsibility for Labour Market Policy; Ms Pauline Gildea, Principal Officer, Further Education, Department of Education and Science; Mr Kevin McCarthy, Principal Officer, Department of Education and Science.

The Chairman invited Mr. Kastrissianakis to commence. Following the presentations from each of the witnesses the Chairman invited questions from the floor.

4. Adjournment

There being no further business the Committee was adjourned at 4.55 pm until 2pm on 10 March 2004.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

24 March 2004

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 10 March 2004

The Committee commenced in Public session at 2.00pm.

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Seán Haughey, Michael Mulcahy, Ruarí Quinn.

Senators: John Dardis, Don Lydon, Ann Ormonde.

Apologies: Senator Feargal Quinn

1. Discussion on the Lisbon Strategy, Module 3: Growth Oriented Economic Policies

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Derek Moran, Assistant Secretary, Budget and Economic Division, Department of Finance, Mr Stephen O’Sullivan Asst Secretary, Banking, Finance and International Division, Department of Finance; Dr Michael Casey, Assistant Director General, Central Bank; Mr John O’Leary, Head of International Relations, Central Bank; John Bradley, ESRI.

During his introduction the Chairman reminded Members that the Committee will present a report of its findings to COSAC in May for discussion. He then invited Mr. Moran to commence. Mr. Moran was followed by Mr. O’Sullivan, Dr Casey, Mr. O’Leary and Mr. Bradley.

Following the presentations the Chairman invited questions from the Members.

The committee went into private session at 4.08 p.m.

The committee adjourned at 4.15 p.m.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

24 March 2004

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 19 March 2004

The Committee commenced in Public session at 12.08.

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Barry Andrews, Seán Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Aengus O’Snodaigh, Mae Sexton, Ned O’Keefe (in substitution for Michael Mulcahy)

Senators: Don Lydon, Ann Ormonde, Feargal Quinn, Paschal Mooney (in substitution for John Dardis)

1. Discussion with the Minister of State Dick Roche TD in advance of the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council.

The Chairman welcomed the Minister of State and made brief introductory remarks, following which he invited the Minister of State to make a presentation.

Following the Minister of State’s presentation the Chairman invited questions on the General Affairs issues followed by the External Relations issue.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the Minister of State and his officials.

2. Adjournment

There being no further business the Committee was adjourned at 13.15 pm

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

24 March 2004

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 24 March 2004

The Committee commenced in Public session at 2,45 pm

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Seán Haughey, Jim O’Keeffe, Ned O Keeffe (in substitution for Michael Mulcahy) Eoin Ryan (in substitution for Mae Sexton for part of the meeting) and Mae Sexton

Senators: Mary Henry (in subsitution for Feargal Quinn), John Dardis and Paul Bradford.

Apologies were received from Deputy Michael Mulcahy and Senators Don Lydon and Ann Ormonde,

1. Lisbon Strategy: Module 4, ‘ensuring sustainable growth’

The Chairman introduced the fourth in the series of meetings on the Lisbon Strategy. The specific topic was “ensuring sustainable growth”

The Chairman then welcomed Mr Maurice Coughlan, Principal Officer, Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Professor Frank J Convery, Heritage Trust Professor of Environmental Studies, Director of the Environmental Institute at University College Dublin

Mr. Coughlan commenced by making a brief presentation and he was followed by Mr. Convery. Following the presentations the witnesses responded to Members questions.

2. Minutes.

The Minutes of the meetings of 25^th February; 10^th March and 19^th March were agreed

3. Correspondence

1. Invitation from the Committee of the Regions to the Subsidiary Assizes, Thursday 27^th May 2004 in Berlin to discuss progress at the IGC. – It was agreed not to send a Member to this meeting.
2. Correspondence received from David Feeney, Private Secretary to the Taoiseach confirming the Taoiseach’s attendance at the meeting of 28^th April. It was agreed to note this item.
3. Letter from Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs, Lithuania, outlining concerns on restrictions on the access to the EU labour markets. – It was agreed that this might be the subject of a future meeting with the Tanaiste.
4. Letter from Carl Schwenger, Chargé d’Affaires, thanking the Chairman for meeting with the members of the Canada Europe Parliamentary Association lead by Mr. Charles Caccia, M.P. - It was agreed to note this item.
5. Correspondence received from the House of Lords relating to the Lords Report examining the Future Role of the European Court of Justice. – It was agreed to suggest to the House of Lords to place this on the agenda for a future meeting of COSAC for discussion.

4. Adjournment

There being no further business the Committee was adjourned at 4.29 pm until 2pm on 1 April 2004

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 1^st April 2004

The Joint Committee commenced in Private session at 2.05pm

Members present:

Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Seán Haughey, Gay Mitchell, Michael Mulcahy, Ruairí Quinn, Aengus Ó’Snodaigh and Mae Sexton.

Senators: Paul Bradford, John Dardis, Diarmuid Wilson (in substitution for Don Lydon), Ann Ormonde and Feargal Quinn

The Committee commenced in Public session at 2.10pm

6. The Lisbon Strategy – Draft Report of the committee

The Chairman noted that this was the fifth in a series of meetings on the Lisbon Strategy and noted that each member had received a copy of the Draft Report and the Draft document for submission to the Conference of Chairmen of European Affairs Committees of the EU and the European Parliament. The Chairman recalled that the Committee had not only agreed to report to both Houses on progress of the Lisbon Strategy in the context of the Irish Presidency’s commitment to advance the strategy as a priority but that COSAC agreed to discuss the Lisbon Strategy at the next meeting in May.

The meeting was attended by Ms Katherine Meenan, consultant to the Joint Committee and before continuing the Chairman thanked Ms. Meenan for her work in preparing the reports.

The Chairman invited Ms Meenan to introduce both reports to members who outlined the contents of each. Following Ms Meenan’s comments the Chairman invited questions and comments from members.

At the end of the discussion the Joint Committee agreed that the report as circulated (incorporating minor changes to take into account the discussion held) should be re-circulated to members as soon as possible and that the committee would meet on 21^st April to launch the report.

7. Adjournment

There being no further business the Committee was adjourned at 3.15pm to 22 April 2005.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 22^nd April 2004

The Joint Committee commenced in private session at 11.00am

Members present:

Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Seán Haughey, Gay Mitchell (in the Chair), Michael Mulcahy and Aengus Ó’Snodaigh (Session II).

Senators: Paul Coughlan (in substitution for Paul Bradford for Session I), Maurice Cummins (in substitution for Paul Bradford for Session II), Don Lydon, Derek Mc Dowell (Session II) and Feargal Quinn (Session II)

Apologies were received from Deputies Marian Harkin and Mae Sexton and from Senator John Dardis

The Joint Committee commenced in Public session at 11.02am

2. Public Session I (11.00am – 1.00pm): Meeting with a delegation of Members from the Turkish Parliament

The Joint Committee was joined by the following members of the Turkish Parliament;

• Mr Yasar Yakis, Chairman EU Integration Commission, (Justice and Development Party and former Minister of Foreign Affairs)
• Mr. Afif Demirkiran, Member of the Commission, (Justice and Development Party)
• Mr. Ibrahim Özal, Member of the Commission, (Justice and Development Party)
• Mr. Algan Hacaloglu, Member of the Commission, (Republican People’s Party)
• Mr. Bulent Baratali, Member of the Commission, (Republican People’s Party)

The delegation was accompanied by Mr Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, Secretary to the EU Commission, Foreign Affairs and Protocol Department of the Turkish Parliament and the Turkish Ambassador to Ireland, HE Mr. Ahmet Berki Dibek.

The Chairman welcomed the delegation to the meeting and to Dublin. Having introduced the members of the Joint Committee the Chairman outlined the work of the committee for the benefit of the delegation and invited Mr Yakis, Chairman EU Integration Commission to address the committee.

Following Mr Yakis’ presentation there was a question and answer session during which the delegation exchanged views with members of the Joint Committee mainly considering matters related to Turkey’s application to become a member of the European Union.

The Chairman thanked the delegation for attending and for the interesting exchange.

3. Any Other Business

As there was no other business the Joint committee suspended at 12.16pm until 2.30pm.

The Joint Committee Resumed in Public session at 2.35pm

4. Public Session II (2.30pm – 5.00pm): Discussion with Minster for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Brian Cowen TD and Minister of State Mr. Tom Kitt TD regarding the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council

The Chairman thanked the Minister and Minister of State for attending the meeting.

It was noted that Members had received a brief for the meeting and in addition the conclusions of the last GAERC council meeting as well as the A points discussed at that meeting.

At the invitation of the Chairman the Minister made a presentation to the committee on the agenda for the forthcoming meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council and updated the committee on the progress made with regard to progress on priorities the of the Irish Presidency of the European Union.

Following the Minister’s presentation the Minister of State Tom Kitt TD outlined for members the development matters on the agenda for the forthcoming Council and the development issues relating to Ireland’s presidency.

A questions and answer session on General Affairs during which the Minister and minister of state answered questions from members was followed by a session on External Relations.

The Chairman thanked the Minister and Minister of State for their ongoing cooperation with the Joint Committee.

5. Adjourn

There being no further business the Committee was adjourned at 4.20pm until Wednesday 28th April 2005.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 28^th April 2004

The Joint Committee commenced in Public session at 3.00pm

Members present:

Deputies: Barry Andrews, Seán Haughey, Gay Mitchell (in the Chair), Michael Mulcahy, Aengus Ó’Snodaigh and Ruairí Quinn.

Senators: Paul Bradford, John Dardis, Don Lydon and Feargal Quinn

Apologies were received from Deputy Pat Carey

1. Discussion with An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern TD regarding the role of the Irish Presidency in advancing the Lisbon Strategy.

The Chairman commenced by thanking the Taoiseach for attending the meeting especially given his busy schedule during the period of the presidency.

The Chairman continued by outlining the work that the committee had done in preparation of its report on the Lisbon Agenda in holding a series of meetings during which contributions were heard from a variety of sources focussed on Competitiveness; More and Better Employment; Sound Economic Policies; and Sustainable Growth, areas identified by Government as priority areas.

The Chairman asked the Taoiseach to consider the Committee’s recommendations as set out in the report and to support them in future meetings of the European Council.

The Chairman invited the Taoiseach to address the committee on the Lisbon Agenda. The Taoiseach outlined the work done by the Irish Presidency in promoting progress on the goals contained in the Lisbon Agenda. The Taoiseach explained that much progress has been made in the European Union and that the Irish presidency has been successful in reinvesting momentum into the process.

Following the Taoiseach’s contribution the Chairman invited questions from members of the committee and a wide ranging discussion followed during which the Taoiseach answered questions on topics such as

• competitiveness and social inclusion
• family friendly policies and the cost of child care
• demographics
• research and development
• better regulation by the EU and
• the patents directive

The Chairman and members of the committee thanked the Taoiseach for taking time out from his schedule to meet with the committee and for the interesting exchange.

2. Any Other Business.

There were no matters arising

3. Adjournment

There being no further business the Committee was adjourned at 4.00pm until 12 May 2005 when the committee would meet with the Minister for Foreign Affairs in advance of the General Affairs and External Relations Council.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 26^th May 2004

The Joint Committee commenced in Public session at 2.00 p.m.

Members present:

Deputies: Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Seán Haughey (in the Chair), Michael Mulcahy, Martin Ferris (in substitution for Aengus Ó’Snodaigh) and Mae Sexton

Senators: Don Lydon, Ann Ormonde and Feargal Quinn

Apologies were received from Deputy Aengus Ó’Snodaigh and Senator Feargal Quinn

1. Motion on GM Foods

The Chairman introduced the motion as follows;

That this Committee:

- notes that the proposal of the European Commission to authorize the placing on the E.U. market of BT11 maize (genetically modified), failed to reach a qualified majority at the Council of Agriculture Ministers held in Brussels on the 26^th day of April 2004.




- notes that the health and safety issues of BT11 maize had not been discussed in either Houses of the Oireachtas, or in any Joint or Select Committee of the Oireachtas, before the said Agriculture Council on 26^th April 2004.




- further notes that this matter now falls to be decided by the European Commission




- expresses its concern that such an important decision should now be made by an unelected body, ie. the E.U. Commission.




- requests that a legal opinion be obtained as to whether or not the power of the Commission to make such an important decision is either:

1. consistent with Bunreacht na hÉireann or
2. lawful under the terms of the Treaty of Rome (as amended).

It was noted that an amendment to the motion had been received from Deputy Aengus Ó’Snodaigh and that part two of the amendment had been withdrawn.

Amendment to the Motion

At the Chairman’s invitation Deputy Ferris (in substitution for Deputy O’Snodaigh) moved the following amendment to the motion;

“regrets the decision of Irish representatives to vote in favour of lifting the embargo on BT11.” – (to be inserted in line 7 after “ 26 April 2004”).

Motion

The Chairman invited Deputy Mulcahy to move the motion. In his remarks Deputy Mulcahy noted the legal advice obtained by the Joint Committee on the matter and discussed the process of comitology by which this proposal had come to the Joint Committee’s attention.

Following Deputy Mulcahy’s contribution the chairman opened the floor to the other members of the committee and as a result of the debate Deputy Mulcahy agreed to withdraw the Motion and to submit at a later date in order to allow members to consider the matter and the legal advice received more fully.

In light of the debate Deputy Ferris agreed to withdraw the amendment to the Motion.

2. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 12^th May were circulated and agreed.

3. Correspondence

1. Letter from the Chief executive of Co-operation Ireland, in connection with the PEACE II Programme.
   – it was agreed to note this item and that the committee may come back to the matter at a later date.
2. Press release from the European Commission on the establishment of the High Level Group on the Lisbon Strategy.

– it was agreed to note this item.



3. Letter jointly issued by Prime Ministers Blair, Chirac and Schroder to all Prime Ministers urging the development of clear priorities for the Lisbon Agenda.

– it was agreed to note this item.



4. Details of a conference on External Relations and Human Security to be held in Croke Park on 31 May.

– it was agreed that if Members wish to attend that they should let the secretariat know in order that the appropriate arrangements can be made

4. Any Other Business

It was noted that Members had received an email from Mr. Brian Carty of the European Anti Poverty Network seeking the Committee’s intervention in relation to the composition and remit of the recently appointed High Level Group on the Lisbon Strategy and commenting that the principle concern is that the composition of the Group has ignored the social policy perspective.

It was agreed to forward the Committee’s report to the High Level Group and also to seek assurances that the Social Policy aspects of the Lisbon Strategy will receive suitable consideration.

5. Adjournment

There being no further business the Committee was adjourned at 2.35p.m. until 2.00p.m. Wednesday 16th June 2004.

Sean Haughey TD,

Vice- Chairman

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 16 June 2004

The Committee commenced in Public session at 11.10am

Members present:

Deputies: Sean Haughey, Gay Mitchell (in the Chair), Charlie O’ Connor (in substitution for Pat Carey), Aengus Ó Snodaigh and Mae Sexton

Senators: Paul Bradford, Don Lydon and Anne Ormonde

1. Report by Ms Katherine Meenan on Comitology.

The Chairman welcomed Ms Meenan and made brief introductory remarks, following which he invited Ms Meenan to make a presentation on her report for the members.

In his introductory remarks the Chairman noted the following;

• That the Committee (at the meeting of 26 May 2004), considered a motion in the name of Deputy Mulcahy. The motion was withdrawn following discussions to allow time to consider advice from the Parliamentary Legal Advisor which dealt with comitology rules.
• That the Committee asked consultant Katherine Meenan to prepare a report explaining the complex comitology procedures. It was noted that Ms Meenan checked the position with some other National Parliaments and has found that none have arrangements to scrutinize decisions arrived at through the comitology procedure.

Following the presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to the Members and it was agreed to ask Ms Meehan to prepare a more detailed report on the matter for discussion by the committee in due course particularly as it relates to accountability and transparency.

It was noted that following a substantive discussion the committee might consider whether to bring the report to COSAC for the committees of the 25 member states together with the European Parliament for them to consider in due course.

The Chairman thanked Ms Meenan for her presentation

2. Correspondence

1. Correspondence received from European Anti Poverty Network.

- It was agreed to note this item.



2. Correspondence received from the Lithuanian Parliament, enclosing the Declaration adopted at the international conference The Enlarged EU and a Wider Europe.
3. Correspondence received from the Lithuanian Parliament in relation to a visit from European Ombudsman Mr P. Nikiforos Diamandouros.
4. A note for information on the proposal to amend the Arbitration Convention (convention on the elimination of double taxation in connection with the adjustment of profits of associated enterprises) – This proposal is aimed to extend the provisions of the Convention to the 10 new Member States.

- It is proposed to refer this directly to the Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny. [The Convention provides a mechanism for the resolution of disputes on double taxation between participating member states]



5. A letter of thanks from H.E. Mr Yasar Yakis, in relation to the Turkish delegation’s visit to Ireland.

- It was agreed to note this item.



6. Letter from Mr. Henry Rogers, an Irish national, living and working in Italy. Mr. Rogers is involved in a long term dispute with the Italian authorities in connection with the equal treatment of foreign workers. This Committee has corresponded with Mr. Rogers in the past on this issue. Mr Rogers has requested our support for his request to Minister of State Roche to intervene on his behalf with the Commission which is taking an action against Italy in this case.

- it is proposed to issue a letter of general support to the Minister of State.

3. Any other business: - Report on XXXI COSAC

The Chairman made a brief report to the committee as to the outcome of the XXXI Conference of Chairman of European Affairs Committees, COSAC which was held in Dublin Castle on 19 – 20 May 2004.

It was noted that the main issues addressed at the conference were;

• the scrutiny of EU business in accordance with the protocol on the role of national parliaments,
• the Lisbon Agenda, and the implementation of the EU budget, particularly the Court of Auditors report,
• the involvement of European regional and legislative assemblies,
• the language regime in COSAC and proposed amendments to the rules of procedure.

The Chairman reported that the Conference went extremely well and that it appeared that there was a general feeling among members that for the first time COSAC dealt with business rather than with procedures. The Chairman further noted the many complimentary comments since the meeting. The vice Chairman supported the Chairman’s comments and agreed that it was an excellent COSAC meeting.

4. Adjourn

The Chair noted that a provisional date has been set for a committee meeting the following week. However, it was agreed to allow the Chairman to set a time since the proposed date conflicts with questions to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Chairman noted that if there is not sufficient business for a meeting next week, it may be postponed to the following week.

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 11.40am sine die.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

9 September 2004

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 8 July 2004

The Committee commenced in Public session at 2.30pm

Members present:

Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Seán Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Michael Mulcahy, Mae Sexton, Jim O’Keeffe and Minister of State Dick Roche.

Senators: Paul Bradford, John Dardis, Don Lydon, Ann Ormonde and Feargal Quinn

Apologies - Aengus O’Snodaigh

Also in attendance - Avril Doyle MEP

1. Motion on compensation for EU citizens contracting Hepatitis C

Deputy O’Keeffe moved the following motion;

That this Committee seek a report in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) and others who might have similar difficulty who contracted Hepatitis C in France some years ago and is not eligible for any special arrangements that were made available to persons who contracted Hepatitis C in Ireland. The French Authorities do not appear to have any compensation scheme for victims and that person is left in a limbo situation. This committee therefore seeks a report from the Department of Health and Children on what initiative can be taken at European level to ensure that the person concerned, and others in a similar situation could become eligible for assistance in Ireland on the basis of the scheme made available to those who contracted the disease through contact with the Irish services, or by the French or European Authorities under some reciprocal cover.” – Gay Mitchell TD, Jim O’Keeffe TD

The Motion was agreed as put.

2. Discussion with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dick Roche T.D. regarding the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council.

The Chairman noted that there were few items to be discussed under the general affairs heading, and it was agreed that the committee would discuss external and general affairs together

The Chairman welcomed the Minister of State and made brief introductory remarks, following which he invited the Minister of State to make a presentation.

Following the presentation the Chairman thanked the Minister of State and his colleagues for the work done during Ireland’s Presidency and for the manner in which the committee was kept informed despite a very busy agenda.

The Chairman then opened the discussion to the Members.

Romanian Orphanages

Following the debate on the GAERC the Chairman raised an issue with Minister of State Roche in relation to correspondence received by the Chairman from an organisation called Focus on Romania regarding the situation of orphanages there and requested that the Minister of State investigate the matter and reply to the committee when possible.

The Minister of State agreed to respond to the Committee and to the Chairman.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the Minister of State and his officials.

3. Correspondence

1. Further correspondence in relation to the Third Asia-Europe Parliamentary partnership meeting in Vietnam 25 – 26 March 2004.

- It was agreed to note this correspondence



2. A letter of congratulations to the Chairman from Borys Tarasyuk, Committee for European Integration, Parliament of Ukraine.

- It was agreed to note this correspondence



3. Correspondence received from the Parliament of the Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia regarding a proposed visit.

- It was agreed to note this correspondence for the moment but it was agreed that the committee could return to the matter pending the decision of the Ceann Comhairle regarding the proposed visit.



4. A letter received from Mr.Amaral, President of P, regarding the role of National Parliaments in the Constitutional Treaty.

- It was agreed to note this correspondence



5. Invitation and Programme in relation to a seminar on The Role of High Level Committees in EU Policy-Making. 13-14 September 2004.

- It was agreed to note this correspondence



6. An invitation to the conference on “Cooperation on defence systems procurement in Europe”-16-17 September 2004.

- It was agreed to note this correspondence



7. Correspondence received from Dr. Jan Nico Scholten. President, European Parliamentarians for Africa, regarding a Conference entitled African European Parliamentary Consultation on Children Orphaned by AIDS in Africa, on 22-24 September 2004, Cape Town, South Africa.

- It was agreed that the committee would come back to this matter at a future meeting



8. Correspondence received from Minister of State Dick Roche in relation to Mr Henry Rodgers.

- It was agreed to note this correspondence for the moment but that the committee may wish to return to the matter once full correspondence has been received.



9. An invitation to the Chairman to a Conference on The European Economic Area (EEA) and EFTA in a new Europe, to be held in Reykjavik, Iceland on Thursday 21 October 2004

- It was agreed that the committee would come back to this matter at an October meeting.

4. Any other Business

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 4.10pm sine die.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

9 September 2004

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 9 September 2004

The Committee commenced in Public session at 3 p.m.

Members present:

Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Seán Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Jim O’Keeffe, Ruairí Quinn, Aengus Ó’Snodaigh, John Ellis (substituting for Seamus Kirk for part of the meeting), John Mc Guinness (substituting for Michael Mulcahy)

Senators: John Dardis, Don Lydon, Feargal Quinn, Pat Moylan (substituting for Ann Ormonde)

Apologies: Marian Harkin, Mae Sexton

Also in attendance: Proinsias de Rossa MEP, Eoin Ryan TD, MEP and Senator Paschal Mooney

1. Beslan.

The Chairman proposed that the committee formally convey the committee’s heartfelt sorrow and outrage at the enormity of the tragedy which occurred at Beslan in the previous week. The committee agreed that a message of solidarity be extended to the Russian people. The Minister of State, Dick Roche TD added his voice to the sentiment expressed by the Committee.

2. Discussion with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dick Roche T.D. regarding the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council.

The Chairman welcomed the Minister of State and made brief introductory remarks, following which he invited the Minister of State to make a presentation.

Following the Minister of State’s presentation the Chairman invited questions on the General Affairs issues followed by the External Relations issue.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the Minister of State and his officials.

3. Report on Comitology and Parliamentary scrutiny

The Chairman noted that at the meeting of the Committee on 16^th June 2004 it was agreed that the Consultant to the Committee would be asked to produce a detailed report on Comitology to be discussed in September.

The Chairman welcomed Katherine Meenan and invited her to make a brief presentation of her report. Following Ms Meenan’s presentation the Chairman invited questions.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked Ms Meenan for her report and it was agreed to ask Ms Meenan to build on the report as presented to produce a draft document specifically for the members of COSAC with a view to stimulating a debate on this subject.

4. Correspondence

1. Invitation, Registration and Programme for the meeting of COSAC Chairpersons, The Hague 12^th to 13^th September 2004. &
2. Agenda for meeting of COSAC Chairpersons and Troika 13 September 2004.

The committee noted both items and that the Vice Chairman would attend the meeting of Chairpersons and Troika.



3. Correspondence received from the Lithuanian Parliament regarding a recent Conference on “The Enlarged EU and a wider Europe”.

Noted



4. Invitation, to a Seminar on European Social Dialogue and Public Administration, Maastricht (NL), 20^th to 21^st September 2004. (EIPA)

The committee noted the correspondence and that the subject matter of the conference is more appropriate to the Oireachtas committees concerned with employment and social affairs.



5. Correspondence received form Mr Robert Smoleń announcing his election as Chairman of the European Affairs Committee in the Polish Parliament.

Noted



6. Correspondence received from IBEC enclosing its publication ‘Growth and Prosperity in Europe’ and the latest ‘EU Update’.

The committee noted the correspondence and that the Publications are available on request in the secretariat.



7. An invitation to the SID (Society for International Development) International Conference on “Europe and the South: A New Era”. The Hague, September 27^th and 28^th 2004.

The committee noted the correspondence. It was agreed that if any member wished to attend that they should contact the secretariat.



8. Correspondence received regarding a proposed visit of a delegation from the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria and proposing that the committee meet with the delegation during their visit 10 October 2004 to 14 October 2004.

The committee agreed to meet with the delegation on Wednesday 13 October 2004.



9. Correspondence received from PEACE II Programme enclosing a report on “Building on Peace – Supporting Peace and Reconciliation after 2006” and proposing a meeting with the committee for an exchange of views.

&



10. Correspondence received from Co-Operation Ireland proposing a meeting with the Joint Committee to discuss the impact of European Union funded programmes on promoting cross border co-operation and reconciliation.

The committee agreed to meet with representatives from both organisations as suggested on Wednesday 20 October 2004



11. Correspondence received from Mr. Dick Roche TD regarding efforts to resolve differential treatment of non-Italian EU nationals working in Italian universities.

It was agreed to forward a copy of the correspondence to Mr Henry Rodgers who originally raised the matter with the committee.



12. Correspondence (and translation) received from Mr. Jean–Claude Piris in response to information on COSAC XXXI Dublin 19^th and 20^th May 2004 which had been sent to the European Council.

The Joint Committee Noted the correspondence



13. Correspondence received from the Department of Health and Children regarding a Motion on Hepatitis C passed by the Joint Committee on European Affairs on 8^th July 2004.

The Joint Committee agreed to forward a copy for information to the Joint Committee on Health and Children.

5. Minutes

The minutes of the meetings of 16th June 2004 and 8th July 2004 were circulated and agreed.

6. Any other Business

It was agreed that a letter be sent to Deputy John Bruton congratulating him on his new post. The Minister of State, Dick Roche TD also congratulated Deputy Bruton and wished him well for the future.

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 4.40 p.m. until 23 September 2004.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

23 September 2004

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 23 September 2004

The Committee commenced in Public session at 11.00am

Members present:

Apologies: Deputy Jim O’Keeffe and Senators John Dardis and Paul Bradford

Also in attendance: Proinsias de Rossa MEP, Avril Doyle MEP

1. Discussion with officials of the Department of Finance and the Department of Agriculture and Food on the Draft Preliminary Budget of the European Communities for the financial year 2005.

The Chairman noted the particular documents referred by the Sub-committee on European scrutiny to be considered by the committee relevant to the discussion as follows;

– SEC(2004)456: Draft Preliminary Budget of the EU for the financial year 2005




– COM(2004)402: Financial assistance to Iraq




– COM(2004)465 & SEC(2004)910: Financial assistance to the Turkish Cypriot Community

The Chairman noted that background briefing was provided by the Departments concerned.

The Joint Committee was attended by Mr Dermot Nolan and Mr John Palmer from the Department of Finance and Mr Tony Burke from the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Mr Dermot Nolan made a brief presentation on behalf of the Department of Finance, the lead Department on the proposals.

A question and answer session followed Mr Nolan’s presentation during which all witnesses contributed to the discussion and answered questions posed by members.

The topics covered included Structural and Cohesion funds, Common Agricultural Policy, Stability and Growth Pact and the emergency aid fund.

The Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending and confirmed that the committee would seek a meeting with relevant Departments for a mid term discussion of the Budget.

2. Correspondence

1. Correspondence received from the Russian Ambassador thanking the committee for its letter of condolence to the victims of the terrorist attack in Beslan.

It was agreed to note this item



2. Email correspondence received from Mr Robin Hannan, EAPN (European Anti Poverty Network) on 9^th September 2004.

It was agreed that the secretariat make arrangements to meet with representatives as suggested



3. Correspondence received from Kosova Ireland Solidarity, enquiring if two leading human rights activists could address the Joint Committee on European Affairs to raise awareness of the ongoing problems in the area of Belgrade.

It was agreed to note this item as the Sub-Committee on Human Rights may meet with this group on foot of an invitation received by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs.

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 9 September 2004 were circulated and agreed.

4. Any Other Business

There being no other business the committee adjourned at 12.40pm until 7^th October 2004 (time to be confirmed).

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 7 October 2004

The Committee commenced in Public session at 2.30 p.m.

Members present:

Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Seán Haughey (in the Chair), Michael Mulcahy, Ruairí Quinn, Aengus O’Snodaigh and Mae Sexton.

Senators: Paul Bradford, Don Lydon, Derek McDowell and Ann Ormonde.