Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2006 > Committee on European Affairs > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on European Affairs, 2002/3

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

An Comhchoiste um Ghnóthaí Eorpacha

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2002/3

Iúil 2006

HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS

Joint Committee on European Affairs

ANNUAL REPORT 2002/3

July 2006

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

An Comhchoiste um Ghnóthaí Eorpacha

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2002/3

Iúil 2006

HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS

Joint Committee on European Affairs

ANNUAL REPORT 2002/3

July 2006

Annual Report 2002/3

Table of Contents

1. Content and Format of Report

This report has been prepared pursuant to paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Standing Order 84, Dáil Éireann and paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Standing Order 69, Seanad Éireann which provides for the Joint Committee reports and work programme as follows-

• review its procedure and its role
• annual work programme
• lay minutes of proceedings
• making an annual report.

At its meeting on 26^th April 2006 the Joint Committee agreed that all these items be included in this annual report.

2. Functions and Powers

The Dáil Select Committee on European Affairs was established by Order of Dáil Éireann of 27^th June 2002 to consider such Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of Foreign Affairs; and 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.

Under an Order of 11^th November 2002 The Dáil Select Committee 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 European Affairs. Among the principal functions of the Joint Committee are to consider

• scrutinise, in the context of European Union issues and measures to be taken by the Council of Ministers of the European Union
• consider such matters arising from Ireland’s membership of the European Communities and its adherence to the Treaty on European Union, as it may select;
• consider such

- acts of the institutions of the European Communities, regulations under the European Communities Acts, 1972 to 1998




- other instruments made under statute and necessitated by the obligations of membership of the European Communities,,



• and it may select

- consider such other matters as may be referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas;




- represent both Houses of the Oireachtas at the Conference of European Affairs Committees (COSAC);




and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

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 Gay Mitchell was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee, by order of the Dáil on 9^th July 2002. Deputy Seamus Kirk (who was later replaced, by order of the Dáil on 14^th November 2002 by Deputy Seán Haughey) was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee, by order of the Dáil on 9^th July 2002. The Chairman of the Joint Committee is also Chairman of the Dáil Select Committee.

Deputies Michael Mulcahy and Aengus Ó Snodaigh 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 9^th July 2002 to create a sub-Committee to consider Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals. It was also agreed that the Sub-Committee would consist of 7 Members (5 Dáil and 2 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 4.

At its first meeting on 31^st July 2002 the Sub-Committee elected Gay Mitchell as Chairman.

5. Meetings, Attendance and Recording

Meetings of the Joint Committee, Select Committee and sub-Committee(s) 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.

An Official Report (Parliamentary Debates) of the 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 European Affairs, 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 42 occasions in the period under report. The number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 66 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 10 occasions in the period under report and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 16 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in paragraph 7 below and at Appendix 4.

The Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny met on 25 occasions during the year. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in paragraph 7 below and at Appendix 7.

Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee and Sub-Committee meetings in public session are attached at Appendix 8 and Appendix 10.

7. Work of the Committee

7.1 Joint Committee

On the 42 occasions the Joint Committee met, it dealt with the following matters:

• Exchange of views with Commissioner Franz Fischler, Commissioner for Agriculture and Fisheries
• Discussion with Minister/Minister of State on General Affairs and External Relations Council meetings.
• The removal of the block exemption in the motor industry and Regulation 17. (Transfer of enforcement responsibilities from the Commission to National Authorities)
• Convention on the Future of Europe.
• Reports of the working groups on national parliaments; subsidiarity; complementary competencies and Social Europe
• Reports of the working groups on external relations, defence and legal personality.
• Reports of the working groups on Economic Governance, Freedom, Security Justice, Incorporation of the Charter Fundamental Rights and Social Europe.
• Progress at the most recent plenary session and discussions on the agenda for the next Plenary Session.
• Draft Protocols on the role of National Parliaments and Subsidiarity and proportionality
• Draft Articles on the Union’s Finances (Articles 38 to 40) and Freedom, Security and Justice (Article 31)
• Reform of Institutions of the European Union – suggestions for change by the Convention on the Future of Europe.
• The draft Articles on External Action in the Constitutional Treaty and Draft Articles for Title IV of Part 1 of the Constitution (on the Institutions)
• Lisbon Strategy and the perspectives for the Irish Presidency and for the future of the Union.
• Revised Draft Constitution text parts 1-4

• National Forum on Europe
• EU Draft Treaty Articles
• Euro Changeover
• EU Institutional Reform
• EU Presidency:
• Report of Advisory Committee
• Ministerial Presentation

• Scrutiny of EU Proposals:
  

  COM(2002) 521: Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on insurance requirements for air carriers and aircraft operators.

  
  

  COM(2002) 77: Proposal for a Regulation by the European Parliament and of the Council on the statute and financing of European political parties.

  
  
• Discussion with a French Delegation
• EU Tax Harmonisation
• Discussion with a Delegation of Members of the German Bundestag.
• Discussion with representatives from Amnesty International Ireland.
• Discussion with the Members of the German Bundestag, European Affairs Committee
• Visit by delegation from the Ratification Committee of the Hungarian National Assembly
• EU Budget 2004
• Discussions with a delegation of Members of the Parliament of Cyprus
• Discussion with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Ruud Lubbers.
• Report on the Role of the European Court of Auditors
• Discussion with the House of Commons Scrutiny Committee
• EU Stability and Growth Pact
• Meeting with a delegation of Members from the Icelandic Parliament
• Regional Development in a European Context

7.2 Dail Select Committee

On the 10 occasions the Dáil Select Committee met, it dealt with the following matters:

• Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman.
• Discussion with Minister/Minister of State on General Affairs and External Relations Council meetings.
• Discussion with H.E. Mr. Elias Nathan, Ambassador of the Republic of Nigeria.
• European Union Bill, 2001: Committee Stage.
• Justice and Home Affairs Council
• Work Programme
• Discussion with the Integration Committee of the Czech Republic

7.3 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny

On the 25 occasions that it met, the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny dealt with the following matters:-

• Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals
• Exchange of Views with a delegation of the European Committee of the Polish Parliament

8. Groups and Individuals attending before Committee

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

• Dr. Franz Fischler – EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Fisheries
• Mr Brian Cowen T.D – Minister for Foreign Affairs,

Mr. Tom Kitt -Minister of State for Department of Foreign Affairs.



• Dr. John Fingleton – Chairperson, Competition Authority

Mr Brian Whitney



• Mr. Dick Roche T.D. – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
• Senator Maurice Hayes - Chairman (Forum on Europe)

Mr Dominic Haugh - Socialist Party




Mr Noel Mulcahy




Ms Niamh Bhreathnach



• Mr Bobby McDonagh

Mr. John Cushnahan, MEP



• Delegation from the House of Commons Treasury Committee

Mr John McFall MP (Chairman) – Labour Dumbarton, House of Commons Treasury Committee




Ms Angela Eagle – House of Commons Treasury Committee




Mr James Plaskitt MP – Labour Warwick and Leamington, House of Commons Treasury Committee




Mr Nigel Beard MP – Labour Bewleyheath and Crayford, House of Commons Treasury Committee




Mr David Ruffley MP - Conservative Bury St Edmonds, House of Commons Treasury Committee



• Dr. Garret FitzGerald – Institute of European Affairs

Professor Brigid Laffan – Institute of European Affairs




Mr. Alan Dukes – Director General of the Institute of European Affairs




Mr. Brendan Hourigan – Institute of European Affairs



• Mr John Bruton TD – Member of the Convention for the Future of Europe

Mr John Gormley TD – Member of the Convention for the Future of Europe



• Mr Tom Kitt, T.D. – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
• Delegation from the French Parliament

Mme Noelle Lenoir – French Minister delegate for European Affairs




Senator Yves Deniau – (UMP)



• Ms Brigid McManus – Assistant Secretary, Tax Policy, Department of Finance

Mr Michael McGrath – Principal Officer, Department of Finance



• Delegation from the Parliament of Germany

Mr Axel Fischer - Vice-chairman German – Irish Parliamentary




Friendship Group




Mr Michael Grosse-Bromer




Mrs Petra Bierwirth




Dr. Margit Spielmann




Mrs. Ina Lenke




Mr. IngoBäcker



• Mr. Jim Loughran – Campaigns Manager of Amnesty International

Mr. Colm Ó’Cuanacháin – Secretary General of Amnesty International



• Delegation from the Bundestag EU Affairs Committee

Mr. Kurt Bodewig (Social Democratic Party) Head of Delegation




Mr Kurt-Dieter Grill (Christian Democratic Party)




Mrs Anna Luhrmann (The Greens)




Mr. Jürgen Turk



• Delegation from the Parliament of Hungarian

Dr Ferenc Wekler – Head of Delegation



• Mr Dermot Nolan – Department of Finance

Mr John Palmer – Department of Finance



• Delegation from the Parliament of Cyprus

Mr. Demetris Christofias – MP., President of the House of Representatives of the Cypriot Parliament



• Mr. Ruud Lubbers – UN High Commissioner for Refugee
• Professor Patricia Barker – Chairperson advisory group on the role of the European Court of Auditors

Ms. Mairéad Divilly - Advisory group on the role of the European Court of Auditors




Dr. Moore McDowell - Advisory group on the role of the European Court of Auditors



• Delegation from the House of Commons Scrutiny Committee

Mr Jimmy Hood MP – Chairman Labour C Clydesdale




Mr Michael Connarty MP – Labour C Falkirk East




Mr Jim Dobbin – MP Labour/Co-op C Heywood & Middleton




Mr Mark Hendrick – MP Labour C Preston




Mr John Robertson – MP Labour C Glasgow Anniesland



• Mr Charlie McCreevy T.D. – Minister for Finance
• Delegation from the Parliament of Iceland

Mr Gunnar Birgisson – Chairman




Mr Össur Sharphéðinsson




Mr Birkir J. Jónsson




Mr Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson



• Ms Lúðvík Bergvinsson
• Bishop Thomas A. Finnegan – Retired Bishop of Killala

Mr Sean Hannick – Chairman of the Council for the West




Ms Lisa McAllister




Dr John Sweeney – Maynooth faculty

In the period under report, the Select Committee met with the following organisations, groups and individuals:

• Mr Brian Cowen T.D – Minister for Foreign Affairs
• His Excellency Chief Elias Nathan - Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
• Mr. Dick Roche T.D. – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
• Mr Michael McDowell – Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
• Mr. Pavel Svoboda – Chairman, Committee of European Integration of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic

Mr. Kohlícek




Mr. Kubinyi

In the period under report the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny met with the following groups and individuals:

• His Excellency Witold Sobkow, Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland.

Janusz Lewandowski, Deputy Chairman of the Committee (Civic Platform)




Marek Kotlinowski, Deputy Chairman of the Committee (League of Polish families)




Pawel Poncyljusz.




Senator: Bogdan Podgorski (Alliance of the Democratic Left/Labour Union)




Senator: Wladyslaw Mankut (Alliance of the Democratic Left/Labour Union)




Cezary Lusinski (Counsellor- Deputy head of Missions)




M. Skizynska, clerk to the Sejm Committee.



• Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt
• Mr Ned Costello – Assistant Secretary, Department of Enterprise

9. 9.1 Joint Committee Reports

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

Joint Committee Reports

• First Report: Report of the Advisory Group to the Joint Committee on European Affairs
• Second Report: Report on the proposal to display the European flag for the duration of Ireland’s presidency of the European Union
• Third Report: Report on the consideration of the Advisory Group’s report on the role of the Court of Auditors
• Fourth Report: Institutions of the European Union suggestions for change by the EU Convention on the Future of Europe

Sub-Committee Meeting Reports

• First report report of the meeting of 10^th October 2002 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Second report report of the meeting of 31 October 2002 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Third report report of the meeting of 21 November 2002 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Fourth report report of the meeting of 12 December 2002 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Fifth report report of the meeting of 16 January 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Sixth report report of the meeting of 30 January 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Seventh report report of the meeting of 13 February 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Eighth report report of the meeting of 25^th February 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Ninth report report of the meeting of 12^th March 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Tenth report report of the meeting of 27^th March 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Eleventh report report of the meeting of 16^th April 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Twelfth report report of the meeting of 8^th May 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Thirteenth report report of the meeting of 22^nd May 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Fourteenth report report of the meeting of 29 May 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Fifteenth report report of the meeting of 12 June 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Sixteenth report report of the meeting of 26 June 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Seventeenth report report of the meeting of 10 July 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Eighteenth report report of the meeting of 24 July 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Nineteenth report report of the meeting of 9 September 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Twentieth report EU embryo research proposal for decision Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Twentieth report part 2 report of the meeting of 2 October 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Twenty first report report of the meeting of 16 October 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Twenty second report report of the meeting of 6 November 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Twenty third report part 1 report of the meeting of 20 November 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Twenty third report, (part 2) report of the meeting of 20 November 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Twenty fourth report report of the meeting of 4 December 2003 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny

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 will continue to consider its present procedures and role.

,T.D.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman of the Joint Committee on European Affairs

21^st June 2006

APPENDIX 1
Orders of Reference

Joint Committee

Dáil Éireann on 16 October 2002 ordered:

“That the Orders of Reference of the Select Committee on European Affairs established on 27th June 2002, be amended by the insertion of the following Orders of Reference in substitution thereof:

1. 1. That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select Committee on European Affairs, consisting of 11 Members of Dáil Éireann (of whom four 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 Foreign Affairs;

      and

      
      
      2. 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 (ii), 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 Foreign Affairs (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 European Affairs to-
      
      1. scrutinise, in the context of European Union issues and measures to be taken by the Council of Ministers of the European Union-
         
         1. any proposals under the Community treaties for legislation by the Council or the Council acting jointly with the European Parliament,
         2. any document which is published for submission to the European Council, the Council or the European Central Bank,
         3. any proposal for a common strategy, a joint action or a common position under Title V of the Treaty on European Union which is prepared for submission to the Council or to the European Council,
         4. any proposal for a common position, framework decision, decision or a convention under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union which is prepared for submission to the Council,
         5. any document (not falling within (II), (III), or (IV) above) which is published by one Union institution for or with a view to submission to another Union institution and which does not relate exclusively to the consideration of any proposal for legislation,

         and

         
         
         6. any other document relating to European Union matters deposited in both Houses of the Oireachtas by a Member of the Government or Minister of State,

         as it may select;

         
         
      2. consider such matters arising from Ireland’s membership of the European Communities and its adherence to the Treaty on European Union, as it may select;
      3. consider such -
         
         1. acts of the institutions of the European Communities,
         2. regulations under the European Communities Acts, 1972 to 1998,
         3. other instruments made under statute and necessitated by the obligations of membership of the European Communities,

         as it may select;

         
         
      4. consider such other matters as may be referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas;

      and

      
      
      5. represent both Houses of the Oireachtas at the Conference of European Affairs Committees (COSAC);

      and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

      
      
   2. The Joint Committee shall have:
      
      1. the powers defined in Standing Order 81(1) to (9) inclusive;
      2. the power to refer a proposal for EU legislation which has been considered by it (and which has been concluded to be of sufficient national importance to require further scrutiny) to a Joint Committee on which has been conferred the power defined in Standing Order 81(4) to consider such proposals;

      and

      
      
      3. the power to request the presence of Members of the Government (or Ministers of State nominated in their stead) (or, in the case of the European Council, the Taoiseach or Minister for Foreign Affairs) to attend before the Joint Committee and provide, in private session if so desired by the Member of the Government or Minister of State, oral briefings in advance of Council meetings to enable the Joint Committee to make known its views.
   3. The following persons may attend meetings of the Joint Committee and of its sub-Committees and may take part in proceedings without having a right to vote or to move motions and amendments—
      
      1. Members of the European Parliament elected from constituencies in Ireland (including Northern Ireland);
      2. members of the Irish delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe;

      and

      
      
      3. at the invitation of the Joint Committee or of a sub-Committee, as appropriate, other Members of the European Parliament.
   4. 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 Chairman of the Joint Committee, who shall be a Member of Dáil Éireann, shall also be Chairman of the Select Committee.’.”

*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 European Affairs to -
      
      1. scrutinise, in the context of European Union issues and measures to be taken by the Council of Ministers of the European Union,
         
         1. any proposals under the Community treaties for legislation by the Council or the Council acting jointly with the European Parliament,
         2. any document which is published for submission to the European Council, the Council or the European Central Bank,
         3. any proposal for a common strategy, a joint action or a common position under Title V of the Treaty on European Union which is prepared for submission to the Council or to the European Council,
         4. any proposal for a common position, framework decision, decision or a convention under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union which is prepared for submission to the Council,
         5. any document (not falling within (II), (III), or (IV) above) which is published by one Union institution for or with a view to submission to another Union institution and which does not relate exclusively to the consideration of any proposal for legislation,

         and

         
         
         6. any other document relating to European Union matters deposited in both Houses of the Oireachtas by a Member of the Government or Minister of State,

         as it may select;

         
         
      2. consider such matters arising from Ireland’s membership of the European Communities and its adherence to the Treaty on European Union,

      as it may select;

      
      
      3. consider such -
         
         1. acts of the institutions of the European Communities,
         2. regulations under the European Communities Acts, 1972 to 1998,
         3. other instruments made under statute and necessitated by the obligations of membership of the European Communities,

         as it may select;

         
         
      4. consider such other matters as may be referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas;

      and

      
      
      5. represent both Houses of the Oireachtas at the Conference of European Affairs Committees (COSAC);

      and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

      
      
   2. The Joint Committee shall have:
      
      1. the powers defined in Standing Order 65 (1) to (9) inclusive;
      2. the power to refer a proposal for EU legislation which has been considered by it (and which has been concluded to be of sufficient national importance to require further scrutiny) to a Joint Committee on which has been conferred the power defined in Standing Order 65(4) to consider such proposals;

      and

      
      
      3. the power to request the presence of Members of the Government (or Ministers of State nominated in their stead) (or, in the case of the European Council, the Taoiseach or Minister for Foreign Affairs) to attend before the Joint Committee and provide, in private session if so desired by the Member of the Government or Minister of State, oral briefings in advance of Council meetings to enable the Joint Committee to make known its views.
   3. The following persons may attend meetings of the Joint Committee and of its sub-Committees and may take part in proceedings without having a right to vote or to move motions and amendments—
      
      1. members of the European Parliament elected from constituencies in Ireland (including Northern Ireland);
      2. members of the Irish delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe;

      and

      
      
      3. at the invitation of the Joint Committee or of a sub-Committee, as appropriate, other Members of the European Parliament.
   4. 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.
2. The Chairman of the Joint Committee shall be a Member of Dáil Éireann.

*Seanad Éireann on 23rd October 2002 ordered:

That the Orders of Reference of the Select Committee on European Affairs be amended in paragraph 1(a) by the substitution of '6 members' for '4 members'."

APPENDIX 2
Members of the Joint Committee

Joint Committee on European Affairs

List of Members

APPENDIX 3
Members of the Select Committee

Select Committee on European Affairs

List of Members

APPENDIX 4
Members of the Sub Committee

Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny

List of Members

Alternates

APPENDIX 5
Meetings of the Joint Committee

APPENDIX 6
Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

APPENDIX 7
Meetings of the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny

APPENDIX 8
Minutes of the meetings of the Joint Committee

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting of Monday, 11 November 2002

1. The Committee met at 2.05 p.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Barry Andrews, Marian Harkin, Jim Glennon (In substitution for Pat Carey), Sean Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Michael Mulcahy, Simon Coveney (In substitution for Jim O’Keeffe), Ruairí Quinn, Martin Ferris (In substitution for Aengus Ó Snodaigh.), Mae Sexton and Senators: John Dardis, Feargal Quinn. Deputy Billy Timmins attended in substitution for Paul Bradford and Geraldine Feeney attended in substitution for Don Lydon.

Also in attendance were: Patricia McKenna MEP, John Bruton TD, Senator Paschal Mooney, Trevor Sargent TD and Mary Banotti MEP.

Apologies were received from Jim O’Keeffe, Don Lydon, Ann Ormonde, Pat Carey, Aengus O’ Snodaigh

2. Announcements:

1. The Chairman announced that in accordance with an order of the Dáil on Thursday 7 November, Deputy Jack Wall had been discharged from the Committee and Deputy Ruairí Quinn had been appointed in his place. The Chairman welcomed Deputy Quinn to the Committee.
2. The Chairman also announced that in accordance with an order of the Seanad on 6 November, the following Members of the Seanad had been nominated to serve on the Joint Committee on European Affairs: Paul Bradford, John Dardis, Don Lydon, Derek McDowell, Ann Ormonde and Feargal Quinn. The Chairman welcomed these new Members to the Joint Committee.

3. Exchange of views with Commissioner Franz Fischler.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Franz Fischler and he was accompanied by a delegation consisting of: Mrs Maeve Doran-Schiratti, Deputy Head of Cabinet; Mrs Mary Minch, Director, DG Agriculture; Mr David Armstrong, Adviser to Director, DG Fisheries; Mr Peter Doyle, Director, European Commission Representation; Mr Philip Ryan, Deputy Director, European Commission Representation.

The Chairman welcomed the Commissioner and his Officials and he referred to the new Oireachtas arrangements for Scrutiny of European business. He pointed to the democratic deficit identified arising from the first NICE referendum and he welcomed the opportunity, presented by the visit to redress that deficit.

Before inviting the Commissioner to speak he raised general concerns regarding the mid term review of the Common agricultural Policy and the decoupling of direct payments from production on the agriculture side. On the fisheries side, he mentioned the current threat to the Irish box as well as CFP reform proposals and the quotas for 2003.

Following the Chairman’s introductory remarks the Commissioner made a comprehensive presentation after which the Chairman opened the debate to the floor.

4. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 14.30 pm.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Select Committee

14 November 2002

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 14 November 2002

1. The Committee met at 11.35 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Sean Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’Keeffe, Martin Brady (in substitution for Barry Andrews), John Curran (In substitution for Mae Sexton), and Senators: Paul Bradford, John Dardis, Don Lydon Derek McDowell and Ann Ormonde.

Apologies were received from Feargal Quinn, Ruairí Quinn and Aengus O’ Snodaigh

2. Minutes.

The minutes of the meetings on 6^th and 11^th November 2002 were agreed.

3. Discussion with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen T.D on the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council which will be held on 18^th and 19^th November in Brussels

The Chairman welcomed the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for State at the Department of Foreign Affairs for again coming before the Committee as part of their preparations for the upcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels. He invited the Minister to make a presentation.

Following the presentation the Chairman invited questions in groups on External Relations and, secondly, on General Affairs

4. Election of Vice Chairman

The Chairman reported that Deputy Seamus Kirk had been appointed as Vice Chair to the British Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body. In view of this appointment he had submitted a letter of resignation from his position as Vice-Chairman of this Committee. He formally recorded his thanks to Deputy Kirk for his contribution as Vice Chairman and congratulated him on his appointment to his new position.

The Chairman then called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chairman

Deputy Pat Carey nominated Deputy Sean Haughey. The nomination was seconded by Deputy Michael Mulcahy. There being no further nominations, Deputy Haughey was deemed elected.

5. Correspondence

1. Correspondence received from Royal Irish Academy: National Committee for the Study of International Affairs Conference 2002, “Conflict Resolution: Ireland and Beyond”, Dublin, 22^nd November 2002. – it was agreed to note this.
2. Letter from Ms. Carla Kennedy, Kurdistan Solidarity Ireland re: “Reform in Turkey: Kurdish Presentation to the Select Committee on European Affairs”.it was agreed to seek a detailed written submission to be circulated to Members.
3. Invitation from Mr. Eamonn M. Barnes, Chairman of the Internet Advisory Board. Conference on the theme of “Internet Safety – a shared responsibility” Dublin, 21^st November 2002.- it was agreed to refer this to the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small business
4. Letter from Deputy Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuaina re: Ireland’s ratification of the Treaty of Nice. – it was agreed to note this.
5. Letter from Mr. Tony Kennedy, Chief Executive, Co-Operation Ireland re: Co-Operation Irelands role as an Intermediary funding body. – it was agreed that this group could be invited to participate in a forthcoming offsite visit meeting with local groups perhaps on border region issues
6. Invitation from Mr. Klaus BÚHLER, MdB, President of the Assembly of Western European Union to “The interim European Security and Defence Assembly”, Paris, 2^nd-4^th December 2002 – it was agreed to accept and send a Member if one would be available.
7. Statement of “Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the statement by the European Union and Russia on the transit between Kaliningrad Region and the rest of the Russian Federation”, issued on 11^th November 2002, Brussels– it was agreed to note this.
8. Submission on the work of the Convention – September 2002, “The Future of the European Union” from the Irish Delegation to the Committee of the Regions and the Association of Irish Regions – it was agreed to revisit this in the context of the forthcoming meeting with members of the Convention.
9. Press Release from European Anti Poverty Network, Ireland: “Convention on Europe must give priority to social policy”, Embargo Midnight Wednesday, 6^th November 2002. – it was agreed to note this.

6. Preparations for the first meeting of the COSAC Working Group, Copenhagen 18^th November – Adoption of Draft position paper

The revised text, circulated before the meeting was agreed. It was noted that Deputy Mulcahy would be attending on behalf of the Committee.

7. Any Other Business

The Committee received a request that scrutiny documents be circulated to MEPs at the same time they are circulated to other committees for information. It was agreed to circulate the documents but to withhold the advice of the policy advisor.

8. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 13.15 pm.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Select Committee

20 November 2002

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 20 November 2002

1. The Committee met at 14.08 hours in Committee Room 3 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Michael Mulcahy, Aengus O’ Snodaigh, and Mae Sexton, and Senators: Peter Callanan (in substitution for Ann Ormonde), John Dardis, Don Lydon, Fergal Quinn.

Also in attendance was Patricia McKenna MEP

Apologies were received from Deputies Jim O’Keefe, Ruairí Quinn, and Senators Paul Bradford and Ann Ormonde

2. Minutes.

The minutes of the meeting of 14 November 2002, suitably amended to show a) that Minister Tom Kitt TD attended with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and b) that the Committee agreed that the Chairman or his substitute should attend as observer at a WEU meeting in Paris on 2/4 December 2002, were agreed.

The Chairman welcomed as observers a group of diplomats from the candidate countries who were in Ireland on a training course organized by the institute of European Affairs and two officials from the Northern Ireland Assembly, Ms Stella McArdle and Ms Gillian Lewis who are in the Oireachtas to look at our new scrutiny arrangements on proposed EU legislation.

3. Discussion with the Chairman of the Competition Authority and Officials of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the removal of the block exemption in the motor industry and Regulation 17. (Transfer of enforcement responsibilities from the Commission to National Authorities)

The Chairman welcomed Dr John Fingleton, Chairman of the Competition Authority and his colleagues Mr Patrick Kenny, Mr Ray Leonard and Mr Dave Hodnett and Mr Brian Whitney, Mr. Danny Kelly, and Mr Bill Coventry of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

After the Chairman’s introductory remarks presentations were made on removal of the block exemption in the motor industry and regulation 17 by Dr Fingleton and Mr Whitney respectively.

Following the presentations the Chairman opened the debate to the members.

4. Correspondence

In relation to the European Court of Auditors’ 25^th Annual Report of the 2001 EU Budget which had just been received by the Committee it was agreed to a) hold a preliminary meeting of the Committee to examine the report with the help of an expert and b) to ask a member of the Court of Auditors to make a presentation on the report to the Committee.

5. Any Other Business

A report prepared by Deputy Mulcahy on the COSAC Working Group, which met on 17/18 November in Copenhagen, was noted.

6. Date and time of next meeting.

It was noted that the Sub-Committee would meet at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday 21^st November. The Joint Committee agreed to meet on 29 November to hear from the Oireachtas and Government delegations to the EU Convention.

7. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 15.30 pm.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Select Committee

November 2002

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting of Friday, 29 November 2002

1. The Committee met at 12.05 hours in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Barry Andrews, Bernard Durkan (in substitution for Jim O’Keeffe) Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Michael Mulcahy, Seamus Kirk, , Ruairí Quinn and Mae Sexton, and Senators: Paul Bradford, Derek McDowell, Paschal Mooney(in substitution for John Dardis), Ger Feeney (in substitution for Don Lydon), Liam Fitzgerald (in substitution for Ann Ormonde) and Fergal Quinn.

Also in attendance was Patricia McKenna MEP, Avril Doyle MEP, Jim Fitzsimons MEP, Mary Banotti MEP,

Apologies were received from Deputies Jim O’Keefe, Ruairí Quinn, and Senators Paul Bradford and Ann Ormonde

Witnesses: Mr. Dick Roche TD, Minister for State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. John Bruton TD, Mr. Proinsias De Rossa MEP, Mr. Pat Carey TD, Mr. John Gormley TD and Mr. Bobby McDonagh, Department of Foreign Affairs.

2. Minutes.

The minutes of the meeting of 20 November 2002, were agreed.

3. Discussion with Oireachtas and Government representatives to the Convention on the Future of Europe.

The Chairman welcomed the Oireachtas and Government representatives to the Convention on the Future of Europe to the meeting.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman reported that six of the conventions ten working groups had already reported and that the remaining four reports were at an advanced stage. He proposed that the Committee would return to the Working Groups in January and February, 2003. It was agreed that the Joint Committee would hold three such meetings. The first meeting will deal with national parliaments, subsidiarity and complementary competencies and the recently established Social Europe work group. The second with external relations, defence and legal personality and the third with freedom, security and justice, fundamental rights, simplification and economic governance.

Following his introduction, the Chairman invited Minister for State, Mr. Dick Roche to make his presentation. Subsequent presentations were made by Mr. John Bruton TD, Mr. Proinsias De Rossa MEP, Mr. Pat Carey TD and Mr. John Gormley TD.

In addition to his presentation, Deputy Bruton submitted a written submission to the Committee. It was agreed that the submission would be included on the Committee’s webpage on the Oireachtas website.

Following the presentations, the Chairman opened the debate to the floor and invited questions.

(in private session)

6. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 15.05 pm.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Select Committee

11 December 2002

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 12^th December 2002

1. The Committee met at 2.45 p.m. hours in Committee Room 3 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Gay Mitchell, Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Sean Haughey, Séamus Kirk, Michael Mulcahy, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, May Sexton. Senators: John Dardis, Don Lydon, Ann Ormonde, Fergal Quinn.

Also in attendance was Patricia McKenna MEP, Avril Doyle MEP, Jim Fitzsimons MEP, Mary Banotti MEP,

Apologies were received from Deputies Jim O’Keefe, Ruairí Quinn and Marian Harkin and Senators Paul Bradford

2. Minutes.

The minutes of the meeting of 29^th November 2002, were agreed.

3. Discussion with Chairman and Members of the National Forum on Europe.

The Chairman welcomed the Chairman of the National Forum on Europe, Senator Maurice Hayes, Mr. Walter P Kirwan, Secretary General, Ms. Geraldine Byrne Nason, Deputy Secretary General, Mr Dominic Haugh (Socialist Party), (SF), Tony Browne (Lab) and Noel Mulcahy (F.F.)

In his introductory remarks the Chairman outlined the new role of the Committee and hoped that the respective roles would be complementary. He specifically referred to two areas of work facing the Committee. Firstly, the Convention on the Future of Europe and secondly, the need to engage the Irish public and Media in European Affairs with a view to preparing for the next Treaty.

Following the introductory remarks the Forum Chairman made a brief presentation. He advised that the Forum is due to conclude and report in the summer. It is his wish that the Forum will however return following a period of reflection on the report to prepare for the next treaty. In Response to the Committee Chairman he advised that the Forum would consider security and defence issues in March.

It was agreed that the two Secretariats would consult to ensure that the work of the Committee and the Forum does not overlap.

Following an exchange of views between the respective members the Chairman thanked Senator Hayes and the other contributors.

4. Correspondence.

–Invitation from the Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the Danish Parliament to the meeting of the Working Group on 15- 16 December 2002 in Copenhagen. - It was agreed that a Member should attend if available.




–Letter from Pavel Svoboda, Chairman of the Committee for European Integration, Parliament of the Czech Republic, thanking the committee for their hospitality during their recent visit to Dublin.- It was agreed to note this.




–Letter from Mr. John Bruton T.D. re: ‘Request for a review of practice in regard to the mutual recognition in Ireland of Qualifications obtained in professionals in other E.U. countries.’- It was agreed to add this to the work programme and to seek a brief from the relevant department/s




–Background paper on Subsidiarity and the Role of National Parliaments’. – It was agreed to note this.




–IBEC Monthly Newsletters dated October, November and December and IBECs EU Update, Autumn 2002. It was agreed to note this.




Periodicals




Available from Committee Secretariat on request.




–“Polish Market”, Issue No. 11, November 2002.- It was agreed to note this.

5. Any Other Business

Consultants – The Chairman referred to earlier discussions when the Committee had considered to need to appoint consultants. He proposed draft terms of reference as follows.

Terms of Reference:

To advise the Chairman and Committee, including the Scrutiny sub-Committee

1. on ways and means of closing the perceived democratic deficit
2. on setting strategic priorities
3. in effectively carrying out the remit of the Committee

following a brief discussion the proposal was agreed.

6. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 4.20 p.m.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Select Committee

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 17^th January 2003

1. The Committee met at 10.40a.m., in Committee Room 4 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Séamus Kirk, Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’ Keeffe, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, May Sexton. Senators: Don Lydon and Ann Ormonde.

Also in attendance was Patricia McKenna MEP, Avril Doyle MEP and Niall Andrews MEP

Apologies were received from Senators Paul Bradford, John Dardis and Fergal Quinn.

2. Minutes.

The minutes of the meeting of 12th December 2003, were agreed.

3. Convention on the Future of Europe

The Chairman introduced the discussion on the reports of the Working Groups on National Parliaments; subsidiarity; complementary competencies and Social Europe. He advised the meeting that the Working Group on a Social Europe had not yet reported but that work had in fact commenced.

The Chairman welcomed the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dick Roche TD and his officials and he invited the Minister to make a brief presentation.

Following the presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to the floor and invited questions from Members.

The Chairman proposed that the Convention might consider a recommendation from the Committee that a member of National Parliaments nominated by the Speakers, or, for example, Chairmen of the European Affairs Committees should have attendance and participation rights at the European Parliament, from time to time, to raise issues of interest to National Parliaments. It was agreed to formally submit such a recommendation t the Convention.

4. Discussions on the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council.

The Chairman invited the Minister of State to make a presentation on the provisional agenda for the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council.

Following the Minister of State’s presentation the Chairman invited questions, firstly on the External Relations part of the agenda and then the General Affairs issues.

The Chairman then thanked the Minister of State and his officials.

5. Correspondence.

1-Letter from Tayad Komite, Europe re: The ongoing Death Fasts (hunger strikes) in Turkey’s prisons. It was agreed to note this item.

2-Invitation from Dinos Vrettos of the Hellenic Parliament Committee for European Affairs to the next COSAC meeting on Monday 27^th January 2003, Brussels. It was agreed to seek six nominations, including the Chairman and it was also agreed that the Chairman would attend the following day’s meeting of Chairmen.

3-Correspondence received from Zainal Arif Mantaha, Director, People-to-people Exchange, Asia-Europe Foundation. It was agreed to note this item.

4-E-Mail submission from Ryanair, re: Proposed legislation on Compensation for Denied Boarding, Cancellations and Delays. It was agreed to note this item in view of the fact that it had been dealt with the previous day at the meeting of the sub-Committee. .

5-Letter from Claus Larsen-Jensen, re: The Danish presidency’s conclusions on the work in the COSAC Working Group concerning a reform of COSAC. It was agreed to note this report which will be for discussion at the COSAC meeting on 27^th January.

6-Letter from Bernardica Maksijan-Anic, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia. Requesting a meeting with members of the Committee on 4^th February 2003. – It was agreed to meet the delegation informally.

7-Letter from Claus Larsen-Jensen, chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Denmark, re: Proposal for a revision of COSAC’s Rules of Procedure. It was agreed to note this report which will be for discussion at the COSAC meeting on 27^th January.

8-Letter from Claus J. Lindroos, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Finland, re: EU Financial Framework. (Including draft programme from Finnish Ministry of Finance) – It was agreed to refer this matter to the Finance Committee.

9-Letter from Demetris Christofias, President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, re: the accession of Cyprus to the EU and the current situation in Iraq and advising of progress on the resolution of the Turkish Cypriot issue. It was agreed to note item.

10-Fax/letter from Ambassador Mary Whelan of the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations Geneva, re: invitation to WTO conference in Geneva 17-18 February 2003, from the President of the IPU, Sergio Páez Verdugo and President of the European Parliament, Patrick Cox. It was agreed to accept the invitation for one or two Members.

11-Invitation to working party on ‘Migrations and human exchanges’, 4^th February 2003, Brussels. It was agreed to note this item

6. Any other Business.

The Chairman reminded Members that the visit will take place on Friday 31 January in the Council Offices, Castlebar, County Mayo. The agenda will include a section on the role and functions of the Committee, Objective one Status and EU Enlargement.

Speakers from the IDA, the Western Development Commission and the Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly have kindly agreed to make presentations on objective one status. We have also invited representatives from the Council of the region and media representatives. The Slovenian Ambassador will also attend.

The Chairman advised Members that they should make their own accommodation arrangements to suit their particular arrival and departure times and he asked them to let the Secretariat know as soon as possible if they were not in a position to travel.

Press release on the sub-Committee

The Chairman read the text of the draft press release and advertisement on Scrutiny and the text was agreed.

7. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 13.04 p.m.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Select Committee

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 24^th January 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 10.38 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Sean Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Michael Mulcahy, Aengus O’Snodaigh, Mae Sexton,

Senators: John Dardis, Ger Feeney (in substitution for Don Lydon), Ann Ormonde

Apologies: were received from Deputy Jim O’Keeffe and Senators Don Lydon and Paul Bradford.

Witnesses: Bobby McDonagh, John Cusanan MEP.

Other Members Attending:, Patricia McKenna MEP, Sen. Paschal Mooney, Mr. John Bruton T.D., Jim Fitzsimons MEP, John Cusanan MEP.

2. Minutes.

The minutes of the meeting of 17 January were agreed

3. Correspondence.

1. It was agreed to note a request from Mr. Pat Cox, President of the European Parliament, seeking submissions in connection with the establishment of a working group on the Euromed forum which is being set up to consider the creation of a Euro-Mediterranean parliamentary assembly. It was also agreed to respond in the event that Members had a view following the receipt of advice from the Policy Advisor.
2. Submission from the Department of Agriculture regarding the WTO Round. It was agreed to forward this proposal to the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food.
3. The Chairman asked Members to submit their names if they wished to attend the forthcoming COSAC meeting in Brussels.

4. Any Other Business.

The Chairman referred to the Proposal From MEP De Rossa regarding a ‘Europe Week’. He advised that the Forum had heard that such a proposal was now likely and would involve the Committee, the Forum on Europe and the Minister. It was agreed that the Secretariat would prepare a proposed draft agenda for the Europe week for consideration by the Committee.

It was also agreed to invite the Permanent Representative to Brussels before the Committee to report on activity throughout the year.

5. Discussion with Members of the Convention on the Future of Europe.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Bobby McDonagh, Head of the European Section of the Department of Foreign affairs and MEP John Cushnahan to the meeting. Following a brief introduction he invited Mr McDonagh to make a presentation. This was followed by a presentation from MEP John Cushnahan. There then followed interventions from Deputy John Bruton and Deputy Pat Carey who are also Members of the Convention.

Following the presentations the Chairman invited questions and in conclusion he thanked the witnesses and the Members.

6. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 12.45 p.m.

John Deasy TD

Chairman

21 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 10^th February 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 12.06 p.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Eoin Ryan (in substitution for Michael Mulcahy), Bernard Durkan (in substitution for Jim O’Keeffe), Ruairi Quinn, Mae Sexton,

Senators: John Dardis, Francie O’Brien (in substitution for John Dardis), Ger Feeney (in substitution for Don Lydon), Paschal Mooney (in substitution forAnn Ormonde)

Apologies: were received from Deputies Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’Keeffe, Aengus O’Snodaigh and Senators Paul Bradford, Ann Ormonde and Fergal Quinn.

Witnesses: Bobby McDonagh Dept of Foreign Affairs, John Bruton T.D., John Gormley T.D.

2. Discussion with Members of the Convention on the Future of Europe.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Dick Roche TD, Minister of State and Mr. Bobby McDonagh of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Members of the Committee.

At Deputy Bruton’s proposal it was agreed to include the Charter of Fundamental rights in the discussion.

The Chairman then invited Deputy Bruton to make a presentation on the reports of the working groups on Economic Governance, Freedom, Security Justice, Incorporation of the Charter Fundamental Rights and Social Europe.

The Chairman then invited the Minister of state to make his presentation. Following the presentations the discussion was opened to the floor.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the Members and the Minister of State and Mr. McDonagh. It was agreed to have the next meeting in the series on the Convention on 3rd March.

3. Correspondence.

1. It was agreed to note the contribution to the Convention by Ms Teija Tiilikainen, (member of convention) and Mr Antti Peltoaki (alternate member), Finland “The Future of the EU and the Work of the Convention”
2. It was agreed to support the case made by Mr Henry Rodgers regarding Irish lecturers in Italian Universities.
3. It was agreed to note the Operational programme of the European Council 2003 submitted by the Greek and Italian Presidencies dated 20 December 2002.

4. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 1.58 p.m.

John Deasy TD

Chairman

21 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 12^th February 2003

1. The Committee met private session at 2.40 p.m. in Committee Room 4 LH2000

2. The Committee went into public session at 3.02 p.m. in Committee Room 4 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Sean Haughey, Marian Harkin, Eoin Ryan (in substitution for Seamus Kirk), Michael Mulcahy and Jim O’Keeffe.

Senators: Don Lydon, Derek McDowell, Ann Ormonde, Fergal Quinn, Martin Mansergh (in substitution for Don Lydon for part of the meeting)

Apologies: were received from Deputy Mae Sexton.

Witnesses: Mr John McFall MP (Chairman), Mr George Mudie MP, Ms Angela Eagle MP, Mr James Plaskitt MP, Mr Nigel Beard MP, Mr David Ruffley MP

3. Discussion with the Treasury Committee of the British Parliament.

The Chairman welcomed the following Members of the Treasury Committee of the House of Commons - Mr John McFall MP (Chairman), Mr George Mudie MP, Ms Angela Eagle MP, Mr James Plaskitt MP, Mr Nigel Beard MP, Mr David Ruffley MP. Who were accompanied by Committee officials as well as Mr. Tom Hoskins of the British Embassy.

He introduced those Members of the Joint Committee who were present.

The Chairman then made a presentation on the Irish experience of the move to a single currency as well as our experiences since the introduction of the Euro.

He then invited Mr. John McFall to make a presentation, following which there was an exchange of views.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the delegation.

4. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 4.03 p.m.

John Deasy TD

Chairman

21 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 18^th February 2003

1. The Committee met at 2.37 pm., in Committee Room 3 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey (in the Chair), Michael Mulcahy, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, May Sexton. Senators: Paul Bradford and Ann Ormonde, John Dardis and Tim Dooley (in substitution for Don Lydon).

Also in attendance was Avril Doyle MEP

Apologies were received from Deputies Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Seamus Kirk, Jim O’ Keeffe and Senators Don Lydon and Fergal Quinn.

2. Preparation of the General Affairs & External Relations Council, 24 and 25 February 2003.

The Chairman thanked the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs for again coming before the Committee as part of his preparations for the upcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels.

The Minister made a comprehensive presentation on the subject matter of the agenda of the Forthcoming Council. Following the presentation the Chairman invited questions on the External relations portion of the agenda and secondly on the General Affairs part of the agenda. Following discussions the Chairman thanked the Minister of State and the officials.

3. Correspondence:

1. Letter from the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly to an Ceann Comhairle. [It was agreed that this request was not relevant to the Committee and should be referred back to the Ceann Comhairle with a recommendation that it be referred to both the European Parliament Office and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
2. Submission received from the Kurdistan Solidarity Ireland entitled “An Introduction to the Issues that shape Kurdish Perspectives on Turkey’s EU Accession Negotiations”. [it was agreed to note this correspondence]
3. Correspondence received from Ms Lisa Mc Allister, CEO of the Western Development Commission, thanking the Committee for facilitating the recent meeting in Castlebar. [it was agreed to note this correspondence]
4. Briefing material on the forthcoming “Russia – E.U. Summit”, received from the Embassy of Russia. [it was agreed to note this correspondence]
5. Proposal for submission to the Convention on the Future of Europe by António Nazaré Pereira alternate representative of the Portuguese Parliament, entitled ‘Guidelines for parliamentary scrutiny of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP)’. [it was agreed to deal with this correspondence in the context of the next meeting with the Convention representatives on the 3^rd of March]
6. Invitation and draft agenda for a Joint meeting of the NATO-parliamentary assembly with Committees on Foreign Affairs and Defence policy of EU Nationals parliaments on the following topics: Progress in ESDP and EU-NATO-Relations [it was agreed to note this correspondence]
7. Invitation to ‘5^th Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Forum’, Elounda, Athens, Friday 28^th – Saturday 29^th March 2003. [it was agreed to accept this invitation and to send up to 2 members]
8. Invitation (via Ceann Comhairle) from Mr. Ivar Hansen of the Danish Parliament, to the XIV EURKEA Inter-Parliamentary Conference, 23^rd-24^th June 2003, Copenhagen, Denmark. [it was agreed to accept this invitation and to send 2 Members]
9. Letter of thanks from Bernardica Maksijan-Anic, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Dublin. [it was agreed to note this correspondence]
10. Letter of thanks from Ioannis Kasoulides of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Cyprus (via Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus). [it was agreed to note this correspondence]

Any other business:

At a recent meeting of the Committee it was agreed to release a press statement on the progress of the sub-Committee on Scrutiny. The costs of advertising this are estimated at €5647.60. The expenditure was agreed.

4. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 4.05 p.m.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Joint Committee

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 26^th February 2003

1. The Committee met at 2.11 pm., in Committee Room 3 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Sean Haughey, Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’ Keeffe, Rúarí Quinn and May Sexton. Senators: John Dardis, Don Lydon and Fergal Quinn

Apologies were received from Deputies Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Senator Ann Ormonde. And MEPs Proinsias DeRossa and Gerard Collins

2. Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 18 February were agreed subject to text amendments.

3. Correspondence

Invitation from Pat Cox, President of the European Parliament, re: ‘Meeting of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament’, 22^nd April 2003, Brussels. - It was agreed to send 1 Member.

4. Discussion with the Institute of European Affairs on progress at the Convention on the Future of Europe.

The meeting was suspended at 2.16 pm until 2.31 pm. Pending the arrival of the members of the Institute of European Affairs.

On resumption the Chairman welcomed Dr. Garret FitzGerald, Professor Brigid Laffan, Alan Dukes (Director General of the IEA) and Jill O’Donoghue (Director of Research at the IEA) and he invited Dr. Fitzgerald to make a brief presentation.

Following the presentation the Chairman invited questions from the Members. After a broad discussion which centred on the synthesis report prepared by the Institute the Chairman again thanked the visiting delegation.

5. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Joint Committee

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 3^rd March 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 11.08 p.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Sean Haughey, Eoin Ryan (in substitution for Seamus Kirk), Michael Mulcahy and Mae Sexton.

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

Apologies: Deputies Marian Harkin, Seamus Kirk and Aengus Ó Snodaigh. Senators John Dardis and Don Lydon.

Other Members Attending: Niall Andrews MEP

Witnesses: Minister of State Dick Roche,

2. Discussion with the Members of the Convention on the Future of Europe – Progress at the most recent plenary session and discussions on the agenda for the next Plenary Session.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Dick Roche TD Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and made a brief introduction. He then invited the Minister of State to make his presentation.

Following the presentation the Chairman opened the debate to the floor.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the Minister of State and the Members of the Convention and Committee for their contributions.

The meeting continued in private session

5. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 12.27 p.m.

John Deasy TD

Chairman

21 June 2006

Insert 24^th March Minutes

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 9^th April 2003

1. The Committee met in private session at 4.19 pm. in Committee Room 4 LH2000

Members present:

Witnesses: Minister of State for European Affairs, Mr. Dick Roche TD,

Other Members Present: Deputy John Bruton, Patricia McKenna MEP

Apologies were received from Deputies Barry Andrews, Marian Harkin and Senator Ann Ormonde.

2. Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 5.53 p.m. until April 10^th 2003.

John Deasy TD,

Chairman

21 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 10^th April 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 12.02 pm. in Committee Room 3 LH2000

Members present:

Apologies: Deputies Ruairi Quinn and Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Witnesses: Rt. Hon. Mr. Neil Kinnock,

Other Members Present: Mr. Jim Fitzsimons MEP

Apologies were received from Deputies Ruairi Quinn and Aengus O’Snodaigh

2 Discussion with Vice President of the European Commission, RT. Hon. Mr. Neil Kinnock, in connection with Institutional & Commission Reform

The Chairman welcomed RT. Hon. Mr. Neil Kinnock, Vice President of the European Commission and made some introductory remarks on the subject of institutional reform.

RT. Hon. Mr. Neil Kinnock then made a presentation on proposals for reform of the Institutions of the EU following which the Chairman opened the debate to the floor.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked Vice-President Kinnock.

3. Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 1.38 p.m. until April 15th 2003.

John Deasy TD,

Chairman

21 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 15^th April 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 2.52 pm. in Committee Room 3 LH2000

Members present:

2. Discussion with the Chairman and Members of the Advisory Group on the Report of the Group in relation to the Programme for the Presidency of the European Union 2004

I would like to welcome, Mr. David Begg, (Chair), Ms. Bride Rosney and Mr. Noel Dorr and he thanked the Members of the Advisory Group for their work on the report.

He then invited Mr Begg to make his presentation on the Programme for the Presidency of the European Union 2004.

Following the presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to the floor.

In conclusion the report and the recommendations contained therein and inserted by the Committee were agreed to.

The meeting continued in private session

3. Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 4.27 p.m. until April 23rd 2003.

John Deasy TD,

Chairman

21 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 23^rd April 2003

1. The Committee met at 3.51pm in Committee Room 4 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Ned O’ Keeffe (in substitution for Barry Andrews), Sean Haughey, Mae Sexton, Jim O’ Keeffe and Aengus O’ Snodaigh Senators: Paul Coughlan, Ger Feeney, Jim Higgins, Tim Dooley (in substitution for Senators Paul Bradford, Don Lydon, Derek McDowell and Ann Ormonde respectively)

Also in attendance were Mr Robin McKay and Michael Ó Méalóid of the Department of Transport and Mr Michael Murphy and Mr Peter Breen of the Department of the Environment.

Apologies were received from Senator John Dardis.

2. COM(2002) 521: Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on insurance requirements for air carriers and aircraft operators.

The Chairman welcomed Mr Robin McKay and Michael Ó Méalóid of the Department of Transport. Mr McKay made a brief presentation on the status and progress of the proposal

He advised during his presentation that the proposal would have little impact on Irish carriers in view of the fact that most domestic carriers already have adequate levels of insurance. Following questions from Members, Mr. McKay undertook to forward to the Committee a note setting out the implications of the proposal on Military Aircraft, which, on the face of it appeared not to be excluded under the terms of the proposal.

The Committee agreed the proposal without further reservation.

3. COM(2002) 77: Proposal for a Regulation by the European Parliament and of the Council on the statute and financing of European political parties.

The Chairman welcomed Mr Michael Murphy and Mr Peter Breen of the Department of the Environment. Mr. Murphy made a brief presentation on the status and progress of the proposal

In response to Deputy Sean Haughey, Mr. Murphy agreed to provide a copy of the annual Auditors report of 2000 in which the recommendation for the provision is set out.

Mr Murphy advised the committee that, in terms of the finance itself, the sum that has been made available and in respect of which the proposed regulation is to apply, is €8.4 million per annum (of a total pot of between €35 to €40 million), and that sum will break down 15%/85% - 15% to be distributed equally between registered political parties at European level and 85% to be distributed proportionately to those parties in accordance with their representation in the Parliament.

In summary the Chairman pointed out that there already was a budget of €35 million and the money was being used without regulation and transparency. The Court of Auditors criticised this and is now trying to regulate this and make it transparent. Part of this involves a reporting procedure, audited accounts, maximum donations etc.

In conclusion the Committee agreed the proposal subject to the reservation that the application of the regulation will need to be equitable, transparent and there must be accountability and an independent assessment as to its fairness. Mr. Murphy agreed to communicate these reservations to the Minister. The report was noted and the Chairman thanked the officials of the Department.

4. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned sine die.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Select Committee

09 May 2003

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 9^th May 2003

1. The Committee met at 11.02 a.m. in Committee Room 4 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Seán Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Gay Mitchell, Mae Sexton, Ned O’Keeffe (in substitution for Michael Mulcahy), Bernard Durkan (in substitution for Jim O’Keeffe)

Senators: Paul Bradford, Timmy Dooley (in substitution for Don Lydon), Geraldine Feeney, (in substitution for Ann Ormonde)

Also in attendance was Patricia McKenna MEP, Seán Ó’Neachtaín MEP, Jim Fitzsimons MEP, Mary Banotti MEP, Gerry Collins MEP

Apologies were received from Deputies Marian Harkin, Ruairí Quinn, Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’Keeffe and Aengus Ó Snodaigh.

Witnesses: Mr. Dick Roche TD, Minister for State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. John Bruton TD, Mr. John Gormley TD and Mr. Bobby McDonagh, Department of Foreign Affairs.

2. Minutes.

The minutes of the meeting of 23^rd April, were agreed.

3. Discussion with representatives on the Convention on the Future of Europe on the draft Articles on External Action in the Constitutional Treaty and Draft Articles for Title IV of Part 1 of the Constitution (on the Institutions)

The Chairman welcomed the minister of State and the other Convention representatives to the meeting and introduced the discussion, referring to the Chairman’s draft contribution to the Convention on the Institutions which dealt inter alia with the convention proposals on the election of a president, the appointment of a ‘double hatting’ Minister for external affairs, public access to council proceedings (transparency in council), extension of QMV to CFSP and Justice areas, abolition of the pillar system, changes to rotating presidencies, election of a Commission president, reduction in the number of commissioners and extension of the co-decision arrangements.

The Chairman pointed out that if the Convention is to conclude at the end of June as expected the next few weeks will be crucial. It was agreed that the Committee should again meet in the very near future to discuss further progress. It was agreed that the Clerk would arrange a suitable time for the meeting with the participants.

The Chairman invited the Minister of State to make his presentation. The Minister was followed by Deputy John Bruton, who outlined the current work before the Praesidium and the timescale within the Praesidium envisaged the work could be concluded.

Following the presentations the discussion was opened to the floor and the Convention members responded to a first group of Member’s questions on Institutions and a second group of questions on Defence.

4. Correspondence

1. Letter from Mr. Pentti Vaananen, Deputy Secretary General of OSCE PA regarding the 4^th Parliamentary Conference on the Stability Pact which will be held in Brussels on 21-22 May 2003 - This conference explores a new European Policy for South Eastern Europe. It was agreed to send 1 Member to this conference.
2. Invitation to attend a conference on the ratification process of the accession treaties, to be held in Budapest from 8 to 10 October - It was agreed to send 1 Member to this conference subject to the receipt of further details.
3. Letter from Mr Demetris Christofias, President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus - It was agreed to note this.
4. Letter from Mr Pat Cox MEP regarding the signing of the assent to the Membership of the applicant countries - It was agreed to note this.
5. Letter from Mr Fatmir Mediu, Chairman of the Committee of Integration at the Parliament of Albania - It was agreed that the Chairman would accept this invitation.
6. Documents in relation to a resolution on the European Space Policy. – It was agreed to refer this item to the Joint Committee on Education and Science.
7. Invitation to attend the XIV EUREKA Inter-Parliamentary Conference (IPC) to be held on 23^rd and 24^th June 2003 in Brussels - It was agreed to to refer this to the Enterprise Committee
8. Letter from Mr. Michael Murphy of the Department of Environment and Local Government accompanied by a Court of Auditors Report referred to at the Joint Committee meeting held on April 23^rd 2003 - It was agreed to note this.
9. Document setting out the context in which various taxes are dealt with at EU level. [see 10]
10. Background paper on the European Commission’s Communication on Corporation Tax. - It was agreed to deal with items 9 and 10 in the context of a future meeting on taxation.

5. Any Other Business

Proposal for a programme for COSAC during the Irish Presidency.

The Chairman outlined proposals to establish an Advisory Group, under the Chairmanship of Professor Patricia Barker FCA, to examine the role and functions of the European Court of Auditors and to make recommendations to the Committee to be presented at the COSAC meeting in 2004 which will fall during the Irish Presidency.

The terms of reference for the Group are as follows: ‘To consider the role of the European Court of Auditors, in particular, its capacity to fulfill its functions and to efficiently and effectively discharge its responsibilities, taking into account the needs of a Union of up to 25, or even more Member States and to report its findings to the Joint Committee on European Affairs.’

The proposal was agreed.

6. Adjournment.

The meeting was adjourned at 1.16pm until 4 pm on Wednesday 14 May.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Select Committee

14 May 2003

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 14^th May 2003

1. The Committee met at 4.06 pm. in Committee Room 4 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Seán Haughey, Gay Mitchell (in the Chair), Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’ Keeffe, Rúairí Quinn, Aengus Ó Snodaigh and Mae Sexton,

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

Apologies were received from Senator Fergal Quinn,

Witnesses: Mr. Tom Kitt TD, Minister for State at the Department of Foreign Affairs,

2. Minutes.

The minutes of the meeting of 9 May 2003, were agreed.

3. Discussion with the Minister of State with Responsibility for Overseas Development & Human Rights, Mr. Tom Kitt TD on the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council on 19 – 20 May 2003

The Chairman welcomed the Minister of State and his officials to the meeting and introduced the first item for discussion, which was the External Relations section of the agenda.

Commencing the discussion the Chairman raised the question of the forthcoming execution of a Nigerian woman under sharia law. He advised the Minister of State that the Committee had met with the Nigerian Ambassador and raised the Members serious concerns with him. He asked the Minister to again raise this issue at the meeting of the GAERC. Referring to the brief the Chairman asked the Minister of State if the Helsinki Force Catalogue would be available to the Committee.

The Chairman then invited the Minister of State to make his presentation. In his presentation the Minister undertook to again raise the matter of the Nigerian Woman at the GAERC and advised that he had raised this on several occasions with the Nigerian Ambassador and in European Meetings. He also advised that the Helsinki Force Catalogue was indeed a confidential document, which was classified under the Security regulations, but that a summary of the document would be forwarded to the Committee as soon as possible after the GAERC.

At the conclusion of the Minister’s presentation the Chairman invited questions from the Members on the External Relations section of the meeting.

Following further discussion, the Chairman then invited questions on the general affairs section of the meeting.

4. Correspondence.

1. Letter from the Vice President of the European Commission, Rt. Hon. Mr. Neil Kinnock – it was agreed to note this correspondence.
2. Letter from Dr Geza Palmai, Hungarian Ambassador to Ireland regarding an upcoming official visit to Ireland by a Ratification Delegation of the Hungarian Parliament - it was agreed to note this correspondence
3. Curriculum Vitae of Ms. Noelle Lenoir, Minister delegate for European Affairs of the French Parliament – Minister of State Lenoir will be visiting the Committee on Tuesday, 27 May 2003. We have circulated the Minister of States curriculum vitae for the information of Members - it was agreed to note this correspondence.
4. Document of “A” Points discussed at the last meeting of the General Affairs Council held 14^th April 2003 - it was agreed to note this correspondence

5. Adjournment.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 5.25 pm.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Select Committee

27 May 2003

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 27^th May 2003

1. The Committee met at 2.44 pm. in Committee Room 4 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Seán Haughey, Gay Mitchell (in the Chair), Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’ Keeffe, Aengus Ó Snodaigh and Mae Sexton,

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

Witnesses: Madame Noelle Lenoir, French Minister Delegate for European Affairs, Deputy Yves Deniau, Diego Colas, Technical Advisor, Pascal Brace, Deputy Director of European Affairs, Madame Diane d’Oleron, Press Officer, Mr Adam Shub, Deputy Director, responsibility Lisbon Process.]

Apologies were received from Deputy Ruairí Quinn

2. Discussion with Mme Noelle Lenoir, French Minister Delegate for European Affairs

The Chairman welcomed the Minister delegate and the Members of her delegation. By way of an introduction the Chairman presented an overview of the role and functions of the Joint Committee and the sub-Committee on Scrutiny. He then outlined the Committees plans for the Presidency and referred to the report commissioned by the Committee.

On the Convention the Chairman informed the delegation that the Committee had closely followed its progress holding regular meetings with Convention Members and debating each of the issues as they arose. He also advised that the Committee had submitted views through the Convention Members to be considered at the Convention. Most recently the Committee noted a Chairman’s draft contribution to the debate on the reform of the Institutions. The Committee had also recommended enhanced access to the European Parliament for National Parliament Members.

The Chairman then invited the Minister to make her presentation following which the discussion was opened to the floor.

(In private session)

5. Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned to Tuesday 3 June when the Committee will meet the Members of the Convention.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Select Committee

3 June 2003

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 9^th June 2003

1. The Committee met at 2.35 pm. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present:

Apologies were received from Senator John Dardis, Deputy Marian Harkin, Deputy Mae Sexton and Deputy Aengus O’Snodaigh

Other members Attending: Patricia Mc Kenna MEP, Mary Bannotti MEP, Joe Mc Cartin MEP and Senator Paschal Mooney

2. Discussion with National and Oireachtas Delegates to the Convention on the revised draft constitution text parts 1-4

The Chairman then invited the Minister of State to make his presentation followed by Mr Prionsias de Rossa, Deputy Bruton, Deputy Gormley and Deputy Carey.

The Minister of State noted the excellent work done by all of the representatives to the convention and outlined the progress that has been made in the convention at the recent plenary. The contributions of the Minister of State and the other delegates broadly covered the following areas which had been discussed at the last plenary.

Institutions

European parliament;

The membership of the European Parliament has been increased to 732 in line with Nice and the current disposition will remain

The European Council

- Council Formations;

It has been agreed that the European Council will decide on the other formations of the Council. The European Council will lay down the rules for the rotating one year Presidencies of the Council formations with one exception. It is still suggested that the new European Union Minister for Foreign Affairs would chair the Foreign Affairs Council. The Minister of State noted that it remains Ireland’s position that this would be an unwise arrangement.

- President of the Council

It was noted that while Ireland would have preferred not to have a full time President of the Council, it could accept such a post if it did not upset the sensitive institutional balance.

- Voting Arrangements; Voting in Council would be based on a Double Majority system ie a majority of Member States and 60% of the EU population. It has been put forward that in some circumstances Super Qualified Majority, ie 75% States and 85% of population would apply.

The European Commission

- Equality of member states.

Each member state would continue to have a Commissioner to 2009 under the current arrangements. After that the Commission would change to 15 voting members and the rest non-voting. Commissioners would rotate on strict equality also taking into account Geographical and demographic balances.

- Commission President

It was noted that the old text in relation to the election of a Commission president has not changed. The delegates however continue to seek an electoral college for the appointment of the president of the Commission.

Proposal for one President of the European Union

There is a suggestion that ultimately that there should be one President of Europe who would be jointly president of the Commission and Council. Deputy Bruton suggested that such a step would be unwise and that the separation of powers in Europe must be preserved.

Charter of Fundamental Rights;

Irish delegates agreed that the Charter could be incorporated into the treaty but wanted to include the commentary as an integral part of the Charter.

Euratom

Deputy Gormley, Mr Prionsias de Rossa MEP and Deputy Carey wanted the EURATOM Treaty incorporated into the Constitutional Treaty with a sunset clause. Deputy Bruton suggested that Euratom should be revised rather than abandoned on the basis that a proper legal base is required to regulate the industry.

Inclusion of Reference to “God” in the Preamble

Some discussion took place on the question of the inclusion of a reference to “God” in the Preamble to the Constitutional Treaty.

Taxation

Members noted that following participation in the single currency, only variations in the level of taxation remains open to the government as a means to directly influence Ireland’s economy. It was noted that this is one important reason for this mechanism to remain at the discretion of the government.

It was noted that great progress had been made at the Convention. However it was understood that a number of issues still remain to be resolved particularly in Part I and Part III of the proposed Treaty.

It was noted that the Convention would finish on 13^th June 2003 and the final papers would be presented at Thessalonica.

Following the presentations the discussion was opened to the floor and the Convention members responded to Member’s questions.

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 27 May were circulated and agreed.

4. Correspondence

1. Letter from Bernardica Maksijan, Chargé d’Affaires in the Croatian Embassy, Dublin. This subject of which is an upcoming visit to Ireland by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia H.E. Tonino Picula. [A delegation from the Croatian Government led by Prime Minister, Mr. Ivica Racan will be visiting Ireland on 13 June next. During the visit we have been asked to meet with the European Affairs and Foreign Affairs Ministers. The meeting will be informal and will be held in Room 2 in Leinster House lobby at 11.30 am. The Committee is planning a visit to Croatia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic in the week commencing 15 September. – It was agreed to note this correspondence and it was noted that at least five members should attend.
2. Email from Patrizia De Sena in the European Parliament in relation to the first meeting of the Working Party on the “Follow up of the Euro-Mediterranean Forum”, accompanied by the draft letter of convocation. – it was agreed to note this correspondence

5. Any other Business

The Chairman proposed to members that once the Convention finishes its report, during the time leading up to the IGC that the Joint Committee on European Affairs would advertise to members of the public and organisations that the Convention has produced its report and invite submissions regarding the matter.

It was agreed that this would be done in August or September.

6. Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned to Wednesday 11th June when the Committee will meet with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen regarding the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Select Committee

9 June 2003

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 11^th June 2003

1. The Committee met at 2.39 pm. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present:

Apologies were received from Deputy Barry Andrews, Deputy Pat Carey and Senator Feargal Quinn.

2. Discussion with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen with regard to the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council

The Chairman welcomed the Minister and thanked him for attending. The Chairman noted that the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council would focus on preparations for the European Council in Thessaloniki and noted on behalf of the Committee the very useful discussion on the latest developments in the Convention on the Future of Europe with Minister of State Roche and the other Convention delegates on 9^th June 2003.

The Chairman then invited the Minister to make his presentation

At the conclusion of the Minister’s presentation the Chairman noted that the list of “A” items agreed at the previous GAERC meeting had been circulated and sought clarification on the following item, “ ESDP/RUSSIA: Suggestions for Cooperation with Russia in the field of ESDP”. The Chairman raised two further questions regarding the forthcoming GAERC agenda, specifically in relation to the Congo. The Minister replied to the Chairman’s preliminary questions and offered to supply fuller details regarding the “A” point on previous GAERC agenda on which clarification had been sought.

The Chairman invited questions from the Members on the External Relations section of the meeting.

Following further discussion, the Chairman then invited questions on the general affairs section of the meeting.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the Minister for his presentation and took the opportunity to wish the Minister and the Taoiseach well in their work in the forthcoming European Council in Thessaloniki.

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 9 June were agreed as amended. Amended to include “Super qualified and Double Majority voting will apply in certain circumstances” under the heading of Voting Arrangements.

4. Correspondence

1. Documents on adopted texts of the XXIX COSAC, Athens 5^th – 6^th May 2003.

• Contribution.
• Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Community and European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European Union.
• Guidelines for the establishing of a Troika – COSAC Secretariat.

It was agreed to note this correspondence, which would be relevant to future discussions on COSAC.

5. Any other Business

It was noted that the next meeting of the Committee would be an informal meeting of available members with a delegation from the Government of Croatia. It was noted that the new time for the meeting was 11.00 am and that it would take place in Room 2 in Leinster House on Friday 13^th June 2003.

6. Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned sine die.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Select Committee

11 June 2003

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 25^th June 2003

1. The Committee met at 2.38 pm. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present:

Apologies were received from Deputy Aengus O Snodaigh and Senator Ann Ormond.

2. Discussion with officials of the Department of Finance on the issue of proposals at EU level with implications for tax harmonisation.

The Chairman welcomed the witnesses to the meeting.

As a background to the discussions the Chairman pointed out that the meeting arises from an earlier discussion at the Scrutiny sub-Committee when a specific proposal on the harmonization of duties for diesel fuels was considered. The sub-Committee felt that the wider issue of tax harmonization should be discussed, particularly in the light of the ideas, which were emerging from the convention on the future of Europe.

The proposed Constitutional Treaty has now been published and two specific proposals set out in part 3, (Articles 59(2) and 60) signal a move from unanimity to qualified majority voting in certain limited circumstances.

Article 59(2) provides for QMV on proposals relating to turnover tax and excise duties where the Council, acting unanimously, finds that the proposed measures relate to administrative cooperation and tax fraud.

Article 60 provides for QMV on proposals relating to company taxation where the Council, acting unanimously, finds that the proposed measures relate to administrative cooperation and tax fraud, provided they are necessary for the functioning of the internal marked and to avoid the distortion of competition.

The result is that the Council has to act unanimously on a proposal. Only first after unanimous decision, can the Council decide on issues of “tax administration and tax fraud” by QMV.

The Chairman noted that several Member States, including Ireland have refused to support changes to the existing legal base for tax measures. While supporting efforts to combat fraud and cooperation in the field of administration, some Member States oppose the removal of unanimity pointing to the existing right of Member States to determine democratically the structure of the tax system and the levels of Government spending which it supports.

Obviously this Committee would be anxious to see a concerted effort to ensure that this reasonable viewpoint is vigorously pursued in the discussions on the draft Constitutional Treaty.

The Chairman invited Ms. McManus to make her presentation following which the discussion was opened to the floor.

Following discussions the chairman thanked the officials from the Department of Finance.

3. Correspondence

1. Policy Document produced by Mr. John Cushnahan MEP, in response to the draft constitutional text which was unveiled last week by the Convention Praesidium - It was agreed to deal with the points raised in the next meeting with the Minister of State on progress of the Draft Constitutional Treaty.
2. Letter from the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, HE Witold Sobkow regarding the ratification of the Accession Treaties signed in Athens on 16 April 2003. Attached to this are letters from Mr. Petr Pithart, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic and Mr. Longin Pastusiak, President of the Senate of the Republic of Poland– It was agreed to formally acknowledge this correspondence
3. Letter from Mr. Claus Larsen Jensen, Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the Danish Parliament, concerning the recent ratification of the Treaty of Accession by the Danish Parliament -it was agreed to note this correspondence.
4. Letter from Mr. Joseph Richardson, International Affairs Officer of the Irish Medical Organisation, concerning the political and constitutional future of healthcare in the European Union. – it was agreed that this matter could be dealt with by the Committee at a meeting in the Autumn.

4. Minutes

The minutes of the meetings of 9th and 11th June 2003 were agreed.

5. Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned sine die.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

16 July 2003

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 16^th July 2003

The Committee met in public session at 2.32 pm. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present:

Other Members Attending: Liam Deputy John Bruton, Jim Fitzsimons MEP, Hyland MEP

Apologies: Were received from Deputy Marian Harkin

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

The Chairman thanked the Minister of State for attending and he then outlined briefly the agenda for the forthcoming GAERC.

He then invited the Minister of state to make his presentation following which he separated the agenda into session of questions and answers on External Relations followed by General Affairs.

Following the questions and answers the Chairman thanked the minister of State and his officials.

2. Draft Report on the proposal to display the European Flag for the duration of Irelands Presidency of the European Union

The Chairman referred to the draft Report which incorporated a proposal, submitted by Deputy Rúairí Quinn, concerning the flying of the European Flag. Following discussion on the proposal it was agreed that a copy of this report should be laid before the Dáil and the Seanad and it was further agreed that a copy should be sent to the Dáil and Seanad Committees on Procedure and Privilege.

3. Correspondence

Letter from Mr. Joe Hackett, Private Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs which includes the ‘Council Report on the implementation of ‘the Common Strategy of the European Union on Russia’’ and the ‘Common Strategy of the European Union on Russia’. It was agreed to note this correspondence.

4. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 25 June were agreed

5. Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 4.00 p.m. until July 24^th 2003.

John Deasy TD,

Chairman

21 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 24 July 2003

1. The Committee met in private session at 10.00 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

2. The Committee went into public session at 10.10 a.m.

Members present:

Other Members Attending: Jim Fitzsimons MEP, Patricia McKenna MEP

3. Discussion with Representatives on the Convention on the Future of Europe

The Chairman introduced the topics for discussion following which he invited Deputies Bruton and Carey to make their opening remarks.

Following the presentations the Chairman invited questions, following which he thanked the Members for their contributions.

4. Correspondence

1. Documents from Mr. Marcel Glesener of the WEU regarding an upcoming conference on “ New scenarios for European common security and defence” to be held in Baveno, Lago Maggiore, from Monday 22^nd to Wednesday 24^th September 2003 – it was agreed that one member should attend this conference
2. Letter from Ms. Maria Hadjitheodosiou, Chargé d’ Affaires, regarding the ratification by the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus of the Accession Treaty. It was agreed to note this correspondence.
3. Draft Programme for the XXX Cosac, to be held in Rome on 6^th & 7^th October 2003. It was agreed that 6 Members and a secretary would attend.
4. Correspondence received from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen TD enclosing Mr Javier Solana’s paper entitled EU Security Strategy. It was agreed to note this correspondence.

5. Minutes

It was agreed to defer consideration of the minutes until the next meeting.

6. Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 11.15 a.m. to a date to be specified in September.

John Deasy TD,

Chairman

21 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 9 September

1. The Committee met at 3.00 pm. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present:

Apologies were received from Mr. Brian Crowley MEP, Senator John Dardis.

2. Discussion with Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Brian Cowen TD and Minister of State, Mr. Dick Roche T.D. regarding Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the European Union.

The Chairman commenced the meeting by introducing the subject for discussion. He invited the Minister to make a presentation on the preparations for Ireland’s presidency of the European Union.

Following the Ministers opening speech the Chairman opened the debate and invited questions. He referred to the submission from Dóchas, the Irish Association of Non-Governmental Development Organisations, which had been circulated to Members.

The Chairman also referred to the report of the Advisory Group under the Chairmanship of Mr. David Begg.

Following the questions and answer session the Chairman thanked the Minister, Minister of State and their officials.

3. Correspondence

1. Correspondence received from Mr Vladimir Buzaev member of the Latvian parliament enclosing papers regarding Russian minority schools in Latvia – It was agreed to note this correspondence.
2. Programme of the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, 1^st July to 31^st December 2003. – It was agreed to invite the Italian Ambassador to a meeting of the Committee to discuss the programme.
3. Correspondence received from Mr. Jim Loughran, Campaigns Manager, Amnesty International, requesting a meeting with the Committee. (Circulated 8 August) – It was agreed to meet with Amnesty International on 1 October to discuss their concerns on Human rights, particularly in the context of ongoing EU/Russia dialogue and also Amnesty’s concerns on EU-wide arms controls.
4. Letter from Dr. Christoph Palmer of the German Bundesrat accompanied by a proposal to amend the rules of COSAC. (Circulated 5 August) – This is a proposal to amend the rules of COSAC to allow a single representative of a regional parliament an opportunity to participate in COSAC by ceding one of its available places. The Committee will be attending the next COSAC meeting which takes place in Rome on 6 and 7 October next. The proposal has no direct effect on Irelands membership of COSAC however it may have implications for other Parliaments. It was agreed that the Committee should not oppose the proposal.
5. Draft program of the next COSAC to be held in Rome on 6th and 7th October 2003. (Circulated 8 August) – It was agreed to send up to 6 Members of the Committee.
6. Proposed amendments to the COSAC Rules of Procedure received from Mr Hermann de Croo. (Circulated 20 August) – This amendment deals with Mr Palmers amendment. It seeks to allow each Parliament to compose its own COSAC delegation. It is likely that there will be some debate on this during the COSAC meeting and it was agreed that the Committee should not oppose the principle of this proposal.
7. Correspondence received from Yiannakis Skordis ,Mayor, Ammochostos (Famagusta) Municipality regarding the current hostile relations between Cyprus and Turkey. (Circulated 20 August) – It was agreed to note this correspondence.
8. Correspondence received from Mr Demetris Christofias, President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus regarding the current hostile relations between Cyprus and Turkey. (Circulated 20 August) – It was agreed to note this correspondence.
9. Correspondence received from Mr Geert Wilders, Netherlands Parliament regarding an initiative to combat terrorism. (Circulated 2 September 2003) – This is proposing that a meeting of Parliamentarians should be convened to discuss the threat of terrorism from the middle east. It was agreed to note this correspondence.
10. Correspondence received from the Hungarian Ambassador, regarding a conference on ratification and enlargement to be held in Budapest on 9 – 11 October 2003. (Circulated 4 September 2003). This is a follow up to earlier correspondence on this meeting. It had already been agreed to send one member.
11. Notice of a World Bank sponsored training course for Parliamentarians entitled “Parliamentarians Role in Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism” to be held in Spring 2004. (Circulated 4 September 2003). – It was agreed that if Members were interested, further enquiries would be made

4. Date and Time of Next meeting

Members were advised that the next meeting will take place on Wednesday 24 September with the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Tom Kitt T.D. to discuss the forthcoming GAERC.

Members were also reminded that the next regional visit will take place in Clonakilty on 26^th September.

5. Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned to the 24th September 2003.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

24 September 2003

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 24 September 2003

The Committee met at 12.05 pm. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present:

Witnesses: Minister of State for European Affairs, Mr. Tom Kitt TD,

Apologies: Deputies Sean Haughey and Aengus Ó Snodaigh

1. Discussion with Minister of State, Mr. Tom Kitt T.D. regarding Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the European Union.

The Chairman commenced the meeting by welcoming the Minister of State. He then introduced the subject for discussion. He invited the Minister to make a presentation on the forthcoming GAERC and he also invited the minister to indicate his response to the Committee’s report (the ‘Begg Report’) on the priorities for Ireland’s presidency of the European Union.

Following the Ministers opening speech the Chairman opened the debate and invited questions. He referred to the submission from Dóchas, the Irish Association of Non-Governmental Development Organisations, which had been circulated to Members.

The Chairman also referred to the report of the Advisory Group under the Chairmanship of Mr. David Begg.

Following the questions and answer session the Chairman thanked the Minister of State and their officials.

2. Correspondence

1. It was agreed to note a press release from the Slovene Press Agency concerning the recent visit to Slovenia by this Committee.
2. It was agreed to nominate two Members to attend the forthcoming conference on Weapons of Mass Destruction from 20/21 November.

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 9 September were agreed.

4. Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 1.40 pm to the 8th October 2003.

John Deasy TD,

Chairman

21 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 8 October 2003

The Committee met in private session at 2.04 pm. in Committee Room 3 LH2000

The Committee went into public session at 2.07 p.m.

Members present:

1. Discussion with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D. regarding the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council.

The Chairman thanked Minister for attending the meeting and invited him to make his presentation.

Following the presentation the Chairman invited questions and answers on External Relations followed by General Affairs.

2. Discussion with a Delegation of Members of the German Bundestag.

The Chairman welcomed the delegation which was led by Mr. Axel E. Fischer MP, Vice Chairman of the German-Irish Parliamentary Group, (who substituted for Mrs. Marion Caspers-Merk MP, who is Chairperson of the German-Irish Parliamentary Group). The delegation included Mrs. Petra Bierwirth MP, Mr. Michael Grosse-Bromer, MP, Mrs Ina Lenke MP and Dr. Margit Spielman MP. (and was accompanied by Mr. Ingo Backer, Secretary).

Following a brief presentation from the leader of the German delegation there was an exchange of views on matters of common interest.

3. Correspondence

1. Letter from Mr. Pat Cox MEP, President of the European Parliament inviting Members to attend 5 forthcoming meetings of the Constitution Committee of the European Parliament – it was agreed that this series of meetings would be attended by Deputy Pat Carey who would represent the Joint Committee.

4. Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 4.24 p.m. to the 15^th October 2003.

John Deasy TD,

Chairman

21 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 15^th October 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 2.38 p.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’Keeffe, Mae Sexton, Arthur Morgan (in substitution for Aengus O’Snodaigh

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

Witnesses: Mr. Jim Loughran, Campaigns Manager, Amnesty International, Mr. Colm Ó Cuanacháin, Secretary General, Amnesty International.

Apologies were received from Deputies Ruairí Quinn and Aengus O’Snodaigh

1. Discussion with representatives of Amnesty International on the current human rights situation in the Russian Federation, and the international trade in arms and dual use goods.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Jim Loughran, Campaigns Manager and Colm Ó Cuanacháin, Secretary General of Amnesty International and thanked them for the material received.

Following a presentation from the delegation the Chairman invited questions from the Members.

The Chairman proposed that the matters raised by the speakers could usefully be explored by a rapporteur of the Committee and he invited Members to submit their names to the Chair if they wished to undertake such a project.

It was agreed that the Russian Ambassador should be invited to the next meeting of the Committee to respond to some of the matters raised by the Amnesty representatives.

2. Discussion on Irelands forthcoming Presidency of the European Union and the hosting of COSAC.

(In private session)

6. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 4.10 p.m.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Select Committee

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 29^th October 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 12.00 p.m. in Committee Room 4 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Ned O’Keeffe (in substitution for Barry Andrews), Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Mae Sexton,

Senators: Don Lydon, Ann Ormonde, Fergal Quinn

Witnesses: Members of the German Bundestag, Mr. Kurt Bodewig (Social Democrat) Head of delegation, Mr. Kurt Dieter Grill (Christian Democrat), Mrs. Anna Lührmann (The Greens), Mr. Jürgen Türk (Liberals)

Other Members Attending: Mr. Joe McCartin MEP

Apologies were received from Deputy Barry Andrews

2. Discussion with Members of the European Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag

Following introductory remarks, the Chairman welcomed the Head of Delegation and Members of the delegation from the European Affairs committee of the German Bundestag.

He referred to the Joint Declaration between the German Committee and the European Affairs Committee of the French Assembly reaffirming support for the draft Constitution and the convention process. He expressed reservations that the bilateral nature of the contacts between the German and French Committees could be interpreted negatively and he asked that the visiting delegation would have regard to concerns of other Parliaments that two of the most powerful Parliaments were effectively cooperating exclusively.

The Chairman invited the Head of the Delegation to address the Committee. He then opened the discussions to the Members of the Committee.

At the conclusion of the discussions, Members of the Committee once again referred to the absence of interpretation facilities in Committee rooms. The Clerk was requested to enquire about the possibility of installing suitable interpretation facilities for future meetings.

3. Correspondence

The consideration of correspondence was deferred until the meeting on November 5^th.

4. Minutes

The minutes of October 15^th were deferred until the meeting on November 5^th.

5. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 1.05 p.m.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Joint Committee

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 5^th November 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 2.15 p.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’Keeffe, Mae Sexton,

Senators: Paul Bradford, Ann Ormonde, Fergal Quinn

Witnesses: Members of the Hungarian Parliament; Dr. Ferenc Wekler (Head of Delegation), Mr. István Szabó (Hungarian Civic Party), Mr. József Gulyás (Alliance of Free Democrats), Mr. Gyula Szabó (Hungarian Socialist Party), Mr. Miklós Csapody (Hungarian Democratic Forum).

In view of the fact that the arrival of the Hungarian delegation was delayed, it was agreed to deal with other business first.

2. Correspondence

1. Correspondence received from the German Bundestag, regarding a joint declaration on “The Intergovernmental Conference and the European Constitution”. – it was agreed to note this correspondence
2. Position Paper, prepared by the Dublin Regional Authority, on the future of EU Regional Policy post 2006 - It was agreed to deal with this in the context of a meeting before Christmas.
3. Letter from Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen T.D. to H E Franco Frattini. This letter is in response to the invitation in document CIG 5/03 to submit non-institutional issues Ireland would wish to be discussed at the IGC, including those relating to Part III of the Constitution - it was agreed to deal with this in the context of a meeting with the Minister to discuss progress at the IGC
4. Letter from Mr. Adrian McDaid in the Department of Foreign Affairs accompanied by a letter of invitation and updated agenda for the Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Weapons of Mass Destruction on 20/21 November 2003. – It was agreed that the Committee would be represented by Deputies Michael Mulcahy and Barry Andrews
5. Correspondence from the Icelandic Parliament in relation to the Icelandic Delegation to the EFTA (European Free Trade Organization) regarding possible meeting dates with the European Affairs Committee - It was agreed to facilitate a visit on the dates requested in December 17^th or 12^th
6. Correspondence from Robin McKay of the Department of Transport regarding the Insurance of military aircraft - It was agreed to note this correspondence.
7. The draft agenda for the joint meeting between the European Parliament and the National Parliaments, organised by AFCO Committee, which will take place in Brussels on tomorrow. Also the draft agenda for an ordinary AFCO meeting, which will follow the joint meeting. It was agreed that Deputy Carey will attend this meeting
8. Correspondence received from Bridget Doody, Clerk to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges regarding the proposal from the Joint Committee on European Affairs that the flag of the European Union be displayed in the Dáil and the Seanad chambers and in the Committee Rooms, during Irelands Presidency of the EU. It was agreed to note this correspondence.
9. Letter from Mr. Claus Larsen-Jensen, Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the Danish Parliament. This letter refers to the Nomination for the permanent post in the COSAC Secretariat. The Danes are nominating Mr. Morten Knudsen as the permanent member of the Secretariat – It is was agreed to support this nomination
10. Invitation to the next plenary session of the Assembly of Western European Union – the Interparliamentary European Security and Defence Assembly, Paris 1^st – 3^rd December 2003. - It was agreed to accept this invitation and that the Chairman would attend.

3. Discussion with Members of the Hungarian Parliament

The Chairman welcomed the delegation from the Ratification Committee of the Hungarian National Assembly which was led the Deputy Speaker of Hungarian National Assembly, Dr. Ferenc Wekler. He made introductory remarks and provided details of the work of the Sub-Committee on Scrutiny. He also set out details of the work of the Joint Committee including meetings with the Minister for Foreign affairs and off site public meetings.

He invited the leader of the visiting delegation to make opening remarks and then opened the discussion to the floor.

4. Minutes

The minutes of October 15^th and October 29^th were agreed.

5. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 3.35 p.m.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 6^th November 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 2.35 p.m. in Committee Room 3 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Barry Andrews, David Stanton (in substitution for Pat Carey), Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Séamus Kirk, Michael Mulcahy, Ruairi Quinn, Mae Sexton,

Senators: Don Lydon, Mary Henry (in substitution for Feargal Quinn).

Apologies: were received from Deputies Pat Carey and Jim O’Keeffe and Senator Feargal Quinn

Witnesses: Officials from the Department of Finance: Mr. Dermot Nolan, Mr. John Palmer

2. Discussion with Officials from the Department of Finance on the Preliminary Draft General Budget of the European Communities for the financial year 2004.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Dermot Nolan and Mr. John Palmer of the Department of Finance to the meeting and made some brief introductory comments. He then invited Mr. Nolan to make a presentation and to provide an update on the progress of discussions on the Budget.

Following the presentation the Chairman invited questions from the Members.

At the conclusion of the debate the Committee agreed the following report.

‘The Joint Committee on European Affairs has considered the draft general budget of the European Communities for the financial year 2004, Document Com. (2003) 400 and has examined witnesses from the Department of Finance. The Committee noted the draft and recommends that a presentation on the Draft General Budget be made to the Joint Committee on European Affairs annually. The minutes of the meeting are attached.’

3. Correspondence

Letter from HE. Harald Miltner, Austrian Ambassador, setting out details of Austrian participation in peacekeeping missions.- It was agreed to note this correspondence.

4. Minutes.

The minutes of the meeting of 5 November were agreed.

5. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 3.43 p.m.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 12^th November 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 11.05 p.m. in Committee Room 3 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Sean Haughey, Michael Mulcahy, Ruairi Quinn, Mae Sexton,

Senators: Paul Bradford, John Hanafin (in substitution for Don Lydon), Derek McDowell, Ann Ormonde and Feargal Quinn.

Apologies: were received from Deputies Marian Harkin and Aengus O Snodaigh

Witnesses: Mr. Dick Roche TD, Minister of State for European Affairs, Mr. Tom Kitt, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

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

The Chairman thanked the Ministers of State for their attendance and, in accordance with the normal procedures he invited Minister of State Dick Roche to make his presentation. The Chairman then invited Minister of State Tom Kitt to make his presentation on the development issues to be discussed at the GAERC.

Following the presentations the Chairman proposed to separate the agenda into 2 sessions of questions and answers on General Affairs followed by External Relations. He then invited questions.

At 12.15 the Chairman was replaced in the Chair by Deputy Sean Haughey, Vice Chairman.

Following the questions and answers the Vice Chairman thanked the Ministers of State.

3. Minutes.

The minutes of the meeting of 6 November were agreed

4. Any Other Business.

The Vice Chairman reported that the Clerk had raised the issue of interpretation with the Superintendent who has advised that there are existing translation booths in Kildare House. These booths are connected to Committee Room 4 and use a video link rather than direct line of sight by the interpreter. This system is used quite successfully by Rannóg an Aistriúcháin, however, foreign language interpreters usually insist on proximity and line of sight.

The possibility of converting waiting room and giving a view into the Committee Rooms is being examined. It would require major building work and the location of the rooms still might not provide a line of sight. It might, however, be feasible to convert one of these rooms to the same system as we have in Kildare House i.e. a sound proof booth with the interpreter using the video link rather than a direct line of sight. This possibility is being explored also.

5. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 12.33 p.m.

John Deasy TD,

Chairman

21 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 18^th November 2003

The Committee met in private session at 2.33 p.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

The Committee went into private session at 2.37 p.m.

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Jim O Keeffe, Aengus O Snodaigh and Mae Sexton,

Senators: Paul Coughlan (in substitution for Paul Bradford), John Dardis, Mary Henry (in substitution for Feargal Quinn), Terry Leyden (in substitution for Anne Ormonde, for part of the meeting), Anne Ormonde, Don Lydon and Eamonn Scanlon (in substitution for Don Lydon, for part of the meeting)

Apologies were received from Senator Paul Bradford.

4. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 3.36 p.m.

John Deasy TD,

Chairman

21 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 19^th November 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 15.25 p.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Michael Mulcahy, Jim O Keeffe, Aengus O Snodaigh, Rúairi Quinn, Mae Sexton,

Senators: John Dardis, Ann Ormonde and Feargal Quinn.

Witnesses: Mr. Ruud Lubbers, UN High Commissioner for Refugees and officials of the UNHCR.

2. Discussion with Mr Ruud Lubbers, High Commissioner of the UNHCR

The Chairman welcomed Mr Ruud Lubbers, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and his party to the meeting. Following a brief introduction he invited the High Commissioner to make his presentation.

Following the Commissioner’s presentation the Chairman opened the debate to the floor.

3. Correspondence

It was agreed to defer correspondence to the next meeting.

4. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 4.00 p.m.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

9 December 2003

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 4^th December 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 11.35 am. in Committee Room 3 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’Keeffe, Ruairi Quinn and Mae Sexton,

Senators: Paul Bradford, John Dardis, Camillus Glynn (in substitution for John Dardis), Derek McDowell, Ann Ormonde, Paschal Mooney (in substitution for Ann Ormonde), Peter Callanan (in substitution for Ann Ormonde) and David Norris (in substitution for Feargal Quinn).

Apologies: were received from Deputy Aengus O Snodaigh and Senator Feargal Quinn.

Witnesses: Mr. Brian Cowen TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs.

In Private Session.

In Public Session

2. Discussion with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D. regarding the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council.

The Chairman welcomed the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Brian Cowen TD, and invited him to make a presentation. Following the presentation the Chairman invited questions on the General Affairs agenda, followed by questions on the External Relations agenda.

3. Any Other Business.

On a proposal from the Chair, the remainder of the business of the meeting was deferred to the next meeting.

4. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 12.33 p.m.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

09/12/03

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 10^th December 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 2.08 pm. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’Keeffe, and Mae Sexton,

Senators: Don Lydon, Ann Ormonde and Feargal Quinn.

Witnesses: Professor Patricia Barker FCA, Ms. Mairéad Divilly FCA and Mr. Moore McDowell, Economist.

2. Discussion of the Advisory Group’s Report on the Court of Auditors

The Chairman welcomed the Advisory Group, under the Chairmanship of Professor Patricia Barker FCA,. In addition to Professor Barker the Group was represented at the meeting by Ms. Mairéad Divilly FCA and Mr. Moore McDowell, Economist.

The Chairman expressed gratitude to the Group for their work and their spirit of public service in giving their time at their own expense to undertake this work. He then outlined the background to the commissioning of the report and detailed the terms of reference.

The chairman then invited Professor Barker to make a presentation on the Report following which he invited questions.

Following the presentation there was an exchange of questions and answers. The Chairman then proposed that the Committee would agree the following report:

‘The Joint Committee on European Affairs has considered a Report, prepared and submitted for its attention, by the Advisory Group on the Role of the Court of Auditors. The Committee is grateful to the Chairperson and Members of the Advisory Group for bringing this report to its attention.

Having considered the report at its meeting of 10 December 2003, we refer this report to the Conference of Committees of European Affairs of the EU Member State Parliaments as a discussion document.’

The report was agreed.

The Chairman then thanked the Working Group again.

3. Minutes

The Minutes of the meetings of 4 December and 19 November were agreed.

4. Correspondence

1. Report – Euro-Mediterranean Parliament Forum. Draft Recommendation from the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Forum to the Sixth Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference, on setting up a Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly. It was agreed to note this correspondence.
2. Correspondence received from Claus Larsen-Jensen regarding the amendment of the Europol Convention – It was agreed to note this correspondence.
3. Correspondence received from Anne Marie Flynn, Private Secretary to the Director General regarding the Euro Flag Report – it was agreed to note this item.
4. Report – List of “A” Items for the 2552^nd meeting of the Council of the European Union – it was agreed to note this item.

5. Adjournment

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 12.33 p.m.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

17 December 2003

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 11^th December 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 11.12 am. in Committee Room 4 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Barry Andrews, Máire Hoctor (In substitution for Pat Carey), Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’ Keeffe and Mae Sexton,

Senators: Ulick Burke (in substitution for Don Lydon) and Ann Ormonde.

Apologies: Were received from Deputy Rúairí Quinn and Senator John Dardis

2. Exchange of views with the European Scrutiny Committee of the House of Commons.

The Chairman welcomed the delegation of Members of the House of Commons Scrutiny Committee, which was led by Mr. Jimmy Hood MP, and he thanked the Committee formally for their assistance which was afforded to the Oireachtas Committee during the establishment of the Scrutiny Sub-Committee.

The Chairman outlined the work currently being undertaken by the Joint Committee and the Sub-Committee and the plans for the Presidency including the plans for COSAC.

He then invited Mr. Jimmy Hood MP., Chairman, to make his presentation. Following the presentation the Chairman invited questions. There followed an exchange of views.

Following discussions the Chairman of the UK Committee invited the Joint Committee to visit the House of Commons in the new year.

Following the exchange of views the chairman thanked the visiting delegation for their visit.

3. Adjournment

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 3.05 p.m.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

17 December 2003

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 11^th December 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 2.10 pm. in Committee Room 4 LH2000

Members present:

Deputies: Gay Mitchell (in the chair), Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Michael Mulcahy, , and Mae Sexton,

Senators: John Dardis and Derek McDowell.

MEPs: Seán Neachtain

Apologies: Were received from Deputy Rúairí Quinn and Senator Feargal Quinn

Witnesses: Mr. Charlie McCreevy TD., Minister for Finance.

2. Discussion with the Minister for Finance on the Stability and Growth Pact.

The Chairman thanked the Minister for coming to the Committee at short notice. He introduced the matters to be discussed and outlined the concerns expressed by Members and Commissioners Solbes and Prodi in relation to this issue. He then invited the Minister to make a presentation.

Following the Ministers presentation the Chairman invited questions.

Following questions and responses the Chairman thanked the Minister and his officials for attending the meeting.

3. Adjournment

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 3.05 p.m.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

17 December 2003

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting, 17 December 2003

1. The Committee met in public session at 9.33am.in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present:

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

Senators: John Dardis, Don Lydon and Ann Ormonde and Paddy McHugh.

Apologies: Were received from Deputy Aengus O Snodaigh

2. Meeting with a delegation of Members from the Icelandic Parliament

The Chairman welcomed the delegation from the EFTA and EEA Parliamentary commitrees of the Icelandinc Parliament to the meeting and introduced Members of the Committee. The Icelandic delegation comsisted of Gunnar Birgisson, Chairman, Össur Skarphéðinsson, Birkir J. Jónsson, Lúðvik Bergvinsson, Ms. Belinda Theriault

Following a brief introduction the Chairman invited the Icelandic Chairman Mr. Gunnar Burgisson. Following the presentation the chairman invited questions.

The Icelandic Chairman invited the Committee to send a delegation of Members to visit Iceland in the near future.

3. Minutes

Minutes of the meetings of 10 and 11 December were agreed.

4. Correspondence

1. Report-Joint Declaration addresses to the European Council by Parliamentary Members of the European Convention – it was agreed to note this item.
2. Correspondence received from the EIPA regarding invitation to seminars on the Mutual Recognition of Diplomas, the Enforcement of National Rules/Standards on Foreign Service providers on 26/27 January. – It was agreed to send one Member in the event that a Member would like to participate.
3. Correspondence received from the Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee of the Seiman Latvia to Ireland’s Honorary Consul in Latvia seeking to visit Ireland and meet with appropriate Committees in January. It was agreed to facilitate a meeting if the dates were suitable.
4. One copy of the Annual Report of the European Court of Auditors concerning the financial year 2002 has been received and is available on request to members. It was agreed to put this on the agenda for a future meeting of the Committee.

The meeting suspended from 10.53 until 11.30 am.

5. Regional Development in a European Context – Presentations on regional developments

The Chairman welcomed the delegation which included Bishop Thomas A.Finnegan (Retired Bishop of Killala), Mr. Sean Hannick – Chairman of the council for the West. Ms. Lisa McAllister – Chief Executive Officer of the Western Development Commision, Mr. John Sweeney – Maynooth College and Mr. Michael Farrell – Chairman of the Western Development Commission.

The chairman outlined the purpose of the meeting and identified the matters of interest of the group ‘Objective one status’, Tax designation, the Lisbon Agenda and congestion issues.

The Chairman advised the delegation that the Committee had visited Castlebar on 31 January last and held a meeting with representatives of regional development groups. He then invited Bishop Finnegan to open the presentations. After the presentations there followed a question and answer session.

The Chairman proposed that the Committee may appoint a Rapporteur to prepare a report for the Committee to lay before the Houses on the subject of balanced regional development. The proposal was agreed.

The Chairman then thanked the delegation and the meeting was adjourned at 13.13.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman

20 January 2004

APPENDIX 9
Minutes of the meetings of the Select Committee on European Affairs

SELECT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting of Tuesday, 9 July 2002

1. The Committee met at 2.01 p.m. in room Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Bernard J Durkan (in substitution for Jim O’Keeffe), Sean Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Michael Mulcahy, Jim O Keeffe, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Mae Sexton and Jack Wall.

Apologies were received from: Deputy Marian Harkin

2. Election of the Chairperson

In accordance with the provisions of standing Order 88 the Clerk took the Chair and called for nominations for the election of Chairman. Deputy Gay Mitchell was nominated by Deputy Bernard Durkan. As there were no other nominations, Deputy Mitchell was deemed elected and took the Chair.

3. Election of the Vice-Chairperson

The Chairman called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chairman. Deputy Seamus Kirk was proposed by Deputy Pat Carey. As there were no other nominations, Deputy Kirk was deemed elected.

4. Motion: That the Select Committee on European Affairs invite the EU Competition Commissioner, Mr. Mario Monti, to address the Committee on Competition issues affecting consumer prices in Ireland – Deputy Michael Mulcahy

Deputy Mulcahy moved the motion.

Following a debate on the motion it was agreed that, in advance of a meeting with the Commissioner, the possibility of meetings with the Director of Consumer affairs and the Chairman of the Competition authority should be explored. It was also agreed that the Committee should also the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Affairs and the Commissioner for Agriculture. It was also agreed that the Committee should seek meetings with the Danish Ambassador to Ireland to discuss the Danish Presidency Programme.

5. Correspondence.

1. Copies of the Orders of the Dáil of 27 June 2002, appointing the Select Committee and setting out its terms of reference [this item was noted]
2. Invitation to attend the Second Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Conference in the Philippeans. It was agreed that up to three Members should represent the Committee subject to Members availability.
3. Invitation to attend a Conference organised by the INTERNATIONAL PANEUROPEAN UNION, GSTAAD, Switzerland from 13-14 September 2002. It was agreed that two Members should represent the Committee subject to Members availability.
4. Invitation to attend the Parliamentary Conference on Minorities in the Enlarged European Union– Danish Parliament, from 5-6 November 2002. It was agreed that four Members led by the Chairman should represent the Committee subject to Members availability.
5. A letter from Peter Brennan, Managing Director of A& L Goodbody in connection with the Committee’s work on European Scrutiny. It was agreed to acknowledge and file this matter for future reference.
6. Correspondence from the Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee of the House of Commons and the Select Committee on European Affairs of the House of Lords in connection with proposals on the reform of COSAC. It was agreed that the Clerk would prepare a draft response for the Committee

Any other business

6. Any other Business.

Scrutiny of EU Business

The Chairman informed Members of the proposals for the management of the Scrutiny Function recently acquired by the Committee. Details of the proposal are appended to these minutes.

It was agreed to set up a sub-Committee on Scrutiny. The principal role of the sub-Committee will be to manage the Scrutiny process and to sift deposited documents. The sub-Committee will consist of 5 Members and will be chaired by Deputy Mitchell. It was further agreed that an additional 5 members would act as alternate members and would attend meetings as and when required. In this regard it was decided that all material circulated to the Committee members would also be circulated to the alternate members.

Times of meetings.

It was agreed that the Select Committee will normally meet at 2 pm every second Friday and the sub-Committee will meet at 9am every second Thursday on alternate weeks.

Adjournment.

The meeting was adjourned at 15.09 Sine Die

Gay Mitchell

Chairman of the Select Committee

17 July 2002

SELECT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting of Tuesday, 17 July 2002

The Committee met at 2.01 p.m. in room Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Michael Mulcahy, Jim O Keeffe, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Joe Costello, Proinsias De Rossa MEP and Brian Cowan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Dick Roche, Minister for State at the Department of the Taoiseach.

Apologies were received from: Deputies Mae Sexton, Sean Haughey, Séamus Kirk and Jack Wall

1. Minutes of the meeting of 9 July 2002.

The Minutes of the meeting of 9 July 2002 were agreed.

2. Discussion with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen T.D on the forthcoming General Affairs Council Brussels, 22-23 July 2002.

The Chairman welcomed the Minister for Foreign Affairs and his officials to the meeting. The Minister made a brief introductory presentation on a range of issues including the proposals for Oireachtas Scrutiny of EU business; proposals to put the Scrutiny process on a legislative footing; resource implications for Scrutiny; the agenda for the forthcoming GAC meeting; individual items on the A list; specific items on the Horizontal list.

Following the Ministers presentation the Chairman invited contributions from the floor and matters raised included the following:

• Arrangements for the Labour Party Bill.
• External relations, including – Afghanistan; Middle East; Cyprus; accession countries; Russia; FYROM; Western Balkans and Zimbabwe
• Terrorism and conflict prevention

3. Correspondence.

3.1 Statements regarding the situation in the Kaliningrad received from the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ireland – was noted

3.2 Letter received from Mr Jack Wall TD regarding the Labour Party European Union Bill.- The Chairman informed the meeting that it would be necessary to refer the Bill to the new Committee

3.3 An Invitation to the Chairman to give evidence to the Committee of the Centre in the Northern Ireland Assembly in Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast, on Tuesday 1^st October 2002.- It was agreed that the invitation would be accepted.

3.4 An Invitation to attend a Conference entitled “Estonia and the European Union: Estonia on its way to a changing Europe.”- It was agreed to note this invitation.

3.5 Correspondence from the Chairman of the Lithuanian Committee on European Affairs, Lithuania: Regarding Lithuania’s progress in accession to the European Union. – This was noted

3.6 Correspondence from the President of the Spanish Senate, Ms Esperanza Aguirre, (and Ms Luisa Fernando Ubeda, President Congreso) regarding the XXVI COSAC meeting held in Madrid from the 12^th to the 14^th May.- It was agreed to further consider this in the context of preparations for the next COSAC

3.7 Contribution made by Mr Prionsias de Rossa MEP to the Convention on future of Europe - Working Group on National Parliaments. – It was agreed that the research assistants would prepare a summary of this document.

4. Any other Business.

The Chairman asked the Committee to consider a proposal that the Committee should agree a report to be prepared which would set out specific proposals for the Programme for the Irish Presidency of the European Union. He suggested that the report should concentrate on the issues of hunger, poverty and AIDS in the Third World. He said he would make a more specific proposal in the near future.

Adjournment.

The meeting was adjourned at 15.40 Sine Die

Gay Mitchell

Chairman of the Select Committee

31 July 2002

SELECT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 11 September 2002

1. The Committee met at 2.03 p.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Barry Andrews, Gerard O Connor (in substitution for Pat Carey), Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Michael Mulcahy, Jim O Keeffe, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Mae Sexton

Apologies were received from: Jack Wall Deputies and Brian Crowley MEP

2. Minutes of the meeting of 31 July 2002.

The minutes of the meeting of 31 July 2002 were agreed.

3. Declaration issued by Heads of State and Governments of the European Union, the President of the European Parliament and the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy which issued today at 1 pm.

The Chairman referred to this declaration and it was circulated to members.

4. Discussion with H.E. Chief Elias Nathan, Ambassador of the Republic of Nigeria.

The Chairman welcomed the Ambassador of the Republic of Nigeria to the meeting. And outlined the Committee’s concerns in particular in connection with death sentence handed down and affirmed, at appeal, under Sharia Law to Ms. Amina Lawal. He invited the Ambassador to address the Committee.

The Ambassador made a brief presentation outlining the facts of the case, the next available steps and the constitutional implications of the case. Following the presentation the Chairman invited questions from the Members.

At 2.30 pm the meeting was suspended for one minute’s silence to mark the first anniversary of the events of 11 September 2001 in the United States of America.

The meeting continued with interventions from members indicating strong condemnation of the case of Amina Lawal. The Ambassador undertook to raise the concerns with the Nigerian Government and to respond to the Committee in the near future.

5. Correspondence.

1. Correspondence concerning the forthcoming Europe-Mediterranean Forum on Women Members of Parliament. The conference will take place in Madrid, on the 17^th & 18^th of October 2002. – it was agreed to note this item.
2. Correspondence received from the Department of Environment and Local Government, Briefing Note for Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs, entitled: “Energy Performance of Buildings” – it was agreed to refer this to the Scrutiny sub-Committee
3. Conclusions of the Fourth Euro-Mediterranean Conference of Ministers of Industry, held in Malaga 9-10^th of April 2002 - – it was agreed to note this item.
4. Final Declaration of the Summit, of the Fifth Euro-Mediterranean Business Summit Mediterranean Region and the Global Economy. Held in Istanbul 1-2 March 2002– it was agreed to note this item.
5. Euromed Report: Issue No: 41 “European Parliament resolution on the Commission communication to the Council and the European Parliament to prepare the meeting of Euro-Mediterranean Foreign Ministers”, Valencia, 22-23 April 2002 – it was agreed to note this item.
6. Euromed Report: Issue No: 44 “Regional Co-operation programme in the field of Justice, in combating Drugs, Organised Crime and Terrorism as well as Co-operation in the treatment of Issues relating to the social integration of Migrants, Migration and Movement of people”. – it was agreed to note this item.
7. Euromed Report: Issue No: 45 “Action Programme for the Dialogue between cultures and civilizations”. – it was agreed to note this item.
8. Letter from ‘European Anti Poverty Network, Ireland’ re: EAPN Ireland Review and EAPN (Europe) Network Newsletter. (Review and Newsletter available from Committee Secretariat on request.) – it was agreed to note this item.
9. Letter from ‘Irish Medical Organisation’ re: ‘The European Commission’s stance on the rights of Doctors to practice their profession in each Member State’. – it was agreed to seek a written brief from the Department of Health and Children on this.
10. An Invitation to the Chairman to attend a Meeting of the Chairmen of the Foreign Policy Committees of the Member States of the European Union and of the Candidate Countries to the Union. - The Meeting will take place in Copenhagen, on the 4^th of November 2002 - It was agreed that the Chairman would discuss this with the incoming Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and that one of the Chairmen and an official would attend.
11. A letter from Mayor Kikis Kazamias, Ammochostos (Famagusta) Municipality, addressed to the Ceann Comhairle. – it was agreed to acknowledge and note this item.
12. A letter from Sean Mac Mathuna, Ard-Runai, Conradh na Gaeilge – it was agreed that the Chairman would meet the correspondent.
13. Draft Agenda for the European Parliament Committee on Constitutional Affairs for the Meeting 11-12 September 2002. – it was agreed to note this item.
14. Briefing note on the recent EU Recommendations on Auditor Independence received from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. - It was agreed to refer this to the sub-Committee on Scrutiny.
15. Order of the Dáil of the 18^th June 2002 - Referral of The European Union Bill 2001 to the Select Committee. – it was agreed to note this item.
16. A petition received from PASOK, the Government party in Greece, Addressed to the Irish Ambassador and forwarded to the Ceann Comhairle. – it was agreed to note this item.
17. A letter from Mr. Omer Izgi, President of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, addressed to the Ceann Comhairle– it was agreed to seek a brief on this matter from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
18. Copy of “EAPN FLASH” Irish Edition, Issue no: 95 – 4^th September 2002 Prepared by European Anti Poverty Network (Brussels office), with notes by EAPN Ireland. – it was agreed to note this item.

Any other business

1. Resources

The Chairman reported that he had written to the Minister for Foreign Affairs to seek his assistance to ensure that adequate resources would be available to the Committee for the Scrutiny process. He reported that the Minister had since been working with the Taoiseach’s Department to try to resolve the issue and that two officials at First Secretary and Assistant Principal Level had now been seconded to the Committee as a first step.

The Chairman also reported that the question of additional resources for the Committee was being pursued vigorously by the House Authorities. The responses received to date from the Department of Finance is an insistence that staffing requirements for the Houses of the Oireachtas, including research assistants for Members, will only be dealt with in the context of the ‘International Benchmarking Review’ which was conducted some time ago and the results of which will be considered in the context of the House Commission. The Committee agreed that this position was unacceptable.

2. Briefing material on Proposals to remove the Block Exemption on motor Vehicles

It was agreed to seek a meeting with officials of the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment and of the Competition Authority to discuss this matter further. It was further agreed to invite the Director of Consumer Affairs to attend before the Committee to report on price increases arising from the introduction of the Euro.

3. Advisory Group.

The Chairman read the terms of reference of the Advisory Group into the record. They are as follows. “To examine the role of the EU in its relations with developing countries, especially given the AIDS/HIV crisis in some of these countries, their debt burdens, food shortages and international trade arrangements and to report to the Committee by December 2002. Such report to present workable and practical proposals, capable of obtaining broad Oireachtas party political support, on ways and means of the EU acting in greater solidarity with the developing countries and leading the world in this regard, and to provide proposals for consideration by the Committee for recommendation to the Government for possible incorporation as part of the programme for the Irish Presidency of the EU in 2004.”

4. Deputy O’Snodaigh requested that the minister for Justice, Equality and Law reform be invited to brief the Committee on the recent Justice and Home Affairs meeting.

5. Adjournment.

The Meeting was adjourned at 4.01 pm until 2pm on Wednesday 25 September when the minister for Foreign affairs will come to the committee in advance of the next Council of Ministers meeting. We will be circulating briefing material shortly.

Gay Mitchell

Chairman of the Select Committee

25^th September 2002.

SELECT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday 25 September 2002

1. The Committee met at 2.03 p.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Barry Andrews, Charlie O Connor (in substitution for Pat Carey), Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Michael Mulcahy, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Mae Sexton and Jack Wall.

Apologies were received from: Deputies Jim O’Keeffe and Pat Carey

2. Minutes of the meeting of 25 September 2002.

The minutes of the meeting of 25 September were agreed.

3. Discussion with the Minister for State for European Affairs, Mr Dick Roche T.D on the forthcoming General Affairs Council which will be held on 30 September 2002 in Brussels.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Dick Roche T.D. Minister for State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and his officials. He referred to the layout of the draft GAC agenda and proposed that, in future it would be preferable if the agenda were to be divided into categories to facilitate Members and to provide a logical grouping for questions.

The Chairman remarked to the Minister that the Committee had registered a protest with the Nigerian Ambassador concerning the threatened execution under Sharia Law of Ms. Amina Lawal.

He then invited the Minister to make his presentation. Following the Ministers presentation the Chairman invited questions to which the Minister responded.

Following the discussions the Chairman thanked the Minister.

4. Correspondence

1. Letter from Mr. Claus Larsen-Jensen, Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Denmark including a Draft contribution concerning the enhancement of the role of the national parliaments in European politics and a reform of COSAC into the Forum of the Parliaments.’ – It was agreed to note this item and to review it in the context of the Committee’s consideration, at a future date of the question of the reform of COSAC.
2. Letter from ‘The Rt. Hon. The Lord Williams of Mostyn QC’ the Leader of the House of Lords. – It was agreed to respond to this and to visit the Scrutiny Committee of the House of Lords when a suitable opportunity presented itself.
3. Letter from Dr. Friedbert Pfluger, MdB. With booklet: “Europaausschuss: 1998 bis 2002. By Deutscher Bundestag.” – It was agreed to note this annual report of the EU Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag.
4. Letter from “Assembly of Western European Union, The Interim European Security and Defence Union.” Re: Seminar on Security in the Western Mediterranean, Lisbon, 7-8 October 2002. – It was agreed to note this item.

4. Any Other Business

1. In connection with the proposal to meet with Oireachtas representatives on the Convention on the future of Europe, it was agreed that the President of the Convention should be invited to address the Committee.
2. The Chairman confirmed that the Committee Stage of the European Union Bill would be taken at 2.30 pm on Wednesday 2 October.

5. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 15.58 pm until 14.30 pm on 2 October 2002.

Gay Mitchell

Chairman of the Select Committee

9 October 2002

SELECT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 9 October 2002

1. The Committee met at 2.04 p.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Sean Haughey, Seamus Kirk, Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’ Keeffe, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Mae Sexton and Jack Wall.

Apologies were received from: Deputy Marian Harkin

2. Minutes of the meeting of 25 September 2002.

The minutes of the meeting of 25 September were agreed.

Discussion with the Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Michael McDowell T.D., on the forthcoming Justice and Home Affairs Council General Affairs Council which is scheduled for 14/15 October 2002 in Luxembourg.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Michael McDowell T.D. Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform and his officials. He then invited the Minister to make his presentation. Following the Ministers presentation the Chairman invited questions to which the Minister responded.

Following the discussions the Chairman thanked the Minister.

3. Correspondence

1. ‘The Copenhagen Dialogue on Democracy’ Democracy and Governance in the EU - An academic conference held on the occasion of the Danish Presidency of the EU and the meeting of the members of the national parliaments (COSAC) in Copenhagen, Oct 18-19, 2002’. It was agreed to note this conference but not to attend in view of the referendum on 19 October
2. Letter from the Ambassador of the Czech Republic re: visit of the European Integration Committee to Ireland in November. – It was agreed to formally meet the delegation on 6 November to discuss accession and related issues
3. Letter from Committee on European Affairs of Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania re: Treaty of Nice - It was agreed to note this item.
4. Letter from Ms. Patricia McKenna, MEP concerning the scheduling of meetings of the Select Committee on European Affairs. - It was agreed to note this item.

The following periodicals and publications, received by the Committee Secretariat were noted

- ‘National Social Work Qualifications Board’ Annual Report 2001.

- Parliament Magazine’, Issue: 145, September 16^th 2002.

- ‘Korea Now’ Magazine, September 7th, 2002.

- ‘Korea Now’ Magazine, August 24^th , 2002.

- ‘Korea Pictorial’ Magazine, September 2002.

4. Any Other Business

The Chairman reminded members that the Deputy Prime Minister of the Czech Republic would be visiting the next day at 11.30.

5. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 15.56 pm until 14.30 pm on 15^th October 2002.

Gay Mitchell

Chairman of the Select Committee

15 October 2002

SELECT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting of Tuesday, 14 October 2002

1. The Committee met at 2.31 p.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’ Keeffe, Aengus Ó Snodaigh and Jack Wall.

Apologies were received from: Deputies Mae Sexton and Séamus Kirk

2. Minutes of the meeting of 9 October 2002.

The minutes of the meeting of 9 October were agreed.

3. Discussion with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Brian Cowan T.D., on the matter of the General Affairs & External Relations Council, 21/22 October and of the European Council, 24-25 October

The Chairman welcomed the Minister and his officials and made a brief introduction referring to the forthcoming European Council meeting and also to the recent bombing atrocity on the Island of Bali and in the Phillippines. The Minister then made a brief statement condemning the bombings.

Deputy O’Keeffe proposed that the Committee should pass a resolution condemning the atrocities.

The Minister then made a presentation on the forthcoming Council and European Council meetings.

Following discussion the Chairman invited Members to consider a draft text of a resolution on Bali. The following text was agreed and it was further agreed to record the resolution in the minutes of the meeting.

Resolution: The Select Committee on European Affairs, appalled and outraged at the terrorist bombing of innocent civilians in the city of Kuta and in Bali and other regions, resolves to offer its condolences to the victims and their families, condemns the terrorists for the murderous attack on innocent people in Bali, supports UN Resolution 1348 on this issue, calls on the Indonesian authorities and the international community to seek out the perpetrators of this vile act and bring them to justice. The Select Committee asks the Government to take note of this resolution and to include it in whatever actions and measures it takes in responding to the outrage.

The Chairman then invited questions on the Minister’s presentation following which he invited questions.

The Chairman then thanked the Minister.

4. Correspondence

1. Details of the Parliamentary Conference on National Minorities in the Enlarged European Union taking place on 5-6 November in Copenhagen – It was agreed that the Convenors would provide names of Members wishing to attend
2. Report of Meeting of the Advisory Group. – It was agreed to note the report
3. Details of the new address of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia. [proposed to note this]
4. Letter from the Committee of the Centre of the Northern Ireland Assembly in connection with the meeting on 8^th October 2002.- It was agreed to note the letter
5. Letter from David Begg confirming that Advisory Group has met.- It was agreed to note the letter
6. Letter from Ambassador of Turkey, Mr. Gunaltay Sibay re: European Parliament’s Plenary session in November.- It was agreed to note the letter and seek a detailed brief on the Turkish issue from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

5 Any Other Business

In Private Session

6. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 14.31 pm.

Gay Mitchell

Chairman of the Select Committee

23^rd October 2002

SELECT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 23 October 2002

1. The Committee met at 2.05 p.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey, Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Michael Mulcahy, and Aengus Ó Snodaigh.

2. Minutes of the meeting of 15 October 2002.

The minutes of the meeting of 15 October were agreed.

3. Work Programme of the Select Committee

The Chairman referred to the draft work programme circulated to members. Deputy Carey proposed to include the EU dimension of the Drugs issue on the programme and Deputy Haughey proposed to include the work of the Forum on Europe.

The report was agreed subject to the proposed amendments. (Amended text is appended to the minutes.)

4. Correspondence

1. Correspondence from Human Rights Watch. - it was agreed to note this and to circulate it to the sub-Committee on Human Rights of the Joint committee on Foreign Affairs when it is established.
2. Information on the ‘Fifth European Conference for Parliaments on ICT’ in Brussels. - it was agreed to note this and to circulate it to the Joint committee on Enterprise Trade and Employment when it is established.
3. Invitation to attend meeting of UK Parliamentary Space Committee, 12-14 November 2002, Westminster, London. - it was agreed to note this and to circulate it to the Joint committee on Enterprise Trade and Employment when it is established.
4. Correspondence from the Kurdistan National Congress in connection to Kurdish representation in Turkey. - it was agreed to deal with this in the context of the proposed meeting with the Turkish Ambassador.
5. Press Statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey- it was agreed to deal with this in the context of the proposed meeting with the Turkish Ambassador.
6. Statement on the European Union Strategy Paper and Progress Report Regarding the Cyprus Issue.- it was agreed to deal with this in the context of the proposed meeting with the Turkish Ambassador.
7. Press release of the Commons EU Scrutiny Committee entitled ‘Inadequate Draft Report being considered by the working group of the Convention on the Future of Europe on National Parliaments in the European Union - It was agreed to deal with this in the context of frothcoming discussions with the Oireachtas Representatives on the Convention.
8. Final Contribution, XXVII COSAC, Copenhagen 16-18 October 2002 –It was agreed to note this and to schedule discussions in the near future to formulate a Report of the Committee on the reform and future role of COSAC
9. Correspondence received from the Scottish Parliament “Briefing/reporting by the Executive pre- and post-European Council and Council of the EU meetings: an issues paper” - It was agreed to note this.
10. Correspondence received from the Scottish Parliament “Briefing/reporting by the Executive pre- and post-European Council, Council of the EU meetings, Joint Ministerial Committees and MINICOR: proposed arrangements” – It was agreed to note this.
11. Correspondence received from the Scottish Parliament “Briefing Paper “Pre- and Post-European Council, Council of the EU, Joint Ministerial Committee and MINECOR Scrutiny” - It was agreed to note this.
12. Correspondence received from the Scottish Parliament “Briefing Paper “Timetable for the delivery of Council agendas to the European Committee – agreement with the Executive” - It was agreed to note this.
13. COSAC Report. – Report of the most recent meeting of COSAC – It was agreed to report the Committees views on the future role of COSAC
14. Eurobarometer Survey –It was agreed to note this item.
15. Interim Report on the Convention – It was agreed to report the Committees views on the future role of COSAC

5. Any Other Business

• Proposals for the Publication of a Committee Brochure – The Chairman proposed that the Committee should agree to commence work on an information brochure which would publicise the work of the Select Committee. It was agreed to seek the assistance of the Public Relations Officer.
• Proposed meeting with Commissioner Fischler on 11 November 2002. – It was agreed that the Committee would meet with the visiting Commissioner
• Distribution of documents to Members

  The Chairman proposed that, in view of the volume of material circulated to members and the need to ensure that material should be provided to members in an efficient and timely manner, correspondence should henceforth be circulated directly to Members chosen email address where possible. The proposal was agreed. It was also agreed that members would continue to receive material before the meeting in their post boxes in Leinster House.

  
  

6. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 14.30 pm.

Gay Mitchell

Chairman of the Select Committee

5 November 2002

SELECT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 6 November 2002

1. The Committee met at 2.08 p.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

Members present: Deputies: Barry Andrews, Pat Carey , Marian Harkin, Sean Haughey, Gay Mitchell (Chairman), Michael Mulcahy, Jim O’Keeffe, Aengus Ó Snodaigh. and Mae Sexton

Also in attendance was Senator Jim Higgins and Avril Doyle MEP.

2. Minutes of the meeting of 23 October 2002

The Minutes of the meeting of 23 October 2002 were agreed subject to amendment to include Deputy Haughey in the list of attendees.

3. Exchange of views with members of the Committee on European Integration of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech

Republic.

The Chairman welcomed Members of the on European Integration of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic. The Delegation consists of Mr Pavel Svoboda, Chairman of the Committee, Mr Jarimir Kohlicek, Vice Chairman, Mr Pavel Suchanek, Mr Josef Kubinyi, Deputy, Ms Olga Adamcova, Secretary to the Committee, Mr Petr Kolar, Ambassador, Mr Martin Vitek, Counsellor, Mr Tomas Opocensky, Interpreter

The Chairman welcomed the Chairman, his Members and officials and referred briefly to the recent NICE referendum. Following the introductory remarks he invited the chairman of the visiting delegation to address the Committee. During the presentation the Chairman of the delegation invited members of the Committee to visit the Czech republic in the near future.

Following the presentation the Chairman invited questions from Members.

(in private session)

5. Adjournment.

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 14.30 pm until 2.15 pm on Monday 11^th November.

Gay Mitchell TD,

Chairman of the Select Committee

14 November 2002

APPENDIX 10
Minutes of the meetings of the Sub Committee on European Affairs

The minutes of the Sub-Committee on European

Scrutiny are available to view in the Annual Report

2002-03 of the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny

¹ Séan Haughey replaced Séamus Kirk as Vice-Chairman on 14th November 2002

² Replaced Deputy Jack Wall by order of the Dail 7th November 2002

³ By Order of the Seanad 6^th November 2002

¹ Replaced Deputy Jack Wall by order of the Dail 7th November 2002