Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2007 > Committee on European Affairs > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on European Affairs, 2006

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

An Comhchoiste um Ghnóthaí Eorpacha

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2006

Eánair 2007

HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS

Joint Committee on European Affairs

ANNUAL REPORT 2006

January 2007

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

At its meeting on 24 January 2006 the Joint Committee agreed that all these items should 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. The main task of the Joint Committee is to:

• 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, as 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 John Deasy was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee on 20^th October 2004. Deputy Barry Andrews was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on 25^th November 2004. The Chairman of the Joint Committee is also Chairman of the Dáil Select Committee.

Deputies Dan Wallace 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. Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny

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 Committee agreed at its meeting on 9^th July 2002 to create a sub-Committee to scrutinise EU Legislative Proposals. The European Union Scrutiny Act 2002 provides the legislative basis for Oireachtas scrutiny of EU business.

The Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny consists 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.

Deputy Bernard Allen was elected as Chairman of the Sub-Committee on 4^th November 2004.

5. Meetings, Attendance and Recording

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

Televised coverage of public meetings of the Committee was 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.oireachtas.ie

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 30 occasions in the year under report. The number of hours of discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 42. 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 2 occasions in the year under report. The number of hours of discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 1 hour. 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 16 occasions during the year and the number of hours of discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 10 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in paragraph 7 below and at Appendix 7.

Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee, Select Committee and Sub-Committee meetings in public session are attached at Appendix 8, 9 and Appendix 10 respectively.

7. Work of the Committee

7.1 Joint Committee

During the European Union’s period of reflection on the future of Europe, the Joint Committee on European Affairs has given high priority in its work programme to raising national awareness of European issues and to reconnecting the people with the European Union and its institutions. In this regard the Committee has focused on matters of practical relevance to citizens, such as the migration of EU nationals, the challenges facing the agriculture sector and the retraining of employees made redundant with the assistance of the EU’s proposed Globalisation Fund.

The Joint Committee has also given detailed consideration to policy areas such as the Hague Programme, EU-US relations, the future enlargement of the Union and EU Trade Policy in the years ahead. The Joint Committee regularly considers matters on the GAERC agenda with ministers in the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Committee earlier this year played a key role in a day-long discussion of European issues in the Dáil chamber.

On the 30 occasions the Joint Committee met it examined the following matters:

• The European Union’s Period of Reflection
• Strengthening the Role on National parliaments in the EU decision-making process
• Inter-parliamentary Cooperation in the EU
• Proposals for discussion and decision on the agenda of the General Affairs and External Relations Council
• The social and economic integration of EU Migrant Workers in Ireland following EU enlargement in 2004
• Consideration of the role of the EU in responding to emerging crises
• Improving the European regulatory environment
• The implementation of EU legislation through national regulations
• Draft EU Commission Decision establishing criteria for granting exemptions to the prescription only principle for veterinary medicinal products
• Romania’s Progress Towards EU Accession
• Bulgaria’s Progress Towards EU Accession
• European Commission White Paper on a European Communication Policy
• European Commission Green Paper on a Future Maritime Policy for the European Union
• Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals
• Priorities of the Finnish Presidency of the European Union
• EU-Israel Association Agreement
• EU-Russian Relations
• EU-US Relations
• EU Trade Policy in the years ahead

7.2 Dail Select Committee

On the 2 occasions the Select Committee met, it dealt with the following matters:

• Consideration of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Treaty concerning the Accession to the European Union of Bulgaria and Romania
• Consideration of the European Communities (Amendment) Bill 2006 - Committee Stage

7.3 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny

On the 16 occasions that it met, the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny dealt with the following matters:

• Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals

8. Groups and Individuals attending before Committee

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

Ministers of the Government and Ministers of State

• Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs
• Mr. Michael McDowell T.D., Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
• Mr. Willie O’Dea T.D., Minister for Defence
• Mr. Noel Treacy T.D., Minister of State for European Affairs
• Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D., Minister of State for Irish Aid

Foreign Ministers

• Mr. Borys Tarasyuk, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Representatives of European Union Institutions

• Mr. Josep Borrell, President of the European Parliament
• Mr. P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, European Ombudsman
• Mr. Martin Territt, Director of the European Commission’s Representation in Ireland
• Mr. David O’Sullivan, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade
• Mr. Karel Kovanda, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for External Relations
• Mr. Robert Missen, Deputy Head of Unit of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy and Transport

Delegations Representing National Parliaments

• Delegation from the Althingi (Parliament of Iceland)
• Delegation from the Sejm (Parliament of Poland)
• Delegation from the French National Assembly

Intergovernmental and Non-governmental Organisations

• Mr. Peter Sutherland, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Migration
• Ms Catherine Cosgrave, Acting CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland

Government Agencies, Statutory Bodies and other Interest Groups

• Ms Emily O’Reilly, Irish Ombudsman
• Mr. Roddy Molloy, FÁS
• Mr. Niall Crowley, Chief Executive Officer, Equality Authority
• Dr. Peter Heffernan, Chief Executive Officer, Marine Institute
• Professor Ron Hill, Department of Political Science, Trinity College, Dublin
• Representatives of the IFA

Ambassadors to Ireland

• His Excellency Mr. Seppo Kauppila, Ambassador of Finland to Ireland
• Her Excellency Mrs. Silvia Stancu-Davidoiu, Ambassador of Romanian to Ireland
• Her Excellency Mrs. Bisserka Benisheva, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Ireland

Government Department Officials

• Mr. Richard Healy, Department of Agriculture and Food.
• Mr. Philip Kelly, Department of the Taoiseach
• Mr. Pat Hayden, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
• Mr. Andrew Cullen, Department of Transport
• Mr. Robin McKay, Department of Transport
• Ms Eithne Brogan, Department of Transport
• Mr. Dick Davis, Department of Transport

The Joint Committee held informal private meetings with the following:

• Mr. Valeriu Ostelap, Deputy Foreign Minister of Moldava
• Mrs. Emilia Maslarova, Bulgarian Minister for Labour
• His Excellency Mr. Andreas Kakouris, Cypriot Ambassador to Ireland
• Mr. Günter Glosser, German Minister for State for Europe
• Mr. Robert Lecou, Member of the French National Assembly

In the period under report the Select Committee on European Affairs met with Mr. Noel Treacy T.D., Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on two occasions.

The Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny did not meet with any groups or individuals.

9. 9.1 Joint Committee Reports

During the period under report the Joint Committee adopted the following contributions and reports:

Contributions to the EU Institutions

• Contribution to the European Commission Green Paper on a Future Maritime Policy for the European Union
• Contribution to the European Commission White Paper on a European Communication Policy

Reports to both Houses of the Oireachtas

• Report on EU Migrant Workers in Ireland: An initial assessment of the position of European Union migrant workers in Ireland post 2004
• Report on Europe Day in Dáil Éireann: Bringing the European Union and the citizen closer together
• Report on the subsidiarity and proportionality test coordinated by COSAC

EU Scrutiny Reports

• EU scrutiny report no. 1: Report of the meeting of 23rd April 2003 report on COM (2002) 521, a draft EC regulation on insurance requirements for air carriers and aircraft operators
• EU scrutiny report no. 2: Report of the meeting of 23rd April 2003 report on COM (2002) 77 a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the statute and financing of European political parties
• EU scrutiny report no. 5: Report of the meeting of 23rd September 2004 report on SEC(2004)456, draft preliminary budget of the EU for the financial year 2005, and COM 402 (financial assistance to Iraq), COM465 and SEC910 (financial assistance to the Turkish Cypriot community)
• EU scrutiny report no. 9: Report of the meeting of 29th June 2005 report on COM (2005) 45 a proposal for a regulation by the European Parliament and of the Council on the statute and financing of European political parties
• EU scrutiny report no. 10: Report of the meeting of the 1st December 2005 report on COM(2005)375 proposed regulation on Community statistics on migration and international protection
• EU scrutiny report no. 11: Report of the meeting of the 17th May 2006 report on COM (2006) 91 concerning the establishment of a European Globalisation Adjustment Fund
• EU scrutiny report no. 12: Report of the meeting of the 18th October 2006 report on COM (2006) 396 proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air transport services in the Community

Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny - Meeting Reports

• Fifty fourth report: Report of the meeting of 27^th July 2005 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Fifty fifth report: Report of the meeting of 21^st September 2005 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Fifty sixth report: Report of the meeting of 6^th October 2005 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Fifty seventh report: Report of the meeting of 27^th October 2005 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Fifty eighth report: Report of the meeting of 17^th November 2005 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Fifty ninth report: Report of the meeting of 1 December 2005 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Sixtieth report: Report of the meeting of 15 December 2005 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Sixty first report: Report of the meeting of 26 January 2006 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Sixty second report: Report of the meeting of 9 February 2006 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Sixty third report: Report of the meeting of 2 March 2006 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Sixty fourth report: Report of the meeting of 23 March 2006 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Sixty fifth report: Report of the meeting of 6 April 2006 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Sixty sixth report: Report of the meeting of 27 April 2006 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Sixty seventh report: Report of the meeting of 18 May 2006 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Sixty eighth report: Report of the meeting of 8 June 2006 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Sixty ninth report: Report of the meeting of 29 June 2006 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Seventieth report: Report of the meeting of 19 July 2006 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Seventy first report: Report of the meeting of 20th September 2006 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Seventy second report: Report of the meeting of 12 October 2006 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Seventy third report: Report of the meeting of 26 October 2006 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny
• Seventy fourth report: Report of the meeting of 12 October 2006 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny

Annual Reports and Work Programme

• Work Programme 2006
• Annual Report 2002 - 2003
• Annual Report 2004
• Annual Report 2005
• Third Annual Report on the operation of the European Union Scrutiny Act 2002

Work in Progress

The Joint Committee will continue to give a high priority in its ongoing work to the following matters:

Presentation of Reports, including recommendations, to the Houses of the Oireachtas

The provision of information to the Houses of the Oireachtas and to the public is one of the main tasks of the Joint Committee. The Committee has presented a number of reports, including recommendations, to the Houses of the Oireachtas. These reports would contribute to policy. In drawing up these reports the Committee considered a wide range of views and perspectives so that through the Committee’s reports the Houses of the Oireachtas are better informed of the issues involved.

In April 2006 the Committee presented an interim report to the Oireachtas on the social and economic integration of EU Migrant Workers in Ireland following EU enlargement in 2004 entitled An Initial Assessment of the Position of European Union Migrant Workers in Ireland post 2004. The report outlines the key issues and challenges faced in this country in relation to putting in place a sustainable immigration programme. As a follow-up to the Committee’s Interim report the Committee has undertaken a final report to examine how best to take forward the main recommendation in its interim report – the establishment of a single government department to coordinate and manage all matters relating to migrants in Ireland.

Strengthening the Role of National parliaments in the EU decision-making process

The role of national parliaments in EU policy formulation has recently been given a high priority at political level in the EU. This role has now been further formalised by the direct transmission of documents by the European Commission to national parliaments, which began on 1 September this year, inviting them to ‘react so as to improve the process of policy formulation’. The aim is that national parliaments are properly informed of the Commission’s legislative initiatives in order to facilitate involvement by them in the EU decision-making process at an early stage. The European Council on 15-16 June 2006, called on the Commission to ‘duly consider’ comments by national parliaments – in particular with regard to the subsidiarity and proportionality principle. The European Commission has put an administrative arrangement in place internally to deal with observations received from national parliaments.

The Joint Committee welcomes the commitment of the European Commission to transmit all new proposals and consultation papers directly to national parliaments. The Committee also views the Commission’s decision to consider and respond to comments from national parliaments as an important signal in the increasing cooperation between the Commission and national parliaments in EU policy making. The Committee has for some time engaged directly with the European Commission by sending contributions to Commission Proposals, White Papers and Green Papers. The new Commission initiative, which provides an official channel of communication between national parliaments and the Commission, will reinforce this exchange and cooperation.

Interaction with the EU Institutions

The EU Scrutiny Sub-Committee brought the Commission’s Legislative and Work Programme 2007, which lists documents it plans to present in the year ahead, to the attention of the Joint Committee in November. The 2007 Programme includes a number of EU enlargement initiatives; the Joint Committee on European Affairs will consider these initiatives when presented. The Joint Committee and its Sub-Committee on EU-Scrutiny earlier scrutinised the European Commission’s Legislative and Work Programme for 2006 and has determined that a number of legislative proposals should be the subject of detailed scrutiny in relation to their respect for the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. The Committees have also fully participated in the subsidiarity and proportionality test coordinated by COSAC (the Conference of European Affairs Committees of national parliaments of EU Member States and of Accession/Candidate States and of the European Parliament)¹. The proposals nominated by COSAC for monitoring compliance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality were:

• Proposal for a Regulation on the applicable law and jurisdiction in divorce matters, and
• Proposal for the full accomplishment of the Internal Market for Postal Services.

In the case of the first proposal, in view of the decision by the Government not to participate in the adoption and application of the EU Commission proposal on the applicable law and jurisdiction in divorce matters, the Committees concluded that there was not a subsidiarity and proportionality issue for Ireland.

The Committees are currently scrutinising the second proposal and will report to the Houses of the Oireachtas and COSAC on the outcome of that process and in particular whether the proposal complies with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.

Interparliamentary EU Information Exchange

An Interparliamentary EU Information Exchange website (IPEX) was launched in September 2006 to support interparliamentary cooperation in the European Union. IPEX was established as a result of a decision taken by the Conference of Speakers of EU Parliaments to support interparliamentary cooperation in the EU. Its purpose is to strengthen interparliamebtary cooperation by providing a platform for the electronic exchange of EU-related information between parliaments in the European Union. The Oireachtas, through the Joint Committee on European Affairs and the Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny, is using this website to share its views on EU proposals and to gain a perspective on other parliament’s views on draft EU legislation.

10. Travel

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

11. Functions and Powers

The Joint Committee will continue to consider its present procedures and role.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman of the Joint Committee on European Affairs

24/01/06

APPENDIX 1
Orders of Reference

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

APPENDIX 3
Members of the Select Committee

APPENDIX 4
Members of the Sub Committee

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 on European Affairs

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting,

26 January 2006

Members present:

The committee commenced in public session at 12.05 pm

1. Discussion in advance of the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) with the Minister of State for European Affairs, Mr Noel Treacy TD

The Chairman welcomed the Minister of State and his officials to the meeting and noted that members had been circulated with briefing provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs along with the conclusions of the last meeting of the GAERC.

The Chairman invited the Minister of State to begin his presentation on the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council.

Following the Minister of State’s presentation there was a question and answer session with members where the Minister of State answered questions put by members and noted their comments in relation to the items on the GAERC Agenda.

The Chairman thanked the Minister of State and his officials for his attendance.

The committee suspended from 12.52 to 12.54 pm and then resumed in private session

6. Adjournment

The committee adjourned at 12.55 pm

John Deasy TD

Chairman

12^th July 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting,

1 February 2006

Members present:

Apologies:

The committee commenced in public session at 2.07 pm

1. Discussion with representatives from FAS and the Equality Authority in the context of the committee’s continuing consideration of Migration issues.

The Chairman welcomed the representatives of the Equality Authority and FAS to the meeting. The delegation attending was as follows;

• Mr Rody Molloy – Director General FÁS
• Mr Roger Fox – Director of FÁS
• Mr Gerry Pyke – Assistant Director General FÁS
• Mr Niall Crowley – Chief Executive, Equality Authority
• Ms Eilis Barry – Legal Advisor, Equality Authority

The Chairman made some opening remarks and in particular noted a report in the newspaper “Le Figaro” regarding a partially leaked Commission report on the operations of national measures in regard to workers from the eight accession countries. The Chairman noted that according to this newspaper report the Commission made it clear that it views the opening of the labour market in Britain, Sweden and Ireland as positive, particularly in areas, such as construction, hospitality and the care sectors, where labour shortages exist and contended that the continuing restrictive labour measures in place in the other 12 member states had been somewhat ineffective and resulted in the growth of a grey economy.

The Chairman asked the witnesses to comment on the operation of the national measures in Ireland particularly in terms of deliberations on Bulgaria and Romania and to comment on whether “displacement” has been an issue.

Before inviting Mr Molloy, Director General of FAS to address the Committee the Chairman drew the attention of witnesses to the fact that while members of the committee have absolute privilege, the same level of privilege does not extend to witnesses and reminded Members that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Mr Molloy in his presentation outlined for members

• the experience of FAS in this area.
• the issue of displacement
• FAS’s approach to immigrants from the EU member states and non EU member states
• FAS’s role with regard to the exploitation of workers/ “Know before you go” programme

Following Mr Molloy’s presentation the Chairman invited Mr Niall Crowley, Chief Executive of the Equality Authority to address the committee. Mr Crowley outlined the role of equality legislation and the challenges faced in enforcing this legislation. Mr Crowley also commented on complaints received by the Equality Authority raising issues such as excessive working hours, non-payment for overtime, illegal deductions from pay, lack of holiday pay, harassment and dismissal.

Following the presentations the Chairman opened the floor to members and a question and answer session with members of the committee took place covering topics such as;

• extending the same working rights regime to Romania and Bulgaria?
• integration and the availability of English language training
• the introduction of a work permit system and
• the contribution that migrant workers have made to the Irish economy

Finally the Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending and for the submissions made available to members in advance of the meeting.

It was also agreed as proposed by Deputy Mulcahy that the Joint Committee invite the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law reform to speak to the committee on this issue and to consider inviting the appropriate EU Commissioner to attend also.

The Chairman proposed that the Committee agree to continue with the preparation of a report on Migration which had been interrupted. It was agreed to proceed as proposed.

The committee agreed to meet in private session at 3.52 pm for the remainder of the meeting

6. Adjournment

The committee adjourned at 3.59 pm.

John Deasy TD

Chairman

28^th June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting,

8 February 2006

Members present:

The committee commenced in Private session at 2.37 pm

The committee commenced in public session at 3.04 pm

5. Exchange of views with H.E. Borys Tarasyuk, Foreign Minister, Republic of Ukraine.

The Chairman welcomed the Foreign Minister Mr Tarasyuk and his delegation including the Ambassador of Ukraine to Ireland, HE Mr Yevhen Perelygin and Ireland’s Ambassador to the Republic of Ukraine HE Mr Donal Hamill.

The delegation also included;

– Mr. Vladislav Korniyenko, First Deputy Minister for Culture and Tourism of Ukraine

– Mr.Timophiy Motrenko, Director of the Civil Service Department of Ukraine

– Mr. Anatoliy Ponomarenko, Director of the 2nd Territorial Department (Europe, America and Canada), Ministry of Foreign Affairs

– Mrs. Tetiana Izhevska, Director of the Cultural and Humanitarian Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

– Mr. Danilo Lubkivskiy, Deputy Director of the Minister’s Office

– Ms. Marina Zlobina, Second Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

– Ms. Iryna Yefremova, Second Secretary, Embassy of Ukraine

– Mr. Olexiy Pozyabin, Personal Protection Officer

– Mr. Olexander Medovnykov, Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

– Mr. Vasil Fillipchuk, Head of the Press-Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Chairman also welcomed the members of the Ireland Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship group to the meeting.

The Chairman invited Mr. Tarasyuk to make a presentation to the Joint Committee. Mr. Tarasyuk explained the purpose of the delegation’s visit to Ireland and outlined some information about the Ukraine and its expectations as regards the bilateral relationship with Ireland and its relationship with the European Union

Following the Ministers presentation the chairman invited Deputy Charlie O’Connor Chairman of the Friendship Group to make some remarks before opening the floor to other members of the committee.

A question and answer session took place during which the Minister, Mr. Tarasyuk answered questions on topics raised such as, inter alia;

• future enlargement of the European Union
• the dispute between Russia and Ukraine regarding gas supplies
• aspirations regarding EU membership and relations with Russia and
• the European neighbourhood policy

Following the debate the Chairman thanked the Foreign Minister and his delegation for meeting with the committee and for the interesting exchange of views.

The committee agreed to meet in private session at 3.56 for the remainder of the meeting.

6. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.00pm.

John Deasy TD

Chairman

28^th June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting,

15 February 2006

Members present:

The committee commenced in public session at 11.10am

1. Follow up: The implementation of EU legislation through national regulations: Draft nitrates regulations, discussion with the Irish Farmers Association (IFA)

The witnesses attending the meeting were as follows;

• Mr. Padraic Walshe – President, Irish Farmers Association
• Mr. Jim Devlin – Secretary to the IFA National Environment Committee
• Mr Pat O’Keeffe – Chairman of the National Pigs Committee
• Mr Michael Maguire – Vice Chairman of the National Pig’s Committee
• Mr Colm McDonnell - Chairman of the National Grain Committee

The Chairman drew the attention of witnesses to the fact that while members of the committee have absolute privilege, the same level of privilege does not extend to witnesses and reminded Members that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. The Chairman also noted receipt of correspondence received from the Departments of Agriculture and Food, Environment Heritage and Local Government and from Teagasc in response to the Committee’s request for an update and for details of the plans being put in place to assist farmers in the transition to the new Nitrates Regulations.

Before inviting Mr Walshe, President of the IFA to address the committee the Chairman outlined the background to the issue and the meeting already held by the Joint Committee which focussed on the issue of “Better Regulation” and how EU directives are implemented into Irish Law.

Mr Walshe made a presentation to the Committee in which he gave a synopsis of the views of the IFA on the handling of the implementation of the Nitrates Directive, a comparison of farming in Ireland as compared with other EU member states, the implications for Irish farmers of the regulations and the current position of the discussions.

Following Mr Walshe’s presentation there was a question and answer session with members of the Joint Committee and other members attending, during which Mr Walshe and other witnesses responded to the points raised.

Following the debate the Chairman thanked the representatives of the IFA for attending and it was agreed that the submission made by the IFA and the issues raised at the meeting would be brought to the attention of the relevant Government Departments and agencies.

The committee suspened at 12.55pm and resumed in Public Session at 12.58pm

2. Report from Senator Don Lydon, on his attendance of the Crans Montana Forum: The Euro-Mediterranean Area: Peace Stability and Economic Development, Monaco 7th – 9th December 2005

The Chairman noted that Senator John Dardis and Senator Don Lydon represented the Joint committee at this Forum and that Senator Lydon had produced a report for members.

The Chairman invited Senator Lydon to comment on his report and following remarks by Senator Lydon and Senator Dardis the Chairman invited questions from members.

It was generally agreed that the Forum was a useful one to attend and in particular that the Joint Committee should be represented at the plenary session of the Forum which is the key meeting.

Following the discussion the Chairman joined with colleagues in thanking Senator Lydon for his report and Senator Dardis for representing the Joint Committee.

3. Draft 59th, 60th and 61st Report of the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny

It was agreed that the Draft 59th, 60th and 61st Reports of the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny as circulated to members in advance of the meeting should be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.

4. Minutes

The minutes of the meetings of 8^th February 2006, 1^st February 2006 and 26^th January 2006 were circulated and agreed.

The committee Agreed to Continue In Private session at 1.08pm for the remainder of the meeting

7. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 1.10pm until 3.30pm.

John Deasy TD

Chairman

28^th June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting,

23 February 2006

Members present:

The committee commenced in public session at 3.35pm

1. Discussion in advance of the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) with the Minister of State for European Affairs, Mr Noel Treacy TD

The Chairman welcomed the Minister of State and his officials to the meeting and noted that members had been circulated with briefing provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs along with the conclusions of the last meeting of the GAERC.

The Chairman invited the Minister of State to begin his presentation on the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council.

Following the Minister of State’s presentation there was a question and answer session with members where the Minister of State answered questions put by members and noted their comments in relation to the items on the GAERC Agenda.

The Chairman thanked the Minister of State and his officials for his attendance.

The committee Agreed to Continue In Private session at 4.53pm for the remainder of the meeting

5. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 5.00pm.

John Deasy TD

Chairman

28^th June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting,

1 March 2006

Members present:

The committee commenced in private session at 2.04 pm

The committee went into public session at 2.06 pm

1. Discussion with officials from the Department of Agriculture and Food on the Draft EU Commission Decision establishing criteria for granting exemptions to the prescription only principle for veterinary medicinal products.

The Chairman welcomed Richard Healy, Pat Brangan, Philip Kirwan of the Department of Agriculture and Food and introduced the discussion. He outlines the issues and concerns which had previously been raised by the Committee and he invited the witnesses to make their presentation.

Following the presentations the Chairman invited contributions from the Members present.

In conclusion it was agreed that the Committee would prepare a submission, with the assistance of the Department, in support of the Government’s position on the proposals.

The committee suspended at 3.18 until 3.19 pm and went into private session for the rest of the meeting

6. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.52 pm.

John Deasy TD

Chairman

28^th June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 22 March 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 2.06 pm

1. Attendance

The following members attended:

*Attended in accordance with Dáil Standing Order 90(3).

The committee went into private session at 2.06 pm

The committee suspended from 2.53 – 2.56 pm

The committee resumed in public session at 2.56 pm

4. Irelands participation in EU Battlegroups - Discussion with Minister for Defence Mr. Willie O’Dea.

Mr. Willie O’Dea T.D., Minister for Defence, made a presentation to the Committee on Ireland’s participation in EU Battlegroups. Mr. O’Dea was accompanied by officials from the Department of Defence: Mr. Michael O’Donoghue, Assistant Secretary, Mr. Ciaran Murphy, Principal Officer and Mr. John Nolan, Assistant Principal Officer.

The presentation was followed by a questions and answers session during the course of which a number of points were discussed including the following:

• Ireland’s potential participation in the Nordic Battlegroup;
• Ireland’s position in relation to the ‘Triple lock’;
• it was suggested that full operational capability of EU Battlegroups will be reached by 2008;
• establishing a core of skilled civilian volunteers, to travel with the Defence Forces, to support humanitarian and civic assistance;

It was indicated that:

• the Defence Forces will undertake training overseas for participation in Battlegroups, as well as ordinary UN missions, in view of the need for increased interoperability with other armed forces once deployed. The Defence Acts will be amended to provide the legal basis for this, and
• the Helsinki Headline Goal 2010 (which provides for the deployment of 60,000 troops, within 60 days and sustainable for a year in support of the Petersberg Tasks) has not been superseded by the Battlegroups concept; progress towards the Headline Goal is continuing;

The Minister undertook to forward information on Ireland’s participation rate of military personnel engaged in overseas peacekeeping missions compared to the average participation rate of military personnel in other countries.

The committee suspended from 4.18 – 4.19 pm

The committee resumed in private session at 4.19 pm

9. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.23 pm.

John Deasy TD

Chairman

29^th March 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 29 March 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 12.08 pm

1. Attendance

The following members attended:

The committee went into private session at 12.09 pm

The committee suspended from 12.36 – 12.38 pm

The committee resumed in public session at 12.38 pm

8. Better Regulation – Impact Assessment

The Committee received a presentation on Regulatory Impact Analysis in policy development at national level and at the European Union level from Mr. Philip Kelly, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Taoiseach, and Mr. Robert Missen, Deputy Head of the EU Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy and Transport with responsibility for Aviation Security.

Mr. Kelly was accompanied by Ms. Mary-Clare O’Sullivan, Assistant Principal Officer and Ms. Sabha Greene, Administrative Officer.

Mr. Andrew Cullen, Assistant Secretary and Mr. Robin McKay, Principal Officer, Department of Transport, also attended for the presentation.

During discussion a number of points were raised including the following:

• a formalised process of Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) in Ireland was adopted by the Government in June 2005 and applies to all primary legislation, important pieces of secondary legislation and draft directives;
• the RIA model in Ireland is based on a two-step process: an initial screening of all legislative proposals is undertaken to assess the impact of the proposed measure. If the outcome of the initial screening shows that the impacts are not significant the matter ends there. If significant impacts are identified a full cost-benefit analysis is carried out to assess the costs and benefits to society, the economy and the environment arising from the measure;
• the inclusion of aspects of impact assessments carried out in respect of draft directives in the scrutiny reports provided by Departments to the Oireachtas would lead to more effective scrutiny of EU proposals;
• following events of 11 September 2001 the European Commission brought forward legislation in the area of aviation security for the first time; that legislation was developed and adopted quickly to respond to those events and was not subject to a regulatory impact assessment;
• post-implementation inspections of the Regulation are undertaken to examine its application in practice;
• the legislation is now being revised and updated. The new Regulation will lay down the general principles to be applied; the details will be set out in the implementing legislation. Legislating in this form means that implementing legislation can be adopted more quickly and is more flexible to respond to events;
• it may be necessary to carry out a regulatory impact assessment of the overall regulatory framework of additional legislation in that area.

In conclusion the Chairman requested Mr. Kelly to establish for the information of the Committee:

1. if a regulatory impact assessment was carried out in respect of the Nitrates Directive by the relevant government department prior to its transposition into Irish law; and
2. if a regulatory impact assessment was not undertaken in this respect, the reason for that decision.

The Chairman thanked the delegation for their contributions. The delegation withdrew.

The committee suspended from 1.50 – 1.51 pm

The committee resumed in private session at 1.51 pm

9. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 1.52 pm.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

5^th April 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 5 April 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 12.05 pm

1. Attendance

The following members attended:

The committee went into private session at 12.05 pm

The committee went into public session at 12.23 pm

8. Discussion with delegation from the Parliament of Iceland

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed Ms Sólveig Pétursdóttir, Speaker of the Sejm, Parliament of Iceland, and members of the delegation: Ms. Rannveig Guomundsdóttir, Mr. Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson and Ms. Thórunn Sveinbjarnardóttir.

The Chairman invited the Speaker to address the Committee and that was followed by a question and answer session during which the following issues were raised:

• Freedom of movement of workers from the new EU Member States and Ireland’s decision not to impose restrictions on workers from the 2004 accession countries;
• The current European Union ban on the use of fish meal in farm animal feed. The Chairman undertook to seek information from the Department of Agriculture and Food on this matter to be forwarded to the delegation in due course;
• Tax harmonisation in the EU;
• Future enlargement of the European Union and Iceland’s non-application for EU membership;
• Withdrawal of US air defences from Iceland.

The Chairman thanked the Speaker and her delegation. The delegation withdrew.

The committee suspended from 1 – 1.02 pm

The committee resumed in public session at 1.02 pm

9. General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting: Discussion with Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs

Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs, made a presentation to the Committee on the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting. The Minister was accompanied by Mr. Dan Mulhall, Director General, EU Division, Mr. Colm O’Floinn, Deputy Political Director, Mr. Ronan Murphy, Director General, Irish Aid, and Ms. Siobhán Coyne, Political Division.

In the exchange of views that followed a number of issues were raised including the following:

• Expansion of Irish diplomatic relations abroad in the context of expanding the overseas development aid programme and economic relationships with developing countries;
• Alleged misappropriation of funds intended for reconstruction work in Iraq;
• The Middle East peace process and the provision of humanitarian aid by the European Union to the new Palestinian Authority;
• Developments in the World Trade Organisation including further liberalisation of trade;
• The outcome of recent elections in Ukraine and its implications for the EU’s relations with Ukraine in the context of the EU Neighbourhood Policy;
• Accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the EU and the free movement of workers from new Member States;

The committee suspended from 2.02 – 2.04 pm

The committee resumed in private session 2.04 pm

10. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 2.20 pm until Wednesday 26^h April.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

12^th July 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 26 April 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 2.05 pm

Attendance

The following members attended:

1. Romania’s Progress Towards EU Accession: Discussion with Her Excellency, the Ambassador to Ireland of Romania, Mrs Silvia Stancu Davidoiu.

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed the Ambassador of Romania to Ireland, Her Excellency, Mrs. Silvia Stancu Davidoiu, to the meeting for an exchange of views on Romania’s progress towards EU Accession.

The Ambassador made a presentation to the Committee, which was followed by an exchange of views with Members during which a number of issues were raised including the following:

• Romania’s progress and achievements in preparing for EU accession;
• The legislative framework governing inter-country adoption of Romanian children;
• Integration of minorities in Romanian society;
• Romania’s relations with the United States and participation by Romanian troops in Iraq;
• Freedom of movement of Romanian Workers;
• Benefits of European Union membership to Romania and the contribution Romanian membership would make to the European Union.

The committee suspended from 3.14 – 3.16 pm

The committee resumed in private session at 3.16 pm

Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.04 pm.

Barry Andrews T.D.

Vice-Chairman

3 May 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 3 May 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 12.10 pm

Attendance

The following members attended:

1. Bulgaria’s Progress Towards EU Accession: Exchange of views with Her Excellency, the Ambassador to Ireland of Bulgaria, Mrs. Bisserka Benisheva.

The Vice-Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed the Ambassador of Bulgaria to Ireland, Her Excellency Mrs. Bisserka Bennisheva, to the meeting for an exchange of views on Bulgaria’s progress towards EU Accession.

The Ambassador made a presentation to the Committee which was followed by an exchange of views with Members on a number of issues including the following:

• Bulgaria’s progress and achievements in preparing for EU accession;
• Freedom of movement of Bulgarian Workers post-membership of the EU and the importance of raising awareness of the principles and provisions of Irish legislation governing conditions of employment for workers in the context of protection of migrant workers;
• The fight against organised crime and corruption in Bulgaria and the Irish example of the criminal assets bureau in combating organised crime;
• Bulgaria’s nuclear safety programme;
• Bulgaria’s membership of NATO;
• Integration of minorities in Bulgarian society;
• Bulgaria’s relations with the United States and participation by Bulgarian troops in Iraq.

The committee suspended from 1.08 – 1.11 pm

The committee resumed in public session at 1.11 pm

2. European Commission White Paper on a European Communication Policy: Exchange of views with Mr. Martin Territt, Director of the European Commission’s Representation in Ireland.

Mr. Martin Territt, Director of the European Commission’s Representation in Ireland, made a presentation to the Committee on the European Commission White Paper on a European Communication Policy. The presentation was followed by an exchange of views with Members during which a number of issues were raised including the following:

• The need to disentangle national issues from European-level issues in the debate on Europe;
• The role of education in informing citizens of emerging European issues that affect them and providing opportunities to enhance citizens’ effective participation in the political debate and the political decision-making process in the European Union;
• Empowerment of citizens of the EU in order to make them better aware of their rights under European Union law;
• Greater use of modern communication systems in order to improve the efficiency of the process of notification of EU proposals;
• The European Commission’s initiatives to engage citizens on European issues and to encourage them to contribute to Plan D and the White Paper.

The Vice-Chairman proposed that the Committee would forward a submission to the European Commission on the White Paper on a European Communication Policy. Deputy Ruairí Quinn suggested that the report on Europe Day in the Dáil might also form part of the Committee’s submission.

The committee went into private session at 2.05 pm

Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 2.09 pm.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

17 May 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 17 May 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 2.06 pm

Attendance

The following members attended:

1. Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposal: COM (2006) 91 concerning the establishment of a European Globalisation Adjustment Fund

Mr. Pat Hayden and Ms. Deirdre Higgins, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, briefed the Committee on COM (2006) 91 concerning the establishment of a European Globalisation Fund.

The presentation was followed by a questions and answers session.

At the request of the Chairman Mr. Hayden undertook to keep the Committee informed of developments in relation to the proposal with respect to:

1. decisions by relevant bodies concerning changes to the reporting mechanism for redundancies and consequently Ireland’s ability to access any agreed Globalisation Fund, and
2. progress made in advancing amendments to the proposal that would address concerns expressed with respect to the apparently disproportionate focus of the current proposal on the needs of larger countries.

The committee suspended from 3.07 – 3.08 pm

The committee resumed in private session at 3.08 pm

6. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.13 p.m.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

31 May 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 31 May 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 2.07 pm

Attendance

The following members attended:

1. EU-Russian Relations: Presentation by Professor Ron Hill, Department of Political Science, Trinity College Dublin.

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed Professor Ron Hill, Department of Political Science, Trinity College Dublin, to the meeting for an exchange of views on EU-Russian relations.

Professor Hill made a presentation to the Committee, which was followed by an exchange of views with Members during which a number of issues were raised including the following:

• EU-Russian relations and the prospects for their evolution;
• Russia’s more assertive foreign policy agenda;
• The importance of the EU developing a partnership with Russia in key areas such as energy cooperation and in combating terrorism;
• Russia’s integration into the world trading system and internal reforms needed in order continue Russia’s economic reform;
• Russia’s geopolitical position and its relations with former states of the Soviet Union;
• Religious freedom in Russia;
• Inter-country adoption arrangements between Ireland and Russia.

The committee suspended from 3.31 – 3.32 pm

The committee resumed in private session at 3.32 pm

7. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.44 p.m.

Barry Andrews T.D.

Vice-Chairman

21 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 21 June 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 2.09 pm

Attendance

The following members attended:

1. Issues of current interest in the EU: Exchange of Views with France-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group from the French National Assembly.

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed Mr. Yves Deniaud, President of the France-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group from the French National Assembly, and members of the delegation: Mr. Alain Cousin, Mrs. Odile Saugues, Mr. Claude Gatignol, Mr. Jacques Brunhes and Mr. Frank Gilard. The delegation was accompanied by His Excellency, Mr. Frédéric Grasset, Ambassador of France to Ireland.

The Chairman invited the delegation to address the Committee and that was followed by an exchange of views during which the following matters were discussed:

• The rejection of the EU Constitutional Treaty in France and the reasons for its rejection;
• The period of reflection on the future of Europe;
• Ireland’s second referendum on the Nice Treaty and when the Irish referendum on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe might be held;
• Improving transparency of the EU institutions;
• Enlargement of the European Union and the pace of EU enlargement;
• Freedom of movement of workers in the European Union;
• Migration of workers from the new EU member states into Ireland;
• The importance of discussion among representatives of parliaments of pre-2004 Member States of the EU.

The Chairman thanked the delegation. The delegation withdrew.

The committee resumed in private session 3.12 P.M.

10. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.26 pm.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

28 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 28 June 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 2.03 pm

Attendance

The following members attended:

1. Priorities of the Finnish Presidency of the European Union: Discussion with His Excellency, Mr. Seppo Kauppila, Ambassador of Finland to Ireland.

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed the Ambassador of Finland to Ireland, His Excellency, Mr. Seppo Kauppila, to the meeting for an exchange of views on the priorities of the Finnish Presidency of the European Union.

The Ambassador made a presentation to the Committee which was followed by an exchange of views with Members during which a number of matters were raised including the following:

• EU-Russian Relations and the EU’s Northern dimension;
• Freedom of movement of workers in the enlarged European Union and the decision by Finland to open its borders to migrant workers from Bulgaria and Romania;
• The EU’s Energy Policy to meet the challenges of energy costs, security of supply and climate change;
• Future Enlargement of the European Union;
• The EU Constitutional Treaty and the future of the European Union;
• Better EU regulation in order to enhance Europe’s competitiveness;
• The youth unemployment rate in Finland and the demand for young people with skills for the information society which has helped speed up the fall in unemployment in general and especially among young people.

The committee suspended at 2.50 p.m. and resumed in public session at 2.51 p.m.

The Chairman thanked the Ambassador on behalf of the Committee.

The Committee suspended at 3.11 p.m. and resumed in private session at 3.12 p.m.

6. Adjournment

The committee adjourned at 3.20 p.m.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

12 July 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 5 July 2006

The committee commenced in private session at 12 26 p.m.

Attendance

The following members attended:

The committee resumed in public session at 12 44 p.m.

5. Global and European Union Migration Issues: Discussion with Mr. Peter Sutherland, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Migration.

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed Mr. Peter Sutherland, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Migration, to the meeting for a discussion on Global and European Union Migration issues.

Mr. Sutherland explained the background to his appointment: The UN General Assembly decided to convene a high-level dialogue on international migration and development in 2006 and requested the Secretary-General of the UN “to prepare a comprehensive overview of studies and analyses on the multidimensional aspects of migration and development, including the effects of migration on economic and social development in developed and developing countries, and on the effects of the movements of highly skilled migrant workers and those with advanced education”. The Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, appointed Mr. Sutherland to act as his Special Representative to assist in the preparation of the high-level dialogue to be held by the General Assembly in September.

Mr. Sutherland made a presentation to the Committee which was followed by an exchange of views with Members during which a number of issues were raised including the following:

• Migration is a global phenomenon which requires collective attention;
• Recent trends in international migration and the challenges for social and economic policies in both home and destination countries;
• The effects of international migration on economic and social development;
• The key issues and challenges in relation to putting in place a sustainable immigration programme which must be supported by adequate information;
• The benefits of remittances payments for the development of countries of origin and the unsatisfactory cost of sending remittances to some developing countries;
• The negative effect of migration on some home countries and ways to attract citizens back to the home countries through professional and financial incentives;
• The role emigration has played in building the economies of those countries once associated exclusively with emigration (such as Ireland) as has the eventual return of many of their citizens;

Mr. Sutherland presented a copy of the report on International Migration and Development, prepared by the UN Secretary-General for the General Assembly, to the Committee.

The committee resumed in private session at 1 39 p.m.

6. Adjournment

The committee adjourned at 1 40 p.m.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

12 July 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 12 July 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 12 07 p.m.

Attendance

The following members attended:

1. General Affairs & External Relations Council Meeting: Discussion with Mr. Noel Treacy T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for European Affairs.

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed the Minister for European Affairs Noel Treacy T.D. and his officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs to the meeting.

The Minister made a presentation to the Committee on the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting. In the exchange of views that followed a number of matters were raised including the following:

• Illegal immigration in the European Union and the need for closer cooperation between national police forces in order to prevent illegal movement of criminal networks across the EU;
• Progress on EU Accession negotiations with Turkey and settlement of the Cyprus question within the UN Framework;
• Access to the Irish labour market for Romanian and Bulgarian workers following accession of these countries to the EU;
• The European Union’s future energy policy;
• The Middle East peace process;
• Checkpoints at the entrance to Bethlehem and their impact on pilgrims and tourists visiting Bethlehem;
• International recognition of the newly independent Republic of Montenegro;
• Developments in the WTO negotiations on agriculture;
• The Darfur Peace Agreement and transition from the African Union Mission to a UN peacekeeping force.

The Committee suspended from 1.33 p.m. until 1.35 p.m. and resumed in Private session.

6. Adjournment

There being no other business the committee adjourned at 1.38 p.m. sine die.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

12 September 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 12 September 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 11.03 a.m.

Attendance

The following members attended:

1. Motion proposed by Deputy Aengus O’Snodaigh re EU-Israel Association Agreement

The following motion, proposed by Deputy Aengus O’Snodaigh, was considered by the Committee:

That this Committee requests that the Government uses its position within the European Union to:

- Express its grave concern at the illegal invasion of Lebanon by Israel in recent weeks, the slaughter of innocents, the confiscation of lands, the destruction of towns and property and the indiscriminate aerial bombardment of Beiruit and other towns by Israeli armed forces and the indiscriminate rocket attacks by Hizbolleth on northern Israeli towns and settlements;

- Deplores all human rights violations and other violations of international law perpetrated during the course of this conflict, and calls for their immediate end;

- Considers that the European Union has a moral obligation to use all diplomatic means at its disposal to bring an end to these violations and to promote an immediate withdrawal from Lebanon of Israel’s invading army and calls for a peaceful and negotiated settlement between Palestine and Israel;

- Notes with regret that grave and systematic human rights violations by the Israeli Defence Forces against the Palestinian people and in particular the collective punishment being carried out against the people of the Gaza Strip continue despite the repeated calls on the Government of Israel by the European Union to end these violations;

- Notes that the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement between the European Communities and Israel includes in its Article 2 a provision stating that the agreement is based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, thus providing a mechanism to bring the EU’s influence to bear in cases of non-respect for human rights;

- Notes that parliamentarians throughout the EU have called for the use of Article 2 of the Association Agreement as a mechanism to bring about the end of these violations of human rights and international law by Israel;

- Considers that the value of the inclusion of a human rights clause in the Union’s association agreements with third countries will be brought into disrepute if no action is taken on foot thereof given the lack of progress in addressing Israel’s human rights violations through other mechanisms;

- Therefore requests that the Government ensure that the Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs propose to the General Affairs and External Relations Council the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement under Articles 2 and 79, until such time as there has been a significant and measurable improvement in compliance with international human rights standards.

Following discussion on the motion the Committee agreed to include the role of the European Union in the Middle-East Peace Process in its programme of work in the next session and in this context agreed to invite the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland to make a presentation to the Committee in the coming weeks.

The Committee agreed to note the motion. Deputy O’Snodaigh withdrew the proposed motion.

The Committee suspended from 11.22 a.m. until 11.24 a.m. and resumed in Public session.

2. General Affairs & External Relations Council Meeting: Discussion with Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., and his officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs to the meeting.

The Minister made a presentation to the Committee on the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting. In the exchange of views that followed a number of matters were discussed including the following:

• The Middle East Peace Process including the question of Irish participation in the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon;
• The recent parliamentary election in the Republic of Montenegro and assessment of the election process by the international electoral observation mission;
• The EU’s support for the Darfur Peace Agreement including the urgent need for the Sudanese government to consent to the deployment of the UN peacekeeping force, authorised by resolution of the UN Security Council, whose mandate is to protect civilians and humanitarian aid workers;
• Alleged use of secret CIA prisons in EU countries to detain suspected terrorists;
• Discussion on a way forward in relation to the EU Constitutional Treaty under the Finnish and German EU Presidencies.
• Romania and Bulgaria’s progress towards EU accession on 1^st January 2007 and accession negotiations with Turkey and Croatia;
• The recent European Parliament resolution on preferential treatment for fair trade products (as an important tool for development and for poverty reduction) and the need for this to be addressed in the context of WTO trade negotiations;
• Developments in the ongoing diplomatic negotiations between Iran and the EU-3 (Britain, France, and Germany) on Iran’s nuclear programme.

The Committee suspended from 12.22 p.m. until 12.25 p.m. and resumed in Private session.

10. Adjournment

The committee adjourned at 12.30 p.m.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

27 September 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 27 September 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 02.07 p.m.

Attendance

The following members attended:

1. Presentation from Immigrant Council of Ireland

Ms Catherine Cosgrave, Acting CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, made a presentation to the Committee on immigration and integration in Ireland in response to the Report of the Joint Committee An Initial Assessment of the Position of European Union Migrant Workers in Ireland post 2004. The presentation focused on the key issues and challenges faced in this country in relation to putting in place a sustainable immigration programme.

In the exchange of views that followed a number of matters were discussed including the following:

• The main findings of the recent NESC reports on Ireland’s migration experience and policy - Migration Policy (Report No 115) and Managing Migration in Ireland (Report No. 116)
• Free movement of persons for all EU citizens constituting one of the fundamental principles underpinning European integration
• The need for responsibility for immigration and integration to reside with one Government department
• Pre-departure information and post-arrival integration programmes for prospective migrants to facilitate labour migration flows
• Provision of free legal aid to migrants including the recent increase in financial eligibility levels
• Impact of the ‘habitual residence requirement’ on the integration of migrants into Irish Society
• Development of responsive immigration policies which favour family re-unification as an important factor in promoting the integration of migrants and their families into Irish society
• Access to the Irish labour market for Bulgarian and Romanian workers and the key issues that will inform the decision in relation to this
• Enforcement of labour law in the employment of migrant workers
• The role of the social partners in developing social policies for the promotion of inclusion and integration of migrant workers
• The need to improve data quality and to coordinate data collection systems to facilitate informed immigration policy-making
• Length of time taken to process residency permit applications and citizenship applications

Following the presentation Ms. Cosgrave undertook to provide the Committee with a copy of the findings of research commissioned by the Immigrant Council of Ireland on the nature and form that a crosscutting mechanism to manage migration issues might take in an Irish context. The result of the research is expected to be available in November.

The Committee agreed to invite a response from the Government on the key recommendations contained in the Joint Committee’s report on Migration.

The Committee suspended from 15.32 p.m. until 15.35 a.m. and resumed in Private session.

9. Adjournment

The committee adjourned at 03.48 p.m.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

04 October 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 4 October 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 02.09 p.m.

Attendance

The following members attended:

1. Issues of Current Interest in the EU: Exchange of views with delegation of the Parliament of Poland

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed Mr. Marek Jurek, Speaker of the Sejm, Parliament of Poland, and members of the delegation: Deputy Franciszek Jerzy Stefaniuk, Deputy Danuta Hojarska, Deputy Izabela Mrzyglocka, Deputy Lukasz Zbonikowski, Senator Tadeusz Lewandowski and Senator Michal Wojtczak. The delegation was accompanied by the Ambassador of Poland to Ireland, His Excellency Tadeusz Szumowski.

The Chairman invited the Speaker to address the Committee and that was followed by an exchange of views with Members during which the following issues were raised:

• Polish labour migration in Ireland resulting in youth brain drain from Poland especially of health care personnel
• The labour market experience of Polish migrants in Ireland
• Freedom of movement of workers from the new EU Member States and Ireland’s decision not to impose restrictions on workers from the 2004 accession countries;
• Provision of pre-departure information for Polish workers intending to emigrate to Ireland including FÁS’s plans to launch the “Know Before You Go” campaign in Poland in the near future
• Opportunities for developing bilateral cooperation between Ireland and Poland in trade and business relations
• Future enlargement of the European Union and the EU’s absorption capacity
• Regional cooperation with the EU’s neighbouring countries to the east in order to extend the benefits of EU membership
• Ukraine’s relationship with the European Union and Ukraine’s progress on economic and political reforms
• Poland’s support of democracy in Belarus
• Poland’s trade relationship with Germany - one of its principal trading markets for exports
• Polish banking and regulation

The Committee suspended from 15.13 p.m. until 15.15 p.m. and resumed in private session.

6. Adjournment

The committee adjourned at 03.25 p.m.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

11 October 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 11 October 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 02.02 p.m.

Attendance

The following members attended:

1. General Affairs & External Relations Council Meeting: Discussion with Mr. Noel Treacy T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for European Affairs and Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for Overseas Development and Human Rights

Mr. Noel Treacy T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for European Affairs and Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for Overseas Development and Human Rights, made a joint presentation to the Committee on the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting.

In the exchange of views that followed a number of matters were discussed including the following:

• Continued labour movement restrictions by ‘old’ member states on access to their labour markets by workers from new member states
• Implications of EU Enlargement for the Schengen Agreement
• The US-India Nuclear Deal and its implications for the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty
• The ongoing crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan including the decision of the African Union to extend the mandate of the African Mission in Sudan (AMIS) to 31 December 2006
• Further development of EU-Ukraine relations in the context of the EU-Ukraine Summit meeting scheduled for 27 October in Helsinki
• The current situation in Kosovo including support for KFOR to continue to work to improve the security situation
• The impact of Economic Partnership Agreements on promoting economic development in African countries
• Opportunities for town-twinning arrangements with Irish Aid programme countries in the context of the White Paper on Irish Aid
• Financial assistance to NGOs and civil society groups in Zimbabwe to build support for democratic structures in that country

In the course of the exchange Minister Lenihan undertook to provide the Committee with the following:

1. The findings of research carried out on the development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements, and
2. Information on the availability of funding support by the Department of Foreign Affairs to local authorities to undertake town-twinning projects with Irish Aid programme countries.

The Committee suspended from 15.52 p.m. until 15.53 p.m. and resumed in private session.

8. Adjournment

The committee adjourned at 03.58 p.m. until Wednesday 18^th of October 2006.

Bernard Allen T.D.

Temporary Chairman

18 October 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 18 October 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 12.05 p.m.

Attendance

The following members attended:

1. Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposal COM (2006) 396 concerning common rules for the operation of air transport services in the Community.

Ms. Ethna Brogan and Mr. Dick Davis, Department of Transport, briefed the Committee on COM (2006) 396 concerning common rules for the operation of air transport services in the Community.

The presentation was followed by a questions and answers session during the course of which the Department undertook to provide the Committee with further information on the following:

1. whether the Department of Transport will introduce a requirement for full price transparency in relation to airline tickets in advance of any deadline set by the EU decision-making process
2. implications for air transport public service obligations in respect of air transport services in Europe and in Ireland including the Dublin-Cork route
3. revenue sources for airport developments to accommodate growth in passenger numbers and how the burden of this revenue source is distributed among citizens, in particular, whether those who benefit from airport improvements pay for airport development costs
4. the situation regarding flights between Turkey and EU member states in the context of the European Common Aviation Area Agreement.

Following the presentation the Committee requested the Department to keep it informed of significant developments at national and European level that would impact on the currently competitive situation in air services in operation in Ireland and the rest of the EU, in particular in relation to mergers and acquisitions.

The Committee suspended from 12.44 p.m. until 12.46 p.m. and resumed in private session.

8. Adjournment

The committee adjourned at 13:01 p.m.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

25 October 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 25 October 2006

The committee commenced in private session at 02.06 p.m.

Attendance

The following members attended:

The Committee suspended from 14:18 p.m. until 14:20 p.m. and resumed in public session.

2. EU-US Relations: Exchange of views with Mr. Karel Kovanda, Deputy Director-General, European Commission’s Directorate-General for External Relations

On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman welcomed Mr. Karel Kovanda to the meeting. Mr. Kovanda gave an overview of the relationship between the European Union and the United States. In the exchange of views that followed a number of matters were discussed including the following:

• Exchange of data on passengers between the EU and the US
• Reciprocal visa-free travel rights for all EU citizens to the US and participation in the US Visa Waiver Programme
• The importance of EU-US economic partnership in underpinning the entire EU-US relationship
• European Union’s opposition to the death penalty
• The human rights situation of detainees held at the U.S. detention centre at Guantanamo Bay
• US non-participation in the International Criminal Court
• The situation in Iraq

On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman thanked the Mr. Kovanda for attending the meeting.

The Committee suspended from 15:07 p.m. until 15:08 p.m. and resumed in private session.

9. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 15:17 p.m.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

25 October 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 1^st November 2006

The committee commenced in public session at 02.11 p.m.

Attendance

The following members attended:

1. The Future Direction of EU Regional Maritime Policy: Exchange of views with Dr. Peter Heffernan, Chief Executive Officer, Marine Institute

On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman welcomed Dr. Peter Heffernan, Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Jeffrey O’Sullivan, International Affairs Manager, Marine Institute, to the meeting. Dr. Heffernan gave an overview of the Green Paper on a Future Maritime Policy for the EU, the context within which the Green Paper was produced and the role Ireland played in that process. In the exchange of views that followed a number of matters were discussed including the following:

• Marine environment and marine protection strategies
• The effects of climate change on marine life
• The challenges and opportunities for Ireland in achieving its potential in the development of marine resources
• The importance of the national seabed survey in facilitating sustainable development of marine resource
• The importance of the commercial fishing industry in sustaining the economic base of costal communities
• The value of Ireland’s ocean economy

On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman thanked Dr. Heffernan and Mr. O’Sullivan for attending the meeting.

The Committee suspended from 15:41 p.m. until 15:43 p.m. and resumed in private session.

6. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 15:50 p.m.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

8^th November 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 8th November 2006

The committee commenced in private session at 02.08 p.m.

Attendance

The following members attended:

The Committee suspended from 02:11 p.m. until 02:13 p.m. and resumed in public session.

4. Strengthening the trust and confidence of citizens in the work of the European Union Institutions: Exchange of views with Mr. Nikiforos Diamandouros, European Ombudsman, and Ms. Emily O’Reilly, Irish Ombudsman and Information Commissioner

On behalf of the Committee the Chairman welcomed Mr. Diamandouros, European Ombudsman, and Ms. Emily O’Reilly, Irish Ombudsman and Information Commissioner to the meeting.

Mr. Diamandouros made a presentation to the Committee on building trust, promoting transparency and encouraging effective communication in the European Union institutions.

Ms. O’Reilly’s presentation to the Committee focussed on how both Ombudsman offices work together for the betterment of citizens of the European Union.

In the exchange of views that followed a number of matters were discussed including the following:

• The respective competences of the European Ombudsman and national ombudsmen, in particular regarding complaints which involve EU matters
• Equivalence of treatment in relation to EU compensation payments
• The Ombudsman’s combination of flexible procedures and non-binding decisions which enables him to offer citizens remedies with characteristics and advantages different from those of judicial remedies
• Where possible, complaints made to the European Ombudsman are transferred to the relevant national ombudsman within the European Network of Ombudsmen in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity
• The European Ombudsman’s initiatives promoting good administration within the EU’s institutions and bodies, in particular, the European Code of Good Administration, prepared by the Ombudsman
• Granting constitutional status to the office of the ombudsman and the importance of this status in promoting good administration
• Extending the mandate of the Irish Ombudsman to include, for example, prisons and asylum and immigration cases
• Creating greater awareness of the role and mandate of the European Ombudsman

The Committee suspended from 03:50 p.m. until p.m. 03:52 and resumed in Private session.

6. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 03:54 p.m.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

15^th November 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

IN JOINT MEETING WITH THE

JOINT COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE, EQUALITY, DEFENCE AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS

Wednesday 15th November 2006

The Joint meeting commenced in Public Session at 03:03 p.m.

Attendance

The following members attended:

The Committees noted that Deputy Dan Wallace was absent from the meeting due to ill-health. Deputy John Deasy, on behalf of the Joint Committee on European Affairs, extended best wishes to Deputy Wallace for a full and speedy recovery. The Vice- Chairman of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights, Deputy Gerard Murphy, and Mr. Michael McDowell, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform wished to be associated with the good wishes to Deputy Wallace.

1. The Period of Reflection – the Hague Programme and the proposed use of the Passerelle: Exchange of views with Mr. Michael McDowell, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Deputy Deasy and Deputy Murphy welcomed Mr. Michael McDowell, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the joint meeting.

The Co-Chairmen thanked the Tánaiste for forwarding a briefing note to the Committees regarding the recent European Commission Communications in relation to the review of the Hague Programme and for attending the meeting to discuss the issues raised by the Communications with both Committees.

The Táiniate made an opening statement on Justice and Home Affairs issues facing Ireland and the European Union. In the exchange of views that followed a number of matters were discussed including the following:

• Exchange of information between Ireland and the member states and the use to which this information is put
• Mutual assistance and cooperation to combat transnational crime
• Mutual recognition and cooperation at national level on practical matters such as penalty points offences and information on criminal records
• Increased cooperation on criminal matters within the confines of the existing Treaties
• Exchange of information to assist in child custody cases.

2. Adjournment

There being no other business the Joint Committee adjourned at 04:10 p.m.

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

30^th November 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 15th November 2006

The committee commenced in private session at 04:29 p.m.

Attendance

The following members attended:

6. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 04:34 p.m.

Barry Andrews T.D.

Vice-Chairman

30^th November 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 30th November 2006

Attendance

The following members attended:

Deputy Andrews, Vice-Chairman, took the chair at 3.05 p.m. in the unavoidable absence of the Chairman for the remainder of the meeting.

The committee commenced in private session at 02:36 p.m.

The committee suspended from 02:37 p.m. to 02:40 p.m. and resumed in public session.

2. Cooperation between national parliaments and the European Parliament: Exchange of views with Mr. Josep Borrell, President of the European Parliament.

On behalf of the Committee the Chairman welcomed the President of the European Parliament, Mr Josep Borrell, to the meeting. In his address to the Committee President Borrell focused on issues of current interest in the EU including the future of Europe, the role of national parliaments in the European Union and developing closer cooperation between the European Parliament and national parliaments in EU affairs.

In the exchange of views that followed a number of matters were discussed including the following:

• new methods of cooperation between national parliaments and the European Parliament that have been developed, in particular “Joint Parliamentary Meetings” and the “Joint Committee Meetings” organised jointly by the European Parliament and the parliament of the country holding the Presidency of the European Union
• disenchantment with the European Union project, for example, the unequal treatment accorded to Ireland’s inshore fishermen who will receive no EU compensation for being obliged to abandon their livelihoods and their traditional way of life in the common interest
• strengthening the legislative powers of the European Parliament
• the period of reflection on the future of Europe and efforts to find a way forward on the European Constitutional Treaty
• the consequences of non-ratification of the EU Constitution
• avoiding over-regulation by the European Union in order to bring the EU closer to citizens

The committee suspended from 03:52 pm to 03:54 and resumed in private session.

5. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4:56 p.m.

Bernard Allen T.D.

Temporary Chairman

13^th December 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 13th December 2006

Attendance

The following members attended:

The committee commenced in public session at 02:06.

1. The Period of Reflection – EU Trade Policy in the years ahead: Exchange of views with Mr. David O’Sullivan, Director General, European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade

On behalf of the Committee the Chairman welcomed Mr. David O’Sullivan, to the meeting. In his address to the Committee Mr. O’Sullivan focused on the European Commission’s ‘Global Europe’ approach to EU trade policy which seeks to ensure that trade policies are adapted to the competitiveness challenges of the global economy.

In the exchange of views that followed a number of matters were discussed including the following:

• The mandate provided to the European Commission for the DOHA Development Agenda negotiations on Agriculture
• Trade liberalisation as an important tool for development and the development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements
• Simplification of EU legislation and reducing the regulatory costs to business across member states of the EU
• Freedom of movement for people from developing countries
• Implications for trade and development if final agreement in the Doha world trade talks is not reached

Prior to speaking on the matter Senator Fergal Quinn declared an interest, pursuant to Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001, as Chairman of Eurocommerce, the retail, wholesale and international trade representation to the EU.

The committee suspended from 03:10 pm to 03:11 pm and resumed in private session.

8. Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 03:14

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

APPENDIX 9
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 2006 of the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny

¹ For further information see www.cosac.eu

² Joint Parliamentary meetings are a new initiative at EU level and are intended to offer a framework for further developing inter-parliamentary cooperation between the European Parliament and national parliaments

¹ Deputy Joe Costello replaced Deputy Ruairí Quinn by order of the Dáil on 18 May 2006

¹ Deouty Joe Costello replaced Deputy Ruairí Quinn by order of the Dáil on 18 May 2006

¹ Deputy Joe Costello replaced Deputy Ruairí Quinn by order of the Dáil on 18 May 2006