Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2007 > Committee on Enterprise and Small Business > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business, 2006

Tithe an Oireachtais

An Comhchoiste um Fhiontraíocht agus Mionghnóthaí

Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2006

agus

Clár Oibre 2007

Feabhra 2007

Houses of the Oireachtas

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Annual Report 2006

and

Work Programme 2007

February 2007

Annual Report 2006 and Work Programme 2007

Table of Contents

1. Content and Format of Report

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

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

At its meeting on 14^th February 2007, the Joint Committee agreed that all these items should be included in this annual report.

2. Functions and Powers

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

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

• public affairs administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
• matters of policy for which the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is responsible
• legislative and expenditure proposals of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
• scrutiny of EU legislative proposals
• certain matters relating to bodies under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

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 Donie Cassidy was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee on 13^th November 2002. Deputy Martin Brady 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 Joe Callanan and Breeda Moynihan-Cronin 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. Meetings, Attendance and Recording

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

Televised coverage of public meetings of the Committee were broadcast live within the Leinster House complex and was available for subsequent public broadcasting by RTE, TV3 and TG4.

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 Enterprise and Small Business, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. A list of these reports is set out at paragraph 8.

5. Number and Duration of Meetings

The Joint Committee met on 31 occasions in the year under report. The number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 33 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in paragraph 6 below and at Appendix 3.

The Dáil Select Committee met on 8 occasions in the year under report and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 11 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in paragraph 6 below and at Appendix 4.

Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee meetings in public session are attached at Appendix 5.

6. Work of the Committee

6.1 Joint Committee

On the 31 occasions the Joint Committee met, it dealt with the following matters:

• Reform of the Irish Insurance Market (3^rd Phase, 4^th Phase and 5^th Phase)
• Hearings on the Employment Permits Bill 2005
• Statutory Instrument in draft: Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 (Prescribed Accountancy Bodies) Regulations, 2006
• IDA Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2004
• (i) Joint Employment Report 2004/2005 (as part of the National Employment Action Plan process) and (ii) Annual Progress Report 2006 (as part of the new National Reform Programme - Jobs and Growth process)
• National Framework Committee for Equal Opportunities
• Small and Medium Size Businesses
• Developing Young Enterprise
• Fourth Joint Committee Report: ‘Innovation, Competition and Regulation – Achieving the Balance’
• North/South matters of interest
• The impact of Resource Recovery Parks from the perspective of reducing business costs of waste management and job creation
• (i) An overview of the operations of the Competition Authority, (ii) The effect on the grocery prices arising from the abolition of the Groceries Order and (iii) The clearance by the Competition Authority for the sale of Statoil’s Irish Unit to Topaz
• Small Business is Big Business
• Enterprise Ireland, Annual Report and Accounts 2005
• Health and Safety among Small Businesses
• Scrutiny of EU legislative proposals

A copy of the Joint Committee’s work programme for 2007 is at Appendix 6.

6.2 Dáil Select Committee

On the 8 occasions the Dáil Select Committee met, it dealt with the following matters:

• Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Bill 2005
• Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005
• Employment Permits Bill 2005
• 2006 Revised Estimates for Public Services – Vote 34 (Enterprise, Trade and Employment)
• Patents (Amendment) Bill 1999
• Investment Funds, Companies and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2006 [Seanad]
• Industrial Development Bill 2006
• Motion re. the Ratification by Ireland of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty

7. Groups and Individuals attending before Committee

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

• Migrant Rights Centre Ireland
• IDA Ireland
• European Anti-Poverty Network
• Parliamentary Delegation from Russia
• Parliamentary Delegation from Finland
• I.B.E.C.
• The Equality Authority
• AXA Insurance
• Hibernian General Insurance
• Quinn Direct Insurance
• Mr. Sai Prakash and Dr. Prabhu Kulkarni, Indian Business Forum
• FBD Insurance
• Financial Regulator
• Society of the Irish Motor Industry
• Health and Safety Authority
• National Roads Authority
• Junior Achievement Ireland
• Mr. Seán Farren MLA, SDLP Spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Investment and SDLP members
• Dr. Niamh Clune, Wealth from Waste
• Allianz Ireland PLC
• Personal Injuries Assessment Board
• Mr. William Prasifka, Chairman, the Competition Authority
• Assistant Commissioner E. Rock, Traffic, An Garda Síochána
• Road Safety Authority
• Small Business Forum
• Mr. Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Transport
• Enterprise Ireland
• National Irish Safety Organisation
• Officials from the Department of the Taoiseach
• Officials from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

8. Reports

8.1 Joint Committee Reports

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

• Annual Report 2005 and Work Programme 2006
• Sixth Report: Third Interim Report on Reforms to the Irish Insurance Market
• Seventh Report: Fourth Interim Report on Reforms to the Irish Insurance Market - Road Safety
• Eighth Report Examination of the U.K. retail sector, planning system, predatory pricing and the unfair treatment of suppliers
• EU Scrutiny Report No. 21: COM(2003)689 final: Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food
• EU Scrutiny Report No. 22: COM(2004)95 final: Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the statistics relating to vocational training in enterprises
• EU Scrutiny Report No. 23: COM(2004)239 final: Communication from the Commission Strengthening the implementation of the European Employment Strategy. Proposal for a Council Decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States. Recommendation for a Council Recommendation on the implementation of Member States’ employment policies
• EU Scrutiny Report No. 24: COM(2003)644 final: Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency and amending Directive 1999/45/EC and Regulation (EC) {on Persistent Organic Pollutants}. Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 67/548/EEC in order to adapt it to Regulation (EC) of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals
• EU Scrutiny Report No. 25: COM(2003)703 final: Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Cross-Border Mergers of Companies with Share Capital
• EU Scrutiny Report No. 26: COM(2004)493 final: COM(2004)493 final: Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Social Fund

COM(2005)523 final: Amended Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Social Fund

COM(2004)488 final: Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council Establishing a Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity - PROGRESS

COM(2005)536 final: Amended Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council Establishing a Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity – PROGRESS

• EU Scrutiny Report No. 27: COM(2004)725 final: Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council Amending Council Directives 78/660/EEC and 83/349/EEC Concerning the Annual Accounts of Certain Types of Companies and Consolidated Accounts
• EU Scrutiny Report No. 28: COM(2005)119 final: Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the seventh framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013). Proposal for a Council Decision concerning the seventh framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007-2011) – Building the Europe of Knowledge

COM(2006) 364 final: Amended proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the seventh framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013). Amended Proposal for a Council Decision concerning the seventh framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007-2011)

COM(2005)439 final: Proposal for a Council Decision Concerning the Specific Programme to be Carried out by Means of Direct Actions by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) Under the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (2007-2013)

COM(2005)440 final: Proposal for a Council Decision Concerning the Specific Programme “Cooperation” Implementing the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013) of the European Community Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities

COM(2005)441 final: Proposal for a Council Decision Concerning the Specific Programme “Ideas” Implementing the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013) of the European Community Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities

COM(2005)442 final: Proposal for a Council Decision Concerning the Specific Programme “People” Implementing the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013) of the European Community for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities

COM(2005)443 final: Proposal for a Council Decision Concerning the Specific Programme “Capacities” Implementing the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013) of the European Community for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities

8.2 Work in Progress

• Reforms to the Irish Insurance Market (Review on-going)
• Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals

9. Travel

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

India

Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Munich

USA

Ennis, Co. Clare

London, England

10. Functions and Powers

The Joint Committee is currently satisfied with its present procedures and role.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.

Chairman

14^th February 2007

APPENDIX 1

Orders of Reference

Committee on Enterprise and Small Business
Orders of Reference

Dáil Éireann on 16 October 2002 ordered:

1. 1. That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select Committee on Enterprise and Small Business, consisting of 11 members of Dáil Éireann (of whom 4 shall constitute a quorum), be appointed to consider -
      
      1. such Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment;
      2. such Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; and
      3. such proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within the meaning of Standing Order 157 concerning the approval by the Dáil of international agreements involving a charge on public funds,
      
      as shall be referred to it by Dáil Éireann from time to time.
   2. For the purpose of its consideration of Bills and proposals under paragraphs (1)(a)(i) and (iii), the Select Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 81(1), (2) and (3).
   3. For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of his or her ex officio membership of the Select Committee in accordance with Standing Order 90(1), the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (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 Enterprise, Trade and Employment to consider -
      
      1. such public affairs administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment as it may select, including, in respect of Government policy, bodies under the aegis of that Department;
      2. such matters of policy for which the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is officially responsible as it may select;
      3. such related policy issues as it may select concerning bodies which are partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or appointed by Members of the Government or by the Oireachtas;
      4. such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select;
      5. such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be referred to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order 81(4);
      6. the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and the Joint Committee shall be so authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act;
      7. such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies specified in paragraphs 2(a)(i) and (iii), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select;
         Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993;
         Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body concerned or by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment; and
      8. such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas,
      
      and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.
   2. The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be five, of whom at least one shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and one a member of Seanad Éireann.
   3. The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 81(1) to (9) inclusive.
3. The Chairman of the Joint Committee, who shall be a member of Dáil Éireann, shall also be Chairman of the Select Committee.”.

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 Enterprise and Small Business to consider –
      
      1. such public affairs administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment as it may select, including, in respect of Government policy, bodies under the aegis of that Department;
      2. such matters of policy for which the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is officially responsible as it may select;
      3. such related policy issues as it may select concerning bodies which are partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or appointed by Members of the Government or by the Oireachtas;
      4. such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select;
      5. such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be referred to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order 65(4);
      6. the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and the Joint Committee shall be so authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act;
      7. such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies specified in paragraphs 1(a)(i) and (iii), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select;
         Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993;
         Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body concerned or by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment; and
      8. such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas,
         and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.
   2. The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be five, of whom at least one shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and one a member of Seanad Éireann.
   3. The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 65(1) to (9) inclusive.
2. The Chairman of the Joint Committee shall be a member of Dáil Éireann.”.

APPENDIX 2

Members of the Joint Committee

Members of the Joint Committee

APPENDIX 3

Meetings of the Joint Committee

Meetings of the Joint Committee

APPENDIX 4

Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

APPENDIX 5

Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Tuesday, 10^th January, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 2, LH 2000, on Tuesday, 10^th January 2006 at 11.42 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Joe Callanan, Kathleen Lynch, Paddy McHugh, M.J. Nolan and Ned O’Keeffe and Senators Paul Coghlan, Camillus Glynn (in part substitution for Senator Terry Leyden), John Hanafin and Terry Leyden.

Apologies were received from Deputies Martin Brady, Vice-Chairman, Pat Breen, Phil Hogan and Brendan Howlin.

3. Private Session

It was agreed to go into private session.

4. Item Discussed in Private Session

5. Item Discussed in Private Session

6. Item Discussed in Private Session

7. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 1.16 p.m. until Wednesday 11^th January 2006 at 11.30 a.m.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

26^th January, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 11^th January, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 11^th January 2006 at 11.31 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Martin Brady, Vice-Chairman, Joe Callanan, Phil Hogan, Paddy McHugh, M.J. Nolan and Ned O’Keeffe and Senators Paul Coghlan, John Hanafin and Terry Leyden.

Apologies were received from Deputies Pat Breen and Brendan Howlin.

3. Private Session

It was agreed to go into private session.

4. Item Discussed in Private Session

5. Item Discussed in Private Session

6. Public Session

It was agreed to go into public session. The Committee went into public session at 11.38 a.m.

7. Adoption of the draft report ‘Third Interim Report on Reforms to the Irish Insurance Market’

The draft ‘Third Interim Report on Reforms to the Irish Insurance Market was agreed to following a proposal by Senator Leyden seconded by Deputy Callanan. The Chairman read his formal statement to the meeting.

8. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 11.46 a.m. sine die.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

26^th January, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Thursday, 26^th January, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, on Thursday, 26^th January 2006 at 9.38 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Martin Brady, Vice-Chairman, Joe Callanan, Phil Hogan, Brendan Howlin, Kathleen Lynch, M.J. Nolan and Ned O’Keeffe and Senators Paul Coghlan and Terry Leyden.

Apologies were received from Deputy Pat Breen.

3. Private Session

It was agreed to go into private session.

4. Item Discussed in Private Session

5. Item Discussed in Private Session

(i)Item Discussed in Private Session

(ii)Item Discussed in Private Session

6. Item Discussed in Private Session

7. Item Discussed in Private Session

8. Item Discussed in Private Session

9. Item Discussed in Private Session

10. Item Discussed in Private Session

11. Public Session

It was agreed to go into public session. The Committee went into public session at 9.54 a.m.

12. Employment Permits Bill 2005 – Presentation by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Bobby Gilmore, Chairperson, Ms. Helen Lowry, Community Worker and Ms. Olga Dubyna a migrant worker on a spouse dependent visa from the Ukraine and currently on the board of The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland to the meeting.

Ms. Lowry and Ms. Dubyna made some opening comments on the Employment Permits Bill 2005.

The following Members participated in the ensuing questions and answers – Chairman and Deputies Howlin, Hogan, Callanan and Lynch. Ms. Lowry, Mr. Gilmore and Ms. Dubyna responded to the questions raised by Members.

The meeting decided to write to the Department of Justice outlining the case made by Ms. Dubyna regarding her residing and that of her children who were unable to join her.

The Chairman thanked the representatives of the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland for attending and for contributing to a very enlightening discussion in preparation for consideration of the Employments Permits Bill 2005.

13. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10.31 a.m. until Wednesday 1^st February 2006 at 9.30 a.m.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

1^st February, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 1^st February, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 1^st February 2006 at 9.34 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Pat Breen, Joe Callanan, Brendan Howlin, Kathleen Lynch, M.J. Nolan and Ned O’Keeffe and Senators Paul Coghlan, Terry Leyden and Joe O’Toole (in substitution for Senator Shane Ross).

3. Deferral of minutes of meeting of 26^th January 2006 and other matters

It was agreed to defer consideration of the minutes of the meeting of 26^th January 2006 and other matters until after the discussion with Michael Ahern T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

4. Statutory Instrument in draft: Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 (Prescribed Accountancy Bodies) Regulations, 2006

The Chairman welcomed Michael Ahern T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with special responsibility for trade and commerce and his Department Officials to the meeting. The Minister gave a presentation on the Statutory Instrument in draft: Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 (Prescribed Accountancy Bodies) Regulations, 2006.

The following Members participated in the ensuing questions and answers: Chairman, Deputy Howlin and Senators Leyden and O’Toole.

The Statutory Instrument in draft was agreed. The Clerk was instructed to send the appropriate message to each House, accordingly.

Senator Joe O’Toole made a declaration to the effect that he had been appointed Vice-Chairman of the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority.

5. Suspension and Private Session

The meeting was suspended at 9.43 a.m. and resumed at 9.44 a.m. It was agreed to go into private session. The Committee went into private session at 9.44 a.m.

6. Item Discussed in Private Session

7. Item Discussed in Private Session

(i)Item Discussed in Private Session

(ii)Item Discussed in Private Session

8. Item Discussed in Private Session

9. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10.09 a.m. sine die.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

15^th February, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 15^th February, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 15^th February 2006 at 9.38 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Martin Brady, Vice-Chairman, Pat Breen, Joe Callanan, Kathleen Lynch, Paddy McHugh and M.J. Nolan and Senators Paul Coghlan, Terry Leyden and Mary White (in substitution for Senator John Hanafin).

Senators Fergal Browne and Jim Walsh were also in attendance.

Apologies were received from Deputies Phil Hogan, Brendan Howlin and Ned O’Keeffe.

3. Private Session

It was agreed to go into private session.

4. Item Discussed in Private Session

5. Item Discussed in Private Session

(i)Item Discussed in Private Session

(ii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iv)Item Discussed in Private Session

(v)Item Discussed in Private Session

(vi)Item Discussed in Private Session

(vii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(viii)Item Discussed in Private Session

6. Item Discussed in Private Session

7. Item Discussed in Private Session

8. Item Discussed in Private Session

9. Item Discussed in Private Session

10. Item Discussed in Private Session

11. Public Session

It was agreed to go into public session. The Committee went into public session at 9.46 a.m.

12. IDA Ireland Annual Report 2004: Presentation by the Chief Executive of IDA Ireland

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Sean Dorgan, Chief Executive; Mr. Martin Burbridge, Secretary and Head of Corporate Services and Mr. George Bennett, Head of Communications to the meeting.

Mr. Dorgan circulated a briefing document to the meeting and outlined the salient points in the annual report.

The following Members participated in the ensuing questions and answers: Chairman, Deputies Nolan, Lynch, Callanan, McHugh and Breen and Senators Leyden, Coghlan, White, Browne and Walsh.

Senator Walsh made a declaration of interest to the effect that he had an interest in an advance factory in New Ross, Co. Wexford.

13. Any Other Business

(i)Business of the Select Committee

The meeting noted that consideration of the Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 will commence Committee Stage in Select Committee on Tuesday 21^st February 2006 at 2.00 p.m.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10.59 a.m. until Wednesday 1^st March 2006 at 9.30 a.m.

Martin Brady, T.D.,

Vice-Chairman.

1^st March, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 1^st March, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 1^st March 2006 at 9.41 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Martin Brady, Vice-Chairman, (in the Chair), Joe Callanan, John Curran (in part substitution for Deputy Ned O’Keeffe), Tony Dempsey, Kathleen Lynch, M.J. Nolan, Ned O’Keeffe and Ollie Wilkinson (in part substitution for Deputy M.J. Nolan) and Senator Peter Callanan (in substitution for Senator Terry Leyden).

Apologies were received from Deputies Donie Cassidy, Chairman and Senator Paul Coghlan.

3. Public Session

It was agreed to go into public session.

4. Discussion with European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland: (i) Joint Employment Report 2004/2005 (as part of the National Employment Action Plan process) and (ii) Annual Progress Report 2006 (as part of the new National Reform Programme - Jobs and Growth process)

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Paul Ginnell, Policy and Support Worker, European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland (EAPN Ireland); Mr. Eric Conroy, Secretary General, Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed; Ms. Orla O’Connor, Policy Worker, National Women’s Council of Ireland and Mr. Philip O’Connor, Co-ordinator of Dublin Employment Pact and EAPN Ireland representative on EAPN Europe Employment Task Force to the meeting.

Mr. Ginnell, Mr. Conroy, Ms. O’Connor and Mr. O’Connor made opening remarks.

The following Members participated in the ensuing questions and answers: Vice-Chairman, Deputies Lynch, Curran, Callanan and Dempsey.

It was agreed to forward the submission to the Departments of the Taoiseach; Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Education and Social and Family Affairs and to return to the matter later in the year.

5. Suspension and Private Session

The meeting was suspended at 10.30 a.m. and resumed at 10.33 a.m. It was agreed to go into private session. The Committee went into private session at 10.33 a.m.

6. Item Discussed in Private Session

7. Item Discussed in Private Session

8. Item Discussed in Private Session

9. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10.35 a.m. until Wednesday 22^nd March 2006 at 9.30 a.m.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

22^nd March, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 22^nd March, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 22^nd March 2006 at 9.36 a.m.

2.Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Martin Brady, Vice-Chairman, Joe Callanan, Brendan Howlin, Paddy McHugh and M.J. Nolan and Senators Paul Coghlan, John Hanafin and Terry Leyden.

3.Private Session

It was agreed to go into private session.

4. Item Discussed in Private Session

5. Item Discussed in Private Session

(i)Item Discussed in Private Session

(ii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iv)Item Discussed in Private Session

(v)Item Discussed in Private Session

(vi)Item Discussed in Private Session

(vii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(viii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(ix)Item Discussed in Private Session

(x)Item Discussed in Private Session

(xi)Item Discussed in Private Session

(xii)Item Discussed in Private Session

6. Item Discussed in Private Session

7. Item Discussed in Private Session

(i)Item Discussed in Private Session

(ii)Item Discussed in Private Session

8. Public Session

It was agreed to go into public session. The Committee went into public session at 9.43 a.m.

9. Discussion with the Russian Parliamentary Delegation

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Vladimir Asiev, Head of the Delegation; Mrs. Alexandra Burataeva; Mr. Evgeniy Ivanov; Mr. Victor Kazakov; Mr. Victor Kolesnikov; Ambassador Vladimir Rakhmanin, Embassy of the Russian Federation; Mr. Andrei Nedosekin, Counsellor, Embassy of the Russian Federation and Ms. Maria Jakovleva, interpreter to the meeting.

Mr. Asiev gave a short presentation on the Russian Federation and the reasons for visiting Ireland.

A question and answer session followed to which the following Members participated: Chairman and Deputies Howlin and Callanan and Senators Leyden, Hanafin and Coghlan. Mr. Asiev, Mrs. Burataeva and Mr. Ivanov responded to the questions.

The Chairman thanked the delegation for what was an informative exchange. Mr. Asiev responded in thanking the Chairman and Members for receiving the delegation.

10. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10.32 a.m. until Tuesday 28^th March 2006 at 2.15 p.m.

Martin Brady, T.D.,

Vice-Chairman.

28^th March, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Tuesday, 28^th March, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, on Tuesday, 28^th March 2006 at 2.25 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Martin Brady Vice-Chairman (in the Chair), Joe Callanan, Brendan Howlin, MJ Nolan and Ollie Wilkinson (in substitution for Deputy Ned O’Keeffe) and Senators Paul Coghlan and Terry Leyden.

Apologies were received from the Chairman Deputy Donie Cassidy and Deputy Tony Dempsey.

3. Discussion with Economy Committee of the Finnish Parliament

The Vice-Chairman welcomed Mr Jouko Skinnari Chairman and Members of the Economy Committee of the Finnish Parliament to the meeting. The Vice-Chairman also welcomed Ambassador Seppo Kauppila who accompanied the delegation to the meeting.

Mr Skinnari made some opening remarks which was followed by a question and answer session. The following members participated in the discussion Vice-Chairman and Deputies Howlin and Callanan.

The following Members of the Finnish Delegation participated also Mr Martin Saarikangus and Mr Arto Bryggare and Ambassador Kauppila.

At conclusion of the discussion the Vice-Chairman thanked the delegation for what had been a very good exchange of views. Mr Skinnarri acknowledged the shortness of the meeting but expressed the wish that the Joint Committee might undertake a visit to Finland in the future when he was sure many more issues could be teased out.

4. Suspension and Private Session

The sitting was suspended at 3.25 p.m. and resumed in private session at 3.27 p.m.

5. Item Discussed in Private Session

6. Item Discussed in Private Session

7. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 3.30 p.m. sine die.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

5^th April 2006

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 5^th April, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 5^th April 2006 at 9.34 a.m.

2.Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Joe Callanan, John Carty (in substitution for Deputy Martin Brady), Phil Hogan, Kathleen Lynch, Paddy McHugh and M.J. Nolan and Senators Paul Coghlan and Terry Leyden.

Apologies were received from Deputies Martin Brady, Vice-Chairman and Ned O’Keeffe.

3.Private Session

It was agreed to go into private session.

4. Item Discussed in Private Session

5. Item Discussed in Private Session

(i)Item Discussed in Private Session

(ii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iv)Item Discussed in Private Session

6. Public Session

It was agreed to go into public session. The Committee went into public session at 9.37 a.m.

7. Discussion on COM(2003)644 - Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Marian Byron, Director, Irish BioIndustry Association and Assistant Director, Pharmachemical Ireland; Mr. Tony Briscoe, Head of the IBEC Health and Safety Unit; Mr. Donal Buckley, Head of the IBEC Environment Unit; Ms. Kathryn Raleigh, Director of the ICT Association and Ms. Fiona Lyons, INTEL to the meeting.

Ms. Byron and Ms. Lyons made some opening comments on COM(2003)644.

The following contributed to the ensuing debate, Chairman and Deputies Hogan, Lynch and Callanan.

The Joint Committee agreed to invite representatives of the Health and Safety Authority and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to a future meeting of the committee to discuss the proposal.

8. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10.12 a.m. until Wednesday 12^th April 2006 at 11.00 a.m.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

12^th April, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 12^th April, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 2, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 12^th April 2006 at 11.06 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Bernard Allen (in substitution for Deputy Phil Hogan), Pat Breen, Joe Callanan, Kathleen Lynch and M.J. Nolan and Senators Paul Coghlan, Maurice Cummins (in part substitution for Senator Paul Coghlan), Camillus Glynn (in part substitution for Senator John Hanafin), John Hanafin and Terry Leyden.

Apologies were received from Deputies Tony Dempsey, Phil Hogan and Ned O’Keeffe.

3. Private Session

It was agreed to go into private session.

4. Item Discussed in Private Session

The minutes of the meeting of 5^th April 2006, which had been circulated in advance, were agreed and signed.

5. Item Discussed in Private Session

(i)Item Discussed in Private Session

(ii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iv)Item Discussed in Private Session

6. Item Discussed in Private Session

7. Item Discussed in Private Session

8. Item Discussed in Private Session

9. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 11.31 a.m. sine die.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

26^th April, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 26^th April, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 26^th April 2006 at 9.43 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Martin Brady, Vice-Chairman, Joe Callanan, John Carty (in substitution for Deputy Tony Dempsey), Kathleen Lynch, Paddy McHugh, M.J. Nolan and Ned O’Keeffe and Senators Terry Leyden and Joe O’Toole (in substitution for Senator Shane Ross).

Apologies were received from Senator Paul Coghlan.

3. Private Session

It was agreed to go into private session.

4. Item Discussed in Private Session

5. Public Session

It was agreed to go into public session. The Committee went into public session at 9.45 a.m.

6. National Framework Committee for Equal Opportunities - Discussion with Mr. Niall Crowley, Chief Executive Officer, The Equality Authority

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Niall Crowley, Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Richard Fallon, Head of Development, Equality Authority to the meeting.

Mr. Crowley gave a verbal presentation on The National Framework Committee for Equal Opportunities, copies of which had been circulated in advance.

The following contributed to the ensuing debate, Chairman and Deputies Lynch and Callanan and Senator O’Toole.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Crowley and Mr. Fallon for contributing to the discussion.

7. Any Other Business

(i)Business of the Select Committee:

Members noted that consideration of the 2006 Estimates will commence in Select Committee on Wednesday 10^th May 2006 at 9.30 a.m.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10.28 a.m. sine die.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

17^th May, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 17^th May, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 17^th May 2006 at 9.38 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Pat Breen, Joe Callanan, Tony Dempsey, Phil Hogan, Kathleen Lynch, M.J. Nolan and Ruairí Quinn (in substitution for Deputy Brendan Howlin) and Senators Paul Coghlan, Terry Leyden and Joe O’Toole (in substitution for Senator Shane Ross).

3. Private Session

It was agreed to go into private session.

4. Item Discussed in Private Session

5. Item Discussed in Private Session

(i)Item Discussed in Private Session

(ii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iii)Item Discussed in Private Session

6. Item Discussed in Private Session

7. Public Session

It was agreed to go into public session. The Committee went into public session at 9.43 a.m.

8. Reforms to the Irish Insurance Market (4^th Phase): Presentations by AXA Insurance, Hibernian General Insurance and Quinn Direct Insurance

The Chairman welcomed the representatives of:

Hibernian General Insurance - Mr. Dick O’Driscoll, Managing Director; Mr. Brian Huston, Director and Ms. Laura Booth, Executive Manager

AXA Insurance - Mr. John O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer

Quinn Direct Insurance - Mr. Colin Morgan, General Manager and Ms. Sylvia Goldrick.

Mr. O’Driscoll, Mr. O’Neill and Mr. Morgan gave detailed presentations on the Irish Insurance Market.

The following Members participated in the ensuing questions and answers – Chairman, Deputies Lynch, Nolan, Quinn, Dempsey, Breen, Callanan and Senator O’Toole. All of the representatives responded to the questions raised by Members. Supplementary questions from Deputies Quinn and Breen were responded to.

Senator Joe O’Toole made a declaration of interest in the debate as he was the Vice-Chairman of the P.I.A.B.

The Chairman thanked the representatives of AXA Insurance, Hibernian General Insurance and Quinn Direct Insurance for attending and for contributing to a very important debate.

9. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 11.15 a.m. until Tuesday, 23^rd May 2006 at 2.30 p.m.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

23^rd May, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Tuesday, 23^rd May, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Tuesday, 23^rd May 2006 at 3.05 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Martin Brady, Vice-Chairman, Joe Callanan, Tony Dempsey, Paddy McHugh, M.J. Nolan and Ollie Wilkinson (in substitution for Deputy Ned O’Keeffe) and Senators Paul Coghlan and Terry Leyden.

Apologies were received from Deputies Pat Breen, Ned O’Keeffe and Ruairí Quinn.

3. Minutes of the meeting of 17^th May 2006

The minutes of the meeting of 17^th May 2006, which had been circulated in advance, were agreed and signed.

4. Correspondence

(i)Correspondence from Seán Farren MLA, SDLP Spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Investment

A letter from Mr. Seán Farren MLA, SDLP had been circulated, seeking a meeting with the Joint Committee to discuss North/South matters of interest. The request was agreed to and a meeting will be arranged as soon as possible.

5. Discussion on Small and Medium Size Businesses with Dr. Prabhu Kulkarni and Mr. Sai Prakash, Indian Business Forum

The Chairman welcomed Ambassador Saurabh Kumar; Dr. Prabhu Kulkarni, Indian Country Director of the Asia Trade Forum of the Irish Exporters Association; Mr. Sai Prakash, Erin Consultants, Bangalore and Mr. Cliff Anderson, Astec Consulting to the meeting.

Ambassador Kumar made some introductory remarks followed by presentations by Dr. Kulkarni and Mr. Prakash.

The following Members participated in the ensuing questions and answers – Chairman, Deputies Callanan and Dempsey.

The Chairman thanked Ambassador Kumar; Dr. Kulkarni, Mr. Prakash and Mr. Anderson for attending and for contributing to what was an informative exchange.

6. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 4.15 p.m. until Wednesday, 31^st May 2006 at 9.30 a.m.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

31^st May, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 31^st May, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 31^st May 2006 at 9.36 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Martin Brady, Vice-Chairman, Pat Breen, Joe Callanan, Phil Hogan, Paddy McHugh, M.J. Nolan, Ned O’Keeffe and Ruairí Quinn and Senators Paul Coghlan, John Hanafin, Terry Leyden and Joe O’Toole (in substitution for Senator Shane Ross).

Apologies were received from Deputies Tony Dempsey and Breeda Moynihan-Cronin.

3. Private Session

It was agreed to go into private session.

4. Item Discussed in Private Session

5. Item Discussed in Private Session

(i)Item Discussed in Private Session

(ii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iv)Item Discussed in Private Session

(v)Item Discussed in Private Session

(vi)Item Discussed in Private Session

6. Item Discussed in Private Session

7. Item Discussed in Private Session

8. Item Discussed in Private Session

9. Public Session

It was agreed to go into public session. The Committee went into public session at 9.51 a.m.

10. Reforms to the Irish Insurance Market (4^th Phase): Presentations by FBD Insurance, Financial Regulator, I.B.E.C. and Society of the Irish Motor Industry

The Chairman welcomed the representatives of:

FBD Insurance - Mr. Philip Fitzsimons, Chief Executive; Mr. Andrew Langford, Finance Director and Mr. Niall Higgins, Claims Director

Financial Regulator - Mr. Patrick Neary, Chief Executive; Mr. Frank Brosnan, Insurance Supervision Department and Mr. John Pyne, Consumer Information Department

I.B.E.C. - Mr. Tony Briscoe, Assistant Director

Society of the Irish Motor Industry - Mr. Cyril McHugh, Chief Executive; Mr. Jim Cusack, President; Mr. Ian MacNeill, Deputy President and Mr. Alan Nolan, Deputy CEO.

Mr. Fitzsimons, Mr. Neary, Mr. Briscoe and Mr. McHugh gave detailed presentations on the Irish Insurance Market.

The following Members participated in the ensuing questions and answers – Chairman, Deputies Quinn, Callanan and Breen and Senator O’Toole. All of the representatives responded to the questions raised by Members.

Senator Joe O’Toole made a declaration of interest in the debate as he was the Vice-Chairman of the P.I.A.B.

The Chairman thanked the representatives of FBD Insurance, Financial Regulator, I.B.E.C. and Society of the Irish Motor Industry for attending and for contributing to a very important debate.

11. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 11.56 a.m. until Wednesday,14^th June 2006 at 9.30 a.m.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

14^th June, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 14^th June, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 14^th June 2006 at 9.38 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Joe Callanan, Tony Dempsey, Phil Hogan, Paddy McHugh, M.J. Nolan and Ruairí Quinn and Senators Paul Coghlan, Terry Leyden and Joe O’Toole (in substitution for Senator Shane Ross).

3. Expressions of Sympathy

The meeting extended its sympathies to the family of the late Charles Haughey, former Taoiseach. The following Members spoke: - Chairman, Deputies Hogan, Quinn and Callanan and Senators Leyden and O’Toole.

4. Minutes of the meeting of 31^st May 2006

The minutes of the meeting of 31^st May 2006, which had been circulated in advance, were agreed and signed.

5. Reforms to the Irish Insurance Market (4^th Phase):Presentations by the Health and Safety Authority and the National Roads Authority

The Chairman welcomed the representatives of:

Health and Safety Authority - Mr. Tom Beegan, Chief Executive; Ms. Mary Dorgan, Assistant Chief Executive, Prevention Services and Mr. Robert Roe, Programme Manager, Policy and Technical Services

National Roads Authority - Mr. Michael Egan, Head of Corporate Affairs and Mr. Harry Cullen, Senior Project Manager, Safety Engineering

Mr. Beegan and Mr. Egan gave detailed presentations.

The following Members participated in the ensuing questions and answers – Chairman, Deputies Hogan, Quinn, Callanan and Dempsey. All of the representatives responded to the questions raised by Members.

The Chairman thanked the representatives of the Health and Safety Authority and the National Roads Authority for attending and for contributing to a very important debate.

6. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 11.41 a.m. sine die.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

28^th June, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 28^th June, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 28^th June 2006 at 9.34 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Joe Callanan, Phil Hogan, M.J. Nolan, Ned O’Keeffe and Ruairí Quinn and Senators Paul Coghlan, Terry Leyden and Mary White (in substitution for Senator John Hanafin).

Apologies were received from Deputy Breeda Moynihan-Cronin.

3. Minutes of the meeting of 14^th June 2006

The minutes of the meeting of 14^th June 2006, which had been circulated in advance, were agreed and signed.

4. Temporary Chairperson

Deputy Callanan acted as temporary Chair from 9.36 a.m. on the nomination of Deputy Hogan.

5. Developing Young Enterprise - Discussion with Junior Achievement Ireland

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Della Clancy, Executive Director and Ms. Alva O’Sullivan, Marketing & Communications Director, Junior Achievement Ireland to the meeting.

Ms. Clancy and Ms. O’Sullivan gave a presentation on the work of Junior Achievement Ireland.

The following Members participated in the ensuing questions and answers – Deputies Callanan, Hogan, Quinn and O’Keeffe and Senators Leyden and White. All of the representatives responded to the questions raised by Members.

It was agreed that the Clerk would write to the Department to invite the senior officials responsible for County Enterprise Boards with a view to discussing the actions being taking to promote enterprise. Further, it was agreed that the Clerk would write to the Minister and request that he make provision in the Estimates of his Department to fund the work of the Junior Achievement Ireland.

The Chairman thanked the representatives of Junior Achievement Ireland for attending and for contributing to a very important debate.

6. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10.18 a.m. sine die.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

19^th July, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 19^th July, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 19^th July 2006 at 11.30 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Johnny Brady (in substitution for Deputy Martin Brady, Vice-Chairman), Pat Breen, Joe Callanan, Tony Dempsey, Jimmy Devins (in part substitution for Deputy Joe Callanan), John Ellis (in part substitution for Deputy M.J. Nolan), Phil Hogan, M.J. Nolan, Ned O’Keeffe and Ruairí Quinn and Senators Peter Callanan (in part substitution for Senator John Hanafin), Paul Coghlan, Camillus Glynn (in part substitution for Senator Terry Leyden), John Hanafin and Terry Leyden.

Apologies were received from Deputy Paddy McHugh and Senator Joe O’Toole.

3. Private Session

It was agreed to go into private session.

4. Item Discussed in Private Session

5. Item Discussed in Private Session

(i)Item Discussed in Private Session

(ii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iv)Item Discussed in Private Session

(v)Item Discussed in Private Session

(vi)Item Discussed in Private Session

(vii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(viii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(ix)Item Discussed in Private Session

6. Item Discussed in Private Session

7. Item Discussed in Private Session

(A)Item Discussed in Private Session

(B)Item Discussed in Private Session

8. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 12.04 p.m. until Wednesday, 26^th July 2006 at 11.30 a.m.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

26^th July, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 26^th July, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 26^th July 2006 at 11.33 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Pat Breen, Joe Callanan, Tony Dempsey, Jimmy Devins (in substitution for Deputy Martin Brady, Vice-Chairman), Phil Hogan, Paddy McHugh, Ned O’Keeffe and Ruairí Quinn and Senators Fergal Browne (in part substitution for Senator Paul Coghlan), Paul Coghlan, Camillus Glynn (in part substitution for Senator Terry Leyden), Paschal Mooney (in substitution for Senator John Hanafin) and Terry Leyden.

Apologies were received from Deputy M.J. Nolan and Senator Joe O’Toole.

3. Minutes of the meeting of 19^th July 2006

The minutes of the meeting of 19^th July 2006, which had been circulated in advance, were agreed and signed.

4. Non-payment of redundancy monies to former employees of Greencore

The Committee noted that it had been agreed at its meeting of 19^th July 2006 to invite representatives from the Trade Unions and from Greencore to discuss the non-payment of redundancy monies to former employees of the company. The Committee were informed of the fact that discussions involving both parties were taking place at the National Implementation Body and no useful purpose would be served with the Committee discussing the matter at present.

5. Correspondence

(i)Correspondence from Mr. Michael Moynihan TD re. Greencore

The meeting noted the support received in correspondence from Mr. Michael Moynihan TD supporting the case made by former workers at Greencore/Irish Sugar Mallow, Co. Cork.

6. Fourth Joint Committee Report: ‘Innovation, Competition and Regulation – Achieving the Balance’ – Discussion with Department of the Taoiseach

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Philip Kelly, Assistant Secretary; Ms. Audrey O’Byrne, Public Service Modernisation Section; Ms. Tríona Quill, Better Regulation Unit, PSM Section and Ms. Sabha Greene, Department of the Taoiseach to the meeting.

Mr. Kelly gave a detailed presentation.

The following Members participated in the ensuing questions and answers – Chairman, Deputies Hogan and Callanan.

The Chairman thanked the representatives of the Department of the Taoiseach for attending and for contributing to a very important debate.

7. Suspension and Private Session

The meeting suspended at 12.13 p.m. and it resumed in private session at 12.16 p.m.

8. Item Discussed in Private Session

9. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 1.27 p.m. until Thursday, 27^th July 2006 at 2.15 p.m.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

6^th September, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Thursday, 27^th July, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, on Thursday, 27^th July 2006 at 2.16 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Martin Brady, Vice-Chairman, Joe Callanan, John Creegan (in substitution for Deputy M.J. Nolan), Tony Dempsey, John Ellis (in part substitution for Deputy Ned O’Keeffe), Phil Hogan, Paddy McHugh and Ned O’Keeffe and Senators Paul Coghlan, Maurice Cummins (in part substitution for Senator Paul Coghlan), Camillus Glynn (in part substitution for Senator Terry Leyden), John Hanafin, Paschal Mooney (in part substitution for Senator John Hanafin) and Terry Leyden.

Apologies were received from Deputies M.J. Nolan and Ruairí Quinn and Senator Joe O’Toole.

3. Private Session

It was agreed to go into private session.

4. Item Discussed in Private Session

5. Item Discussed in Private Session

6. Public Session

It was agreed to go into public session. The Committee went into public session at 2.23 p.m.

7. Adoption of the draft report ‘Fourth Interim Report on Reforms to the Irish Insurance Market’

The draft ‘Fourth Interim Report on Reforms to the Irish Insurance Market was agreed. The Chairman read his formal statement to the meeting.

8. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 2.31 p.m. sine die.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

6^th September, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 6^th September, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 2, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 6^th September 2006 at 11.30 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, (in the Chair), Pat Breen, Joe Callanan, Tony Dempsey, Phil Hogan, John McGuinness (in part substitution for Deputy Tony Dempsey), Paddy McHugh, Dan Neville (in part substitution for Deputy Pat Breen), M.J. Nolan, Noel O’Flynn (in substitution for Deputy Martin Brady), Ned O’Keeffe and Ruairí Quinn and Senators Fergal Browne (in part substitution for Senator Paul Coghlan), Paul Coghlan, Michael Finucane (in part substitution for Senator Paul Coghlan), Camillus Glynn (in part substitution for Senator John Hanafin), John Hanafin and Terry Leyden.

Apologies were received from Deputy Martin Brady and Senator Joe O’Toole.

3. Private Session

It was agreed to go into private session.

4. Item Discussed in Private Session

5. Item Discussed in Private Session

(i)Item Discussed in Private Session

(ii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iv)Item Discussed in Private Session

(v)Item Discussed in Private Session

(vi)Item Discussed in Private Session

(vii)Item Discussed in Private Session

6. Item Discussed in Private Session

7. Item Discussed in Private Session

8. Public Session

It was agreed to go into public session. The Committee went into public session at 11.39 a.m.

9. Discussion on COM(2003)644 - Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)

The Chairman welcomed the representatives of:

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment - Ms. Anne Marie O’Connor and Ms. Aisling O’Reilly

Health and Safety Authority – Dr. Sharon McGuinness, Assistant Chief Executive, Chemicals Policy and Services Division; Ms. Majella Cummins and Ms. Marie McCarthy

Ms. O’Connor and Dr. McGuinness made some opening comments on COM(2003)644.

The following contributed to the ensuing debate, Chairman and Deputies Callanan, Quinn and Nolan.

Deputy Callanan acted as temporary Chair from 12.10 p.m. on the nomination of Deputy Nolan.

The Chairman thanked the representatives of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Health and Safety Authority for attending. The Committee agreed that the proposal didn’t warrant further scrutiny and asked the consultant, Mr. John Kissane, to draw up a report for consideration.

10. Private Session

It was agreed to go into private session. The Committee went into private session at 12.28 p.m.

11. Item Discussed in Private Session

12. Any Other Business

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 12.30 p.m. until 20^th September 2006 at 11.30 a.m.

Donie Cassidy, T.D.,

Chairman.

20^th September, 2006.

Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday, 20^th September, 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 4, LH 2000, on Wednesday, 20^th September 2006 at 10.35 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were in attendance:- Deputies Donie Cassidy, Chairman (in the Chair: 10.53 a.m. – 12.11 p.m.), Martin Brady, Vice-Chairman (in the Chair: 10.35 a.m. – 10.50 a.m.), Pat Breen, Joe Callanan, John Ellis (in substitution for Deputy Tony Dempsey), Jim Glennon (in part substitution for Deputy M.J. Nolan), Phil Hogan, Paddy McHugh, M.J. Nolan, Ruairí Quinn and Joe Walsh (in substitution for Deputy Ned O’Keeffe), and Senators Paul Coghlan, Camillus Glynn (in substitution for Senator John Hanafin) and Terry Leyden.

Apologies were received from Deputy Breeda Moynihan-Cronin and Senator Joe O’Toole.

3. Private Session

It was agreed to go into private session.

4. Item Discussed in Private Session

(i)Item Discussed in Private Session

(ii)Item Discussed in Private Session

(iii)Item Discussed in Private Session

5. Item Discussed in Private Session

6. Item Discussed in Private Session

7. Item Discussed in Private Session

8. Suspension and Public Session

The sitting was suspended at 10.50 a.m. and resumed in public session at 10.53 a.m.

9. North/South matters of interest: Discussion with Seán Farren MLA, SDLP Spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Investment and SDLP members

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Seán Farren MLA (North Antrim), Spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Mr. John Dallat MLA (East Derry), Spokesperson on Finance and Personnel, Ms. Dolores Kelly MLA (Upper Bann), Spokesperson on Social Services and Ms. Nuala O’Neill to the meeting.

Mr Farren made some opening remarks which was followed by a question and answer session. The following members participated in the discussion, Chairman, Deputies Hogan, Callanan, Brady and Breen and Senators Leyden and Coghlan.

The following Members of the delegation participated also Mr. John Dallat MLA and Ms. Dolores Kelly MLA.

At conclusion of the discussion the Chairman thanked Mr. Farren and the delegation for attending and for participating in what had been a very good exchange of views.