The Clerk has circulated COM 2003/63, a proposal for regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council, establishing the European network and information security agency. Is it agreed to scrutinise this matter? Agreed.
The Clerk has also circulated COM2003/92 - a proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on ship source pollution and the introduction of sanctions, including criminal sanctions, for pollution offences. Is it agreed to scrutinise this matter? Agreed.
I propose an amendment to the terms of reference of the ICT sub-committee. The terms of reference of the ICT sub-committee requires that it report to the joint committee within three months on any matter referred to it. On 12 February, the joint committee referred two motions on broadband to the ICT sub-committee. In accordance with the terms of reference, the ICT sub-committee should have reported to the joint committee on 12 May. However, due to the requirement of the select committee to consider the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill and the Digital Hub Development Agency Bill, there will be a delay in the ICT sub-committee completing its work. Accordingly, the terms of reference of the ICT sub-committee should be amended so that it is required to report to the joint committee as soon as is practical on any motion that is referred to it. Is that agreed? Agreed.
At the last joint committee meeting, it was agreed to invite a mobile telephone operator to make a presentation to the committee on this issue of roaming charges, as raised in correspondence by Deputy Costello. Considering the recent press reports of the profits earned by mobile telephone operators on the domestic market, may I have the permission of the committee to extend the remit of this invitation so that all mobile telephone charges are considered? Agreed.
I requested the Clerk to attend the COFORD conference on forestry planning, policy and practice in Tullamore last Friday. Notice of this conference, the theme of which was sustainable forest design, was received very late. If any member requires information he or she should contact the Clerk.
I advise members that we need to set aside time to invite representatives of RTE and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland to appear before the committee before the end of this Dáil session and that we have to take Estimates for the Department. We have already discussed telecoms. Juggling with the ICT sub-committee, we have two days earmarked for next week. Again, because of the pressure of business, we will have to allow the Clerk to fit in those times before the recess. Although the recess begins on 3 July, I presume some of the members will be available to attend committees until the end of July.