There are seven proposals for consideration today, COM (2011) 389, mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund - application by the Netherlands; COM (2011) 480, mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund - application by Italy; COM (2012) 160, mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund - technical assistance by the EU Commission; COM (2012) 204, mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund - application by Spain. The European Global Adjustment Fund provides support for redundant workers suffering the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and assists them with reintegration into the labour market. These linked proposals relate to applications to the fund from other members states and by the EU Commission and pose no difficulties for Ireland. Based on the information provided, it is proposed that these linked proposals do not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.
Proposal No. 5 is COM (2011) 608, regulation on extension of the European Globalisation Fund. This proposal for regulation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund 2014-2020 aims to amend and extend the existing EGF regulations for the period 2014 to 2020.and to extend the term of the fund. The proposal proposes other significant changes, including extending eligibility to the self employed and the agricultural sector. Ireland is a significant user of the fund and supports the proposals. On the basis that Ireland supports these measures and in view of the fact that the Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education discussed this topic with officials of the Department of Education and Skills at a recent meeting, it is proposed that this proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. However, in view of the significance of the fund to Ireland, it is proposed that the Department of Education and Skills be requested to keep this committee informed of significant developments in the proposal. Is that agreed? Agreed.
Proposal No. 6 is COM (2011) 817, regulation establishing the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. Proposal No. 7 is COM (2011) 822, decision on the strategic innovation agenda of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. These proposals are related and amend current legislation in regard to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, EIT. They provide for better alignment with the EU over-arching research and innovation programme, Horizon 2020 and the adoption of a strategic innovation agenda which sets out the long term priorities for EIT and sets a budget of €3.18 billion for the period 2014-2020. The EIT is seen as an important tool in helping to deliver the Horizon 2020 programme. In view of the fact that these proposals are supported by Ireland, it is proposed that they do not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.