At the last meeting it was agreed the convenors would suggest the organisations to be invited to meet the joint committee to discuss further the proposal of the European Commission relating to genetically modified oilseed rape, document COM (2004) 572. These arrangements have been complicated due to a change in personnel and a change in convenor. In view of this, I suggest the new convenors meet after the meeting to decide the organisations with whom the committee should meet. Is this agreed? Agreed.
The joint committee paid a return visit to the committee on public administration, regional development and environment of the Parliament of the Czech Republic. That committee had met the joint committee here in April 2003. Deputy Gilmore and Senator Bannon represented the joint committee on the visit to Prague. Members have been forwarded a copy of the draft report of the visit. Is the report agreed? Agreed.
I extend the very best wishes of the committee to Deputy McCormack on his appointment as convenor.
The Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny has referred to this committee some proposals, details of which have been forwarded to members. The first item relates to the establishment of a voluntary licensing system for the import of timber into the EU. It was forwarded to the committee for further scrutiny. The documentation forwarded to members indicates that discussions regarding this proposal are at an early stage. I suggest we request the Department of Agriculture and Food to keep the joint committee informed of all developments and when such information is received the matter can then be discussed by the joint committee. Is that agreed? Agreed.
COM (2004) 496 proposes establishing a European grouping of cross-border co-operation and has been forwarded to the committee for information. Is it agreed that no further scrutiny is required? Agreed.
COM (2004) 516 is a directive to establish an infrastructure for spatial information into the Community. It seeks to establish a legal base for the introduction and operation of an infrastructure for spatial information within the EU. The proposal has been forwarded to the committee for information. Is it agreed no further scrutiny is required? Agreed.
COM (2004) 487 sets out the Commission's general thinking on the budgetary priorities of the EU for the period 2007 to 2013. This committee, like all other sectoral committees, has received this proposal for information purposes. Is it agreed no further scrutiny is required? Agreed.
I draw members' attention to correspondence received yesterday via the Ceann Comhairle inviting representatives of environment committees of the EU states to a meeting in Brussels on Monday, 29 November. This correspondence was not received in time for inclusion on today's agenda. Is it agreed that the secretariat examine the options and costings of the joint committee being represented at this meeting? Agreed.
The joint committee adjourned at 12.08 p.m. sine die.