The last regulation was EC number 1493, in 1999, so it pre-dates the scrutiny process. We will get a note on the question raised by Deputy Mulcahy, but I do not think it relates to the proposal before us. This was adopted yesterday because of the implications for trade and other issues raised. Under the regulation, it was taken as an urgent matter, which is permitted by the legislation.
Commission document (2003) 664 is the proposed regulation laying down the requirement for the competent authorities of the member states to stamp systematically the travel documents of third country nationals when they cross the external borders, and amending the convention implementing the Schengen Agreement and the common manual to this end. This is a Title Four proposal. The memorandum to the proposal explains that this stamping of documentation has not always occurred due to a number of factors, but that the accession of the new member states and the creation of separate channels for categories of travellers at border crossings should facilitate the introduction of this measure. The proposal places an obligation on the holders of third country travel documentation to ensure that their documentation is stamped on entry. Failure to arrange this may constitute a basis for the presumption of illegal residence on the territory of the member states. The proposal constitutes a development of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not participate. It is proposed to note the title for proposal and to forward it to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights for information. Agreed? Agreed.
Commission document (2003) 687 is the proposal to establish a European agency for management of operational co-operation at the external borders of the member states. I understand that the agency would not be tasked with a policy-making role but rather would develop and apply guidelines on, inter alia, the training of border guards. It would also have a co-ordinating role in the control and surveillance of the external borders and the removal of persons illegally residing in the member states. The agency would co-operate directly with member states and co-ordinate all relevant joint operations and pilot projects at the external borders. The approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas would be required for Ireland’s participation in this measure. It is proposed to note this Title Four proposal and to forward it to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Women’s Rights for information at this stage, because at a later stage it will come by way of legislation if the Government proposes to participate in it. Agreed? Agreed.
The last item on today's agenda is the White Paper on space policy which follows on from a Green Paper considered by the committee earlier this year. The White Paper on implementing European space policy outlines options for developing a new European space programme. This programme would incorporate a number of measures that have come before the sub-committee in separate proposals, for example relating to the European Space Agency, ESA, and the Galileo programme. I understand that Ireland has traditionally had an economically positive return on its participation in the work of the European Space Agency, and the departmental note makes clear that space will figure prominently in Ireland's EU Presidency work in the research area. Members will received additional background material on the proposals from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and I understand that the Department is seeking the views of a number of Departments before it firms up its views on the proposal. It is proposed to forward the White Paper to the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business for its information, and to ask the Department to provide a background note for that committee when it has finalised its consultation process. Agreed? Agreed. Who will be the first Minister into space?