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JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS debate -
Tuesday, 27 May 2008

Business of Joint Committee.

We will continue with the minutes of the meeting of 20 May. Draft minutes of that meeting have been circulated. Are the minutes agreed? Agreed.

No. 5 on the agenda relates to correspondence received since the last meeting. No. 141 is an invitation to the joint meeting of the committees of national parliaments responsible for development co-operation, apropos our recent discussions. It is proposed to refer the matter to the Sub-committee on Development Co-operation for its information. Is that agreed? Agreed.

No. 142 is a copy of a letter forwarded by the interparliamentary unit from the President of the European Parliament and the Vice President of the European Commission to the Ceann Comhairle advising of the launch of a pilot project on information networks, PINs. The purpose of the PINs project is to enhance debate between national and European parliamentarians in the 27 member states by developing a platform for the exchange of information, ideas and debates, mainly through the Internet. It is proposed to forward it to all other joint committees for their information. Is that agreed? Agreed.

No. 143 is an invitation forwarded by the interparliamentary unit to a parliamentary hearing hosted by the parliament of Ukraine titled, Implementation of the European Social Charter (revised), which will take place on 6 June 2008 in Ukraine. We will note that and see whether anybody wishes to attend.

Is it in Ukraine?

Yes. Does the Deputy wish to go?

Not on 6 June.

No. 144 is an e-mail from Elaine Farrell regarding a request from the IFA to address the committee on the WTO negotiations, particularly a proposal from the WTO agriculture chairman. It is proposed to invite Mr. Padraig Walshe, IFA president, to the next meeting. Is that agreed? Agreed.

What time, Chairman?

There is the option of holding the meeting on Thursday this week.

That is not advisable when one takes account of our press conference. It would take from the press conference if we do that on Thursday.

All right. Is it agreed that we invite him for the following Wednesday?

We will have to confirm that. It is subject to the availability of the committee room. Is that agreed?

I suggest the meeting be held at 3 p.m. if possible.

We will agree to 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

No. 145 is a letter from the Romanian Ambassador to Ireland advising that the visit by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Romania has been postponed to a future date. The committee had agreed to meet the Minister during his visit. We will note that.

Item No. 146 is a copy of the statement by the European Commission regarding the WTO negotiations under the Lisbon reform treaty. Have members read it? It is important.

It is vital that we read all documents.

Absolutely. We will note that. Item No. 147 is an information note prepared by the secretariat on WTO negotiations under the Lisbon reform treaty. This is another important note. It is noted.

With regard to committee travel, there is our proposed attendance at the Crans Montana Forum in Brussels from 26 to 29 June. A draft programme for the Crans Montana Forum including the estimated cost has been circulated.

Is it being transferred to Brussels?

I am sorry. It is in Monaco. It is suggested that four members attend the meeting at an estimated cost of €11,200. Is that agreed? Agreed. In accordance with the rules of the committee, the committee is required to consider certain matters. Is it agreed that these meetings are directly and explicitly linked to an area of work in which the joint committee has decided to become involved pursuant to its Orders of Reference and in the context of its work programme? Agreed. Is it agreed that economy class flights will be used?

There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned until a possible meeting next Wednesday at a time to be confirmed.

The joint committee adjourned at 3.38 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, 4 June 2008.
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