JOINT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE debate -
Thursday, 20 Apr 2006

Business of Joint Committee.

Vice Chairman (Deputy Finneran)

The minutes of the meeting of 12 April are being deferred until the next meeting, as the clerk to the committee is unavailable today. The first item of correspondence is an undated letter to the committee from the Department of Social and Family Affairs regarding the National Pensions Review, inviting our attendance at Dublin Castle on 5 May. Is it agreed to note that? Agreed.

The next item is a letter to the Chairman from the CEO of the Credit Union Development Association outlining its function and seeking a meeting with the Chairman. Is it agreed to note that?

Deputy Bruton

I understand the Irish League of Credit Unions also requested a meeting. It seems there are issues on its mind. In principle we should meet with the credit union representatives to find out what their concerns are. I understand the concerns are about restrictions on investment opportunities and the development of their product range. Most members tend to support the development of the credit union movement. We should hear its concerns.

Senator O’Toole

I support that suggestion. It seems that within a short time they will be the only mutual providers of financial services in the country and they will probably take on a more important role in the future.

Vice Chairman

This letter is specifically from the chief executive officer seeking a meeting with the Chairman. If we get a further letter regarding a request from the credit unions——

Deputy R. Bruton

I also request that they be given the opportunity to address the committee on this important area so we can bring our perspective to bear on any debate on the future of credit unions.

Vice Chairman

We will note that and make arrangements for the meeting.

There is a letter to the Chairman from Deputy Burton on decentralisation. We have received an apology from Deputy Burton. I propose we defer that until the next meeting. There is a letter to the Chairman from the director of policy at Chambers Ireland enclosing a copy of Chambers Ireland's NDP submission. We will note that. There is an e-mail to the clerk from Kevin Leyden attaching an information note on progress in developing a common tax base. We will note that. There is another e-mail from Kevin Leyden attaching the text of the Commission's communication on a common consolidation tax base. We will note that. There is an e-mail to the clerk from the Department of Finance attaching updated EU VAT proposals requested by the committee. We will note that.

The next item on the agenda is a motion to be agreed. The joint committee, in the interests of informing itself in pursuance of its terms of reference, agrees to accept an invitation received to participate in a parliamentary meeting on the future of Europe in Brussels on 8 and 9 May 2006. The estimated cost of attendance is €970 per member and €930 per official. It has already been agreed to send a delegation. We must decide on the number of members to attend and on an official. I suggest three members attend and that the convenor liaise with the Whips. Is that agreed? Agreed.