I seek the committee's agreement. Senator Bacik has made a good suggestion, namely, that the committee should examine women's rate of participation in politics. I propose that we form a sub-committee to consider the matter. I would chair it and it would comprise four Deputies and two Senators. The convenors can determine the membership. I also propose that Senator Bacik be made rapporteur to the sub-committee and that it should report to the main committee in six months' time.
Business of Joint Committee.
I second that.
Is that agreed? Agreed.
It is a good idea. This morning, I noted that at least one woman in Italy was not happy with the high participation rate of women in Italian politics, but this will have no impact on the deliberations of our special sub-committee.
I thank the Chairman and am delighted the committee has given its approval. I am grateful for members' support, although we do not need to worry about the Italian comments. Ireland's rate is so low that we must examine the matter and present a report in six months' time.
Since some members may need to leave, the next meeting of the joint committee is scheduled for 9.30 a.m. on Thursday, 9 May when the chairman of the European Security Research and Innovation Forum, ESRIF, Mr. Dragutin Mate, will address the committee.He will address the European Parliament on Wednesday evening but he will be in Dublin the next morning. Following on from the discussion we are about to have, having him attend our meeting would be appropriate, if the committee is in agreement.
Will the meeting be at 9.30 a.m. on 9 May?
Sorry. I meant on 7 May.
Will it be a working breakfast or just a meeting?
I am afraid not. The Deputy should bring his own breakfast. The Dáil is due to refer a motion on the European Asylum Support Office to the committee today. I suggest we schedule our consideration of it for next Thursday morning. As the Minister will be available, perhaps we could meet Mr. Mate from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. and deal with the motion from 10.30 a.m. to 11.15 a.m. Is that agreed? Agreed.
I warn members in advance that we will have strict time constraints next Thursday morning. I am anxious that we start on time because we will end the first discussion at 10.30 a.m. Is that agreed? Agreed.