Item 1 is the Report of the Private Session of the Joint Committee held on 11th July, 1974. As we had this report before us yesterday, I am taking it that it is noted and will now be included in the record of this meeting.
Following is the report:
Thursday, 11th July, 1974.
1. The Committee sat at 2.30 p.m.
2. Members present:
DEPUTY CHARLES J. HAUGHEY in the Chair.
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Deputy |
Jackie Fahey, |
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Gene Fitzgerald, |
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Myles Staunton. |
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Senator |
Mark Killilea, |
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Mary T. W. Robinson, |
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Eoin Ryan. |
Apologies were received from Deputies Barry Desmond and David Thornley and Senator Alexis Fitzgerald.
3.Report of Seanad Committee of Selection
The Chairman informed the Committee that Senator Mark Killilea had been nominated to serve on the Joint Committee to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Senator Kevin O'Callaghan. He welcomed Senator Killilea and introduced him to the Committee. He added that the Senator had been assigned to the Agricultural and General Policy Sub-Committees.
4.Visit to European Community Institutions
The Chairman gave a summary of the Committee's visit to the European Communities and invited comments from Members. The general concensus was, that despite certain shortcomings in relation to briefings at the Commission, the visit was worthwhile and useful. Members were of the opinion that, as a result of their experience, another visit should be arranged later in the year and that visits by individual Members who would act as raporteurs should be arranged. They noted with satisfaction that the staff of the Commission were prepared in appropriate circumstances to be of assistance to the Joint Committee in its work.
The Joint Committee recorded its appreciation of the assistance it received from—
Mr. Cornelis Berkhouwer, President of the European Parliament.
Dr. Patrick J. Hillery, Vice-President of the Commission of the European Communities.
Mr. Christopher Audland, Deputy Secretary-General, Commission of the European Communities.
Mr. H. R. Nord, Secretary-General of the European Parliament.
Mr. Justice Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh, European Court of Justice.
His Excellency Mr. Valentin lremonger, Irish Ambassador to Luxembourg.
His Excellency Mr. Brendan Dillon, Head of the Irish Permanent Representation Office to the European Communities.
Mr. J. McGowan Smyth, Director of Information and Public Relations, European Parliament.
Mr. Denis Corboy, Director of the Dublin Information Office, Commission of the European Communities.
Mr. J. A. Fahy, Head of Information in Ireland, Information Office of the European Parliament.
Mr. Liam P. Doyle, Assistant General Manager Europe, Allied Irish Banks.
5.Staffing of Secretariat
The Committee considered a letter received by the Ceann Comhairle from the Minister for the Public Service dated 17th June arising from a work survey carried out by his Department of the Committee's work and decided the proposals therein were unacceptable particularly in the light of the result of the work survey. The Committee felt that, as it could not effectively discharge its responsibility on the basis of the present or proposed secretarial services, the only course open to it was to make a Report to both Houses on the situation and it was decided to place a draft Report to this effect before the Committee at its next meeting.
6.Energy Policy
The Committee decided to call a meeting of the General Policy Sub-Committee on 24th July to consider the Commission's proposal entitled "Towards a new energy policy strategy for the European Community" (COM (74) 550 final/2).
7.Proposed Statue for the European Company
The Committee decided that this matter should be considered by the Economic and Social Sub-Committee as soon as possible.
8.Social Action Programme
The Committee decided that this matter should be considered by the Economic and Social Sub-Committee at an early date.
9. The Committee adjourned at 3.50 p.m. until 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 17th July, 1974.