I have an objection. In regard to the draft report on youth employment, I was not aware that we had actually agreed to any particular paragraphs. I understood we had referred the entire draft report back. It is a minor point but I was just——
Minutes of Previous Meeting.
We can show that in the minutes.
So long as we are not excluded from discussing paragraphs 1 to 16.
No, that came about due to the fact that most attention seemed to be drawn to paragraph 17.
I support Deputy Quinn. Although we spoke on paragraph 17, I do not think we formally——
If we have to get every paragraph agreed or rejected formally in every report it is going to slow up business considerably. It is easy to amend the minutes on this occasion, if that is agreed. Am I to sign the minutes?
Minutes as amended agreed.
Arising from the minutes, could I possibly raise a question? Have you had any word back from the Ceann Comhairle?
That is what I was about to announce.
Secondly, the budget of £5,000 that we suggested, could we get some indication of what this means in terms of the number of visits to Brussels, or what is the cost per Member?
I understand that a two-day visit costs £300 per Member and it is worked out on that basis. I have heard nothing from the Ceann Comhairle because the Committee on Procedure and Privileges of the Dáil will sit to-day. This matter was obviously dealt with with great speed in the Seanad. I have a letter from the Cathaoirleach which says :
You will be pleased to learn that in response to your letter of 8 February the Committee on Procedure and Privileges have agreed that for a trial period a special arrangement be made to provide for debates in Seanad Éireann on reports of your Joint Committee. A revised draft order was approved by the Committee and a motion in the name of the Leader of the House appears as Item 1 on today's Order Paper.
I understand that the motion has been agreed to and that is the position in the Seanad. That is the first leg of the double up.
Would it be in order for this Committee to express its appreciation to the Seanad for dealing with this matter so speedily?
That would be a very nice thing to do.