The next item relates to Council meetings. You may recall that you approved a proposal that I send a letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs asking if the results of the Council deliberations on Community proposals could be made available to us through his Department. We have had a reply from the Minister's Private Secretary saying that the Minister noted the matter and that it is still under active consideration by the Minister. The secretary said he hopes to be in a position to advise the Committee of the outcome for our next meeting. I think that is a satisfactory reply.
Outcome of Council Meetings.
Perhaps we could invite the Minister to attend a meeting of the Joint Committee having regard to the type of work we have been doing and to the number of reports we have prepared. The question of whether such a session should be public or private could be decided after consultation with the Minister in this regard. It might be best to have an early meeting with him since he is considering our request concerning Community and Council proposals.
I should be delighted for the Minister to attend one of our meetings. His presence would make for a very energising Committee. With the approval of the Committee I shall invite him.