Members were circulated with a summary of the proposal prepared by the policy adviser to the sub-committee on EU scrutiny. The Commission document is available by e-mail on request from the committee secretariat. The proposal is to harmonise the conditions of entry and residence for third country nationals for the purposes of study, vocational training or voluntary service. While the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has primary responsibility in this matter, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has secondary involvement. It is understood that Ireland will not exercise the opt-in option at this time in respect of this title 4 measure. It is, therefore, recommended that no further scrutiny is necessary. No other items requiring scrutiny were received. The sub-committee on EU scrutiny will also be informed. Is that agreed? Agreed.
The second item is the election of a vice-chairman. I call for nominations for this post.