We will turn to the first set of proposals for consideration, documents 1.1 to 1.3. COM (2004) 71 is a proposed directive regarding certain control procedures on the importation of live animals, meat and meat products. This proposal, which the Department classifies as purely technical, would repeal a number of existing measures in the area of animal health that would be replaced through the adoption of a proposal as outlined. It is proposed that this does not warrant further scrutiny but that it be forwarded to the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food in the context of its consideration of this matter. Is that agreed? Agreed.
COM (2004) 85 is a proposed decision on the conclusion of the framework agreement between the European Union and the European Space Agency. This is essentially a technical measure. The framework agreement provides that both parties will co-operate in a number of fields such as science, earth observation and human space flight. The co-operation would also take the form of joint initiatives and regular consultations and exchange of information. It is therefore proposed that while the proposal does not warrant further scrutiny, it should be forwarded to the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business for information purposes in the context of its consideration of space-related matters. It is also proposed that the background note on space be forwarded to that committee. Is that agreed? Agreed.
COM (2004) 126 is a proposed regulation on operations to aid uprooted people in Asian and Latin American developing countries. The proposal sets out that an evaluation report on the operation of the programme of assistance to uprooted people will be presented to the European Parliament and Council by the end of 2004. It is proposed that this does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.
COM (2004) 127 is a proposed directive on packaging and packaging waste. Directive 94/62/EC sets targets for packaging waste recovery and recycling for the current member states between 2001 and 2005. I understand that recently revised measures in these areas will become operational in the current member states between 2008 and 2011. Following consultations between the Commission and the ten accession states, the EC came to the conclusion that the states would benefit from later deadlines to implement the waste targets. The Commission's memorandum to the proposal notes that these states "have only recently started to build up their packaging, recycling and recovery systems". This proposal seeks to set target dates of between 2008 and 2010 for the new accession states for the implementation of the new waste measures. The Department's information note sets out that the adoption of the proposal would have "no implications for Ireland". It is proposed that the proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.
COM (2004) 163 is a proposed regulation on support for pre-accession measures for agriculture and rural development in the applicant countries in the pre-accession period. I understand that eight of the accession countries benefited from Regulation (EC) 1268/1999 that sets out rules governing agricultural and rural development aid. The Department of Agriculture and Food has indicated that Malta and Cyprus were the beneficiaries of a separate measure for the Mediterranean region. This proposal seeks to extend the provisions of the 1999 regulation to Bulgaria and Romania and to amend some of the rates of assistance to current and future beneficiaries. The Department's information note underlines that the proposal holds no implications for Ireland. It is proposed to note the matter. Is that agreed? Agreed.
COM (2004) 174 is a proposed decision on the conclusion of the agreement between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries on the sugar protocol. The measure has no implications for Ireland. We are advised, therefore, that this proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.
COM (2004) 175 is a proposed decision on implementation of a programme to encourage the development, distribution and promotion of European audiovisual works. The MEDIA Plus programme came into force in January 2001 and aims at strengthening the competitiveness of the European audiovisual industry through a series of support measures funded from a budget of €400 million. The current proposal - we need to refer to COM (2004) 176, which is next - seeks to extend the media programme for a further year, up to the end of 2006, to take account of the enlargement of the European Union. This will allow further time for discussion on a new media programme that would commence at the start of 2007. The extension of the programme for a further year for a Union of 25 member states will result in an additional allocation of €85.6 million to the programme. The Department has indicated that it supports the extension of the programme, particularly as it supports lesser-used languages, festivals and television distribution, which match needs in the Irish audiovisual sector. It is proposed that this does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.