JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS (Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny) díospóireacht -
Thursday, 27 Oct 2005

Scrutiny of EU Proposals.

Acting Chairman (Senator Bradford)

We turn first to proposals which it is suggested should be referred for further scrutiny, namely, Nos. 1.1 to 1.7. Proposal 1.1, COM (2005) 261, is a proposed directive on passenger car-related taxes. This proposal from the Commission, which would be adopted under the unanimity voting method, seeks to significantly alter the taxation system in operation in the member states regarding passenger cars. If adopted, the measure would gradually see the abolition of vehicle registration tax over five to ten years, establish a VRT refund system for cars transferred between member states, and shift the focus of motor taxation to one based on environmental considerations rather than engine capacity and price.

The Commission argues that the current system of taxation in place across the member states distorts the single market and impacts most on low-income people, as the costs of replacing cars is higher. In the memorandum the Commission also sets out that the issue of CO2 emissions needs to be addressed if targets in this area are to be met. It contends that the use of fiscal measures would be fundamental in meeting these targets.

The Department's note indicates that approximately €1 billion is raised from VRT receipts in Ireland and amendments to the current national system would therefore have fundamental implications for the raising of Exchequer revenue. The proposed shift within the taxation framework to environmental concerns would also be of significance. It is suggested that the proposal be referred for further scrutiny by the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service and be forwarded for information to the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 1.2, COM (2005) 439, is a proposed decision concerning the specific programme to be carried out by the joint research centre, JRC, under the seventh framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities 2007-13. This proposal seeks to develop the scope of the work undertaken by the JRC and its networking within the scientific community. The proposal lists priorities for research such as a European deep-sea telescope, a European high performance computer and a European network of bio-banks and genomic resources.

As members will have noted the Department indicates that it is undertaking a consultation process on this package of proposals. It is suggested that the proposal be referred for further scrutiny by the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business in the context of that committee's consideration of COM (2005) 119 which was referred in May 2005. The committee in forwarding the earlier proposal highlighted the significance of research to the further development of the Irish and European economies. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 1.3, COM (2005) 440, is a proposed decision concerning the specific programme co-operation implementing the seventh framework programme 2007-13. The Commission is proposing that 60% of the proposed framework programme's budget, €44,432 million, be targeted at developing co-operative research between institutes. The programme focuses on nine thematic areas of research. The programme also makes provision for assistance for areas of research not yet foreseen. Particular research projects outlined in this proposal include energy, environmental, security and space related projects. The Commission under the proposal will draw up a work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, setting out in greater detail its objectives and the scientific and technological priorities.

It is suggested that the proposal be referred for further scrutiny by the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business in the context of that committee's consideration of COM (2005) 119 which was referred in May 2005. The committee in forwarding the earlier proposal highlighted the significance of research to the further development of the Irish and European economies. It is also proposed that the proposal be forward for information to the Joint Committee on Education and Science in regard to the aspects of the proposal concerning universities. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 1.4, COM (2005) 441, is a proposed decision concerning the specific programme "ideas" implementing the seventh framework programme 2007-13. The Commission is proposing that €11,862 million of the proposed budget for the programme be established under a European research council that would target assistance at new fast-growing areas of science. This would be developed by, for example, Europe-wide competitions, without regard for established disciplinary boundaries or national borders. Researchers, under the project, would be permitted to propose their own topics. The European Research Council would establish a scientific council, consisting of representatives of the European scientific community, to provide accountability in this process. The Commission would appoint the members of the scientific council.

Certain types of research would be specifically excluded from finance under the programme, for example, research activity aimed at human cloning for reproductive purposes; research intended to change the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such changes heritable; and research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement. No research would be financed that is prohibited in all member states and no research would be financed in a member state where such research is prohibited.

The Department has indicated that it is undertaking a consultation process in this regard. The Department's note indicates that it is fully supportive of the need for a European initiative on basic research. It is proposed that the proposal be referred for further scrutiny by the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business in the context of that committee's consideration of COM (2005) 119 which was referred in May 2005. With regard to this proposal, the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business may wish to consider the scope of projects that could be financed under this programme. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 1.5, COM (2005) 442, deals with a proposed decision concerning the specific programme ‘People', which implements the seventh framework programme from 2007 to 2013. The Commission is proposing that a significant portion of the programme's budget, €7,129 million, be targeted at so-called Marie Curie actions that will aim at stimulating people to embark on scientific careers and assist in developing them when they have started on this career path. It would also aim at attracting highly qualified scientists to Europe.

The assistance would be particularly targeted at networks rather than individuals. Some support would still, however, be made available for individual transnational fellowships. Co-funding would, in addition, be available for regional, national and international programmes. Co-operation between industry and academia would be developed under the programme through support for staff secondments between sectors and the organisation of workshops and conferences enhancing inter-sectoral experience and knowledge exchange.

It is proposed that this matter be referred for further scrutiny by the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business in the context of that committee's consideration of COM (2005) 119. The sub-committee in forwarding the earlier proposal highlighted the significance of research to the further development of the Irish and European economies. It is also proposed this matter be forwarded to the Joint Committee on Education and Science with regard to the aspects of the proposal that relate to promoting links between industry and academia. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 1.6, COM (2005) 443, deals with a proposed decision concerning the specific programme capacities implementing the seventh framework programme from 2007 to 2013. The Commission is proposing a budget of €7,486 million that would be targeted at SMEs and regions, including the outermost regions. The Department indicates that it is undertaking a consultation process on this package of proposals and that it presented a copy of a position paper on SMEs to the Commission in June. The Department had been asked for a copy of the paper and this has now been circulated.

Under the Commission's proposal support for SMEs would be given via two specific schemes: one targeted at supporting small groups of innovative SMEs and the other at SME associations to develop technical solutions to problems common to a large number of SMEs. One other significant element of the proposal is the proposed support for projects that seek to disseminate scientific knowledge.

The Department has confirmed that it has raised the issue of SME participation in EU projects with the Commission and in particular the matter of the perceived level of bureaucracy involved. The Department has also indicated that it has welcomed many aspects of the current set of proposals but has outlined that these endeavours need to be copper-fastened by the inclusion of a specific target for SME participation along the lines of the 15% target for thematic research in FP6. The target for SMEs may need to be more nuanced in FP7 given the more complex nature of the overall programme. However, specific targets could be attached to particular elements and sub-elements of the programme where it is appropriate for SMEs to participate with other partners, leading to an overall target to be achieved of 15%.

It is proposed that this matter be referred for further scrutiny by the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business in the context of that committee's consideration of COM (2005) 119, which was referred earlier in the year. The sub-committee in forwarding the earlier proposal highlighted the significance of research to the further development of the Irish and European economies. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Senator Dardis

It is my understanding the proposal is confined to groups and that an individual SME would not be able to draw down funds unless it was in association with others.

Acting Chairman

That is the focus. Once the projects are announced, submissions will be welcome at that stage. Individual projects can then determine if they fit within the overall scope.

Proposal 1.7, COM (2005) 429, deals with a proposed regulation on common rules in the field of civil aviation security. In both the Department's note and the Commission's memorandum it is set out that regulation 2320/2002, which concerns the detailing of the security measures at airports, was developed urgently following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks. It is suggested that the articles of the adopted regulation were too detailed in some respects and open to a number of different interpretations in others.

The Commission in the memorandum contends that the current proposal, if adopted, would be a clear case and leading example of better regulation. It is proposing that the current measure be replaced by one half its size and merely laying down general principles. However, as this framework regulation would be supplemented by implementing legislation, the extent to which the volume of legislation would be reduced is an open question. The Commission additionally argues that security can be improved by placing operational details in the implementing legislation because it can in this way better respond to certain developments. The Department's note suggests that a further advantage of this route is that it is not in the public interest to publicise new developments in security.

The Commission attempts to address any concerns on shifting the focus to implementing legislation by setting out its view that the ability to react swiftly in the light of risks that are constantly evolving over time is of major significance, and this ability to react swiftly, if necessary, should override potential concerns over the institutional balance for developing legislation. At the core of the proposal is the recasting of legislation dealing with airport security into framework legislation setting out general principles that would be underpinned by implementing legislation. In addition, there is provision for in-flight security, including in-flight security officers, or sky marshals. There currently is no Community legislation in this area, according to the Commission. The memorandum also flags the issue of financing security measures and indicates that the Commission will be advancing some proposals in this area shortly.

It is proposed that this issue be referred for further scrutiny by the Joint Committee on Transport for the possible shape and volume of the implementing legislation and the related issue costs. It is also proposed that the matter be forwarded for information to the Joint Committee on European Affairs with regard to the institutional issues arising from the proposed move towards implementing legislation. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The second item on the agenda considers Title IV measures. Item 2.1, COM (2005) 381 part 1, is a proposed decision introducing a simplified regime for the control of persons at the external borders where new member states recognise certain documents as equivalent to their national visas for the purposes of transit through their territories. COM (2005) 381, part 2 is a proposed decision establishing a simplified regime for the control of persons at the external borders based on the unilateral recognition by member states of certain residence permits issued by Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The Department's note underlines that the proposals constitute a development of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not participate. Ireland therefore does not take part in the adoption of this proposal and would not be bound by its application. It is proposed that this matter does not warrant further scrutiny.

Senator Dardis

It could be seen as unfortunate, depending on one's perspective, that Deputy Gay Mitchell is not here to discuss the matter.

Acting Chairman

The Senator's observation and concern for the Deputy's absence is noted. The third item on the agenda relates to CFSP measures, three of which are to be considered under headings 3.1 to 3.3, inclusive. Item 3.1, CFSP (2005) 666, deals with a Council common position on restrictive measures against certain officials of Belarus. The common position extends the restrictive measures relating to certain officials of Belarus for a further 12-month period, until September 2006. These measures were first considered by the sub-committee in November 2004.

The original common position followed from a report adopted by parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe concerning the fate of four well-known persons who disappeared in Minsk in 1999 and 2000. The report by a member of the assembly from Cyprus, Mr. Christos Pourgourides, indicated that a proper investigation of the disappearances had not been carried out by the competent Belorussian authorities. It is proposed to note the measure. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 3.2, CFSP (2005) 689, is for a Council common position on further measures in support of the effective implementation of the mandate of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, ICTY. The position updates the measures in place in relation to a number of persons being sought by the international tribunal, in particular Radovan Karadzic, Ante Gotovina and Ratko Mladic. The measures in place relate to the freezing of funds and assets. The position extends the period for the operation of the measures for a further twelve-month period. It is proposed to note the measure. Is this agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 3.3, CFSP (2005) 724, is for Council joint action appointing the European Union special representative in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. This joint action approves the appointment of Mr. Erwan Fouéré as the EU Special Representative in FYROM replacing Mr. Michael Sahlin, whose mandate will end on 31 October 2005. The mandate of the special representative in FYROM has been considered by the scrutiny committee on a number of occasions. The mandate encompasses the need to establish and maintain close contact with the government of FYROM and with the parties involved in the political process. It also includes offering the EU's advice and facilitation in the political process. The committee considered the mandate of the EU special representative in FYROM in September 2005 when it was indicated that the position was under review.

Mr. Erwan Fouéré is an Irish national and his curriculum vitae is attached for information. He was also appointed the Commission representative in FYROM. It is an innovation for one person to combine these two roles. It is proposed to note the measure. Is this agreed? Agreed.

Item 4 relates to deferred documents. There are no proposals which it is proposed to defer. Item 5 relates to documents 5.1 to 5.25 which it is proposed do not warrant any further scrutiny.

Proposal 5.1, COM (2005) 333, is a proposed decision concerning the agreement with the Swiss Confederation with respect to scientific and technological co-operation. This agreement was negotiated in the context of closer co-operation between Switzerland and the European Union. The committee has considered over several months a number of the proposals that follow from this closer co-operation. The agreement is based on the principle of Swiss participation in related EU programmes and on the Swiss Confederation contributing toward the costs of the sixth framework programmes. Those contributions will be based on a ratio of its GDP compared to that of the Union. It is proposed that the proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is this agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.2, COM (2005) 373, is a proposed decision on the replacement of members of the European Social Fund committee. This proposal seeks to appoint a new committee following proposed changes in the composition of the delegations of a number of member states. There are no proposed changes in the Irish delegation. It is proposed that the proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is this agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.3, COM (2005) 384, is a proposed regulation on the common organisation of the market in seeds. The Commission is proposing here that Council Regulation EEC No. 2358/71 be amended to reflect the changes made in the regime concerning the seed market since 1971. Members will have seen that the Department's note indicates its view that the adoption of the proposal has no implications for Ireland. It is proposed that the proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is this agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.4, COM (2005) 386, is a proposed regulation on the common organisation of the market in hops. This proposal is, I understand, primarily a consolidation exercise following the amendment of the EU regulations governing the market in hops, particularly the move to a single payment. The Department indicates that the adoption of the proposal would have no implications for Ireland. It is proposed that the proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is this agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.5, COM (2005) 393,is a proposed decision on the signature, provisional application and conclusion of the agreement between the European Community and Morocco on certain aspects of air services. This proposal concerns the agreement between the EC and Morocco that would supplement the national agreements in place. The agreement underlines the principle of non-discrimination between operators based across the EU. It is proposed that the proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is this agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.6, COM (2005) 395, is a proposed regulation on the common organisation of the market in wine. This proposal primarily relates to a number of the member states that acceded to the Union in 2004. Areas of Poland, inter alia, would under the proposal be designated wine-growing regions and Slovakia and Slovenia would no longer be required to undertake certain wine processes due to the development of new technology. I understand that, among other things, the proposed measure includes Poland along with other northerly situated member states, such as Ireland, where it is permitted to add additional sugar to wine to compensate for the colder climate. It is proposed that the proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is this agreed? Agreed.

Senator Dardis

With global warming we can look forward to an explosion of good wines from Ireland, with particularly good vintages coming from Cork.

Acting Chairman

We live in hope. Proposal 5.7, COM (2005) 404, is a proposed regulation concerning the conclusion of the partnership agreement between the European Community and the Solomon Islands on fishing off the Solomon Islands. It is proposed that the proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is this agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.8, COM (2005) 414, is a proposed decision establishing the Community position in respect of the prolongation of the International Sugar Agreement 1992. The International Sugar Agreement concerns the promotion of international trade in sugar and the Department has indicated that the adoption of the proposal would have no implications for Ireland. It is proposed that the proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is this agreed? Agreed.

I propose to take proposals 5.9 and 5.10 together as they both relate to fishing agreements with the Republic of Seychelles. Proposal 5.9, COM (2005) 420, is a proposal for a Council decision concerning the provisional application of a protocol setting out fishing opportunities for Community vessels and the Community’s contribution to the Republic of Seychelles in this regard. Proposal 5.10, COM (2005) 421, is a proposal for a Council regulation concerning the conclusion of the protocol setting out fishing opportunities for Community vessels and the Community’s contribution to the Republic of Seychelles in this regard. The protocol would cover the period 18 January 2005 to 17 January 2011 and concerns tuna fish. A limited number of Community vessels would, under the protocol, be permitted to fish in the waters around the islands and the Community would contribute €4.125 million to the islands, 36% of which is designated for use in developing the fisheries sector on the Republic of Seychelles. It is proposed that the proposals do not warrant further scrutiny. Is this agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.11, COM (2005) 433, is aproposed regulation on the tariff rates for bananas. The Commission’s memorandum to this proposal sets out that the issue of the tariff rate on bananas has been the subject of some debate with the World Trade Organisation. The Commission’s initial proposal was found to be unacceptable to the WTO and the Commission is proposing here that the tariff rate for imports of bananas from the ACP countries be set at a rate of zero and that quotas for traditional and non-traditional trade flow countries be put in place. I understand that, in addition, the rate of duty for a number of countries would increase under the proposal. The Department indicates in its note that it is difficult to anticipate the price impact of the proposal, although this is likely to be slightly negative, given that the anticipated impact of the proposal is an increase in tariff duties collected. However, the proposal also seeks approval for opening the banana market to more non-traditional sources and this, I understand, should increase competition and therefore keep any price increases to a minimum. It is proposed that the proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is this agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.12, COM (2005) 435, is a proposed Council decision on the signing of the Energy Community Treaty and a proposed decision on the conclusion of the Energy Community Treaty. The treaty with ten countries south-east of the Union follows from the Thessaloniki Council of June 2003 and aims to create an integrated energy market in Europe. It provides, inter alia,for the implementation of the relevant acquis communautaire on energy, environment, competition and renewables for the non-EU countries of the region. It also aims to promote regional co-operation in energy matters. In the Commission’s memorandum to the proposal the hope is expressed that the implementation of the treaty’s provisions will promote investment and enable the economic development and social stability of the region. The Department’s note expresses the view that the proposal is of minor significance to Ireland, but may have some significance in relation to future electricity supply. It is proposed that the proposal for Council decisions does not warrant further scrutiny, but that the proposed measure should be forwarded to the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for information. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.13 COM (2005) 460 deals with a proposal to include the Maldives in a list of countries covered by decision 24/2000 following the Indian Ocean tsunamis of December 2004. This proposal seeks approval for the inclusion of the Maldives in a list of countries in regard to the European Investment Bank, EIB, thereby allowing the EIB to lend to the Maldives under the coverage of a Community guarantee. It is proposed that this matter does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.14 COM (2005) 487 deals with a proposed regulation adjusting from 1 July 2005 the rate of contribution to the pension scheme of officials and other servants of the European Communities. This proposal follows from an assessment of the situation in relation to the pension funds for officials and other servants of the European Communities and seeks to raise the rate of the staff's contribution to 10.25%, the maximum permitted under staff regulations.

Senator Dardis

Is that staff's contribution?

Acting Chairman

It is staff's contribution. It is proposed that this matter does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.15 SEC (2005) 1226 deals with preliminary draft amendment budget No. 8 to the budget for 2005 — general statement of revenue and expenditure. The Commission's memorandum to this proposed measure sets out that changes in revenue and expenditure to the 2005 budget need to be taken into account due to a number of altered situations. As members will have noted, it is indicated that there is a need to budget an exceptional increase in the forecast of revenue, in particular following the revision of the forecasts of VAT and GNI and I understand that balances amounting to €2,600 million are at issue here. There is also a need for an increase of payment appropriations for most of the budget lines in relation to Structural Funds amounting to €650 million and for the writing in as revenue of a repayment of unused Community aid.

I understand that the Department has confirmed that the increases in VAT and GNI balances arise from higher than anticipated economic activity in a number of member states, and that the need for higher appropriations occurs as a result of Structural Funds being drawn down at a faster rate than previously anticipated. The Department has confirmed it is not possible to indicate what the final net effect of these changes will be for Ireland, but has estimated that as a result of these developments €86 million is expected to be paid during 2005, with any surplus in the 2005 budget acting as revenue in 2006 and reducing member state contributions accordingly. It is proposed that this matter does not warrant further scrutiny, but that the related documentation be forwarded to the Joint Committee on European Affairs for information. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I propose to take related items 5.16 and 5.17 together. Proposals 5.16 and 5.17, SEC(2005)1083 and COM (2005) 401, respectively, deal with a proposal for a Council decision on the mobilisation of the EU solidarity fund and a preliminary amending budget No. 6 to the budget for 2005. The inter-institutional agreement of 2002 allows for the mobilisation of up to €1 billion for the solidarity fund. In April 2005, as members may recall, the sub-committee considered a proposal from the Commission that sought to amend the current rules governing the fund. The current proposal is seeking approval for assistance amounting to €92.88 million to assist Sweden, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania in relation to major storm damage. It is proposed that this matter does not warrant further scrutiny, but that the proposed measure be forwarded to the Joint Committee on European Affairs for information as another example of the European solidarity fund in operation. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.18 COM (2005) 426 deals with a proposed decision concerning the signing of the Council of Europe convention No. 198 on laundering, search, seizure and confiscation of the proceeds from crime and on the financing of terrorism. The Commission is seeking approval for the signature on behalf of the EC of the Council of Europe convention on laundering, search, seizure and confiscation of the proceeds from crime and on the financing of terrorism. The convention is an amended version of a 1990 convention and extends its provisions to encompass the financing of terrorism. The Department indicates that the convention is consistent with an earlier proposal concerning money laundering, which was forwarded for information by this scrutiny sub-committee to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality Defence and Women's Rights in September 2004. The Department also sets out that Ireland already has extensive national legislation in this area and that the Office of the Attorney General has been requested to indicate whether additional legislation would be required on foot of this convention.

The Commission's memorandum to the proposal indicates that the threat from money laundering has developed since 1990 and that work in this area advanced during the Irish, Dutch and Luxembourg Presidencies. The convention includes a number of definitions and sets out a framework for tacking the laundering of funds. In relation to the financing of terrorism the convention states, each party shall ensure that it is able to search, trace, identify, freeze, seize and confiscate property, of a licit or illicit origin, used or allocated to be used by any means, in whole or in part, for the financing of terrorism, or the proceeds of this offence, and to provide co-operation to this end to the widest possible extent.

The Commission has unusually attached a declaration to this proposal underlining its "great concern" with the very limited role it would have in amending the convention and it goes on to state that "the general and final clauses of the Convention can in no way be viewed as a precedent". Amendments under the convention will be approved by the Committee of Ministers.It is proposed that this matter does not warrant further scrutiny, but that the related documentation be forwarded to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights for information in its own right and in the context of COM (2004) 448 and of the Commission's declaration. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal COM (2005) 463 deals with a proposed decision concerning the conclusion of the International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives 2005. The agreement seeks to, inter alia, promote standard international contracts and the application of international standards and uniform methods of analysis. It is proposed that this matter does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.20 COM (2005) 497 deals with a proposed regulation imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty and collecting definitively the provisional duty imposed on imports of certain stainless steel fasteners originating in China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam and terminating the proceeding on imports of certain stainless steel fasteners originating in Malaysia and the Philippines. It is proposed that this matter does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.21 COM (2005) 412 deals with a proposed regulation relating to measures envisaged to facilitate the procedures for applying for and issuing visas for members of the Olympic family taking part in the 2006 Olympic and-or the Paralympic Winter Games in Torino. The proposal seeks approval for a number of measures that would facilitate the provision of Schengen visas to certain participants in the games. The visa process in this regard would be linked intrinsically with participation in the games and associated accreditation card. This is a Schengen-related Title IV proposal that does not directly concern Ireland or Britain. It is proposed that this matter does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Senator Dardis

We might be hearing from Deputy Gay Mitchell, MEP, again.

Acting Chairman

He is very much on Senator Dardis's mind.

Senator Dardis

I have heard him speak at length on Schengen.

Acting Chairman

Proposal 5.22 COM (2005) 495 deals with a proposal for a regulation terminating a review of the anti-dumping measures on imports of bicycles originating in China. It is proposed that this matter does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.23 COM (2005) 496 deals with a proposal for a regulation imposing a definitive duty on imports of potassium chloride, better known as potash down the country, originating in Belarus or the Russian Federation. I am advised that this proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.24 COM (2005) 500 deals with a proposal for a regulation extending the partial suspension of certain anti-dumping measures imposed on imports of certain seamless pipes and tubes of iron or non-alloy steel originating in Croatia and Ukraine. I am advised that this proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proposal 5.25 COM (2005) 501 deals with a proposal for a regulation imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of steel ropes from a number of countries. I am advised that this proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Item No. 6 is adopted measures. No adopted proposals were received for consideration today. Item No. 7 is early warning notes. No early warning notes were received for today's meeting. Item No. 8 is minutes of the previous meeting. The minutes of the previous meeting of 6 October have been circulated. Are they agreed? Agreed.

I propose that the next meeting of the sub-committee will take place on Thursday, 17 November 2005 at 9.30 a.m., which will be in three weeks' time. Is that agreed? Agreed. I thank the members for their co-operation. The meeting is adjourned.

The joint committee adjourned at 10.10 a.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Thursday, 17 November 2005.