Item No. 2 is the draft constitution on the European Commission's annual policy strategy, 2010.
Business of Joint Committee.
With regard to plans for the pre-referendum period, we were presented with position papers. Will we debate that?
Yes, in private.
I would keep all foreigners away, Lord Almighty.
Yes, we shall do that in private session, later on in the meeting.
Perhaps I could have the members' attention, please. Earlier this year we considered the European Commission's annual policy strategy, 2010, and agreed that the publication of the strategy provides members with a valuable opportunity to influence the direction of the European Commission and its priorities for 2010. That arose from the various things that happened over the past 12 months in regard to banking institutions, employment, and so on, and economic policy in general. On initial consideration we support the Commission's prioritisation of some important initiatives, but might highlight some other matters. Therefore the committee heard in public session, Mr. Paul Rellis of Microsoft Ireland as well as representatives from Forfás, Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and the ESB and the main market players who might have an input into economic recovery in the foreseeable future especially given that the main challenges facing the EU are the economic crisis and climate change and that the primary concern of Europeans is the economy and jobs.
At that meeting we asked witnesses to focus on the two priority areas identified in the annual policy strategy, 2010, namely, economic and social recovery and climate change in a sustainable Europe. We have the draft contribution before us, produced as a report of the joint committee, for submission to the European Commission. This report is based on the work of the hearings and of the committee's submission and response to these in private and in public sessions. Unless the members wish, in any way, to alter the report as circulated, is it agreed to issue the contribution as drafted to the European Commission?
Agreed.
Is the Chairman referring to the proposals after the informal meeting?
No, I am not.
Will the committee come to that?
We will, yes.
When the Chairman comes to it, I should like to speak on it.
We shall come to it shortly. Is it agreed to lay this report before both Houses of the Oireachtas and table a motion on the Order Paper in both Houses seeking a debate?
Agreed.
We shall now go to private session.
The joint committee went into private session at 3.20 p.m. and adjourned at 4.20 p.m. until 2.15 p.m. on Tuesday, 21 July 2009.