tithe an oireachtais an comhchoiste um ghnÓthaÍ an …

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

AN COMHCHOISTE UM GHNÓTHAÍ AN AONTAIS EORPAIGH

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2017

_______________

HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN UNION AFFAIRS

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

32ENUA0013

Joint Committee on European Union Affairs

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents ....................................................................................... 1

Chairman’s Foreword .................................................................................. 2

1. Content and Format of Report ................................................................ 3

2. Establishment and Functions .................................................................. 3

3. Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Membership .............................................. 4

4. Meetings, Attendance and Recording ....................................................... 4

5. Number and Duration of Meetings .......................................................... 5

5.1 Joint Committee .................................................................................................................... 5

5.2 Select Committee ................................................................................................................ 15

5.3 Informal Meetings ............................................................................................................... 15

6. Witnesses attending before the Joint Committee .................................... 22

7. Committee Reports Agreed .................................................................. 22

8. Travel ............................................................................................... 22

9. Report on Functions and Powers ........................................................... 23

APPENDIX 1 Orders of Reference .............................................................. 24

APPENDIX 2 Membership ......................................................................... 32

APPENDIX 3 Meetings of the Joint Committee ............................................ 33

APPENDIX 4 Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee ......................... 38


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Chairman’s Foreword On behalf of the Joint Committee on European Union

Affairs, I am pleased to present the Joint

Committee’s Annual Report for 2017.

This year saw the Joint Committee continue its work

on preparations for the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. The Joint

Committee met with the British Ambassador, and at a special meeting of the

other Joint Committees, European Parliament Brexit Coordinator Mr Guy

Verhofstadt MEP. The Joint Committee also engaged with the Minister of State

for European Affairs on key developments regarding the Brexit negotiations.

The Joint Committee took account of the priorities at the start of each of the

Maltese and Estonian Presidencies of the Council of the European Union, as

they shaped the agenda of the EU.

Following the publication of the European Commission’s White Paper on the

Future of Europe in April 2017, the Joint Committee held a series of meetings

with representative groups to discuss their views and perspectives.

The Joint Committee was pleased to meet with European Commission First

Vice-President Mr Frans Timmermans and European Commissioner Mr Tibor

Navracsics, and to hold strong engagements with Irish MEPs, as well as

European Commission officials, Ambassadors and other stakeholders.

Finally, I would like to thank my colleagues on the Joint Committee and the

staff of the secretariat for their continued hard work and dedication.

Michael Healy-Rae TD

Chairman

27 JULY 2018


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1. Content and Format of Report

This report has been prepared pursuant to Standing Order 89 (3), (4), (5) and

(6) (Dáil Éireann) and Standing Order 76 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Seanad

Éireann) which provide for the Joint Committee to-

undertake a review of its procedure and its role generally;

prepare an annual work programme;

lay minutes of its proceedings before both Houses; and

make an annual report to both Houses.

At its meeting on the 9 May 2018 the Joint Committee agreed that these

items should be included in this report covering the period from 1 January

2017 to 31 December 2017.

2. Establishment and Functions The Dáil Select Committee was established by Order of Dáil Éireann of 5 July

2016 to consider such matters arising from:

Ireland’s membership of the European Union;

Ireland’s adherence to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty

on the Functioning of the European Union, as it may select and

which are not referred to any other Committee;

Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade;

proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within the

meaning of Standing Order 187; and

other matters referred to it by Dáil Éireann.

The Dáil Select Committee under the same Order was enjoined with a Select

Committee of Seanad Éireann, established by Order of Seanad Éireann of 21

July 2016, to form the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs. Among the

principal functions of the Joint Committee are to consider matters arising

from;

the European Commission’s strategic planning documents including

the Commission Work Programme;


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cross-sectoral policy developments at European Union level;

matters listed for consideration on the agenda for meetings of the

General Affairs Council of Ministers and the outcome of such

meetings;

regulations under the European Communities Acts 1972 to 2009,

other instruments made under statute and necessitated by the

obligations of membership of the European Union as the Committee

may select;

notifications referred by the Dáil under Standing Order 115(1)(a),

notifications of proposals for the amendment of the Treaties

received from the European Council pursuant to Article 48.2 of the

Treaty on European Union;

notifications of applications for membership of the European Union

received from the European Council pursuant to Article 49 of the

Treaty on European Union; and

other matters referred to it from time to time.

The Joint Committee represents both Houses of the Oireachtas at the

Conference of European Affairs Committees (COSAC) and reports thereon to

both Houses. The consolidated Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee on

European Affairs are set out at Appendix 1.

3. Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Membership Dáil SO 93(2) provides for a proportion of Chairs to be allocated to each

group by means of the D’Hondt System. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae TD was

appointed as Chairman of the Select Committee by Resolution of Dáil Éireann

on 7 July 2016. The Chairman of the Select Committee of Dáil Éireann is also

Chairman of the Joint Committee. Senator Terry Leyden was elected Vice-

Chairman of the Joint Committee on 4 October 2016.

Membership of the Joint Committee is listed at Appendix 2.

4. Meetings, Attendance and Recording

Meetings of the Joint Committee took place in the Committee rooms in

Leinster House 2000. Meetings were in public unless otherwise ordered by the


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Joint Committee.

Joint Committee proceedings were broadcast live within Leinster House and

also made available to RTE, TV3 and TG4. Proceedings were also webcast

making them available worldwide on the internet The proceedings of

Committees in public session, typically recorded but occasionally live, and are

broadcast on the dedicated parliamentary channel Oireachtas TV which is

available on these channels:

Saorview 22, Sky 574, Virgin Media 207, eir Vision 504

Vodaphone Channels 201, 207 and 208

An Official Report (Parliamentary Debates) of the public meetings of the Joint

Committee may be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas website at

www.oireachtas.ie.

Copies of other reports published by the Joint Committee are also available on

the Oireachtas Committee website pages at www.oireachtas.ie. A list of these

reports is set out at section 7.

5. Number and Duration of Meetings

5.1 Joint Committee The Joint Committee met on 21 occasions during the period under report. The

discussions involved in these meetings lasted approximately 32 hours.

The subject matter of each meeting of the Joint Committee, including the

groups, organisations or individuals who attended the meetings, is detailed in

Appendix 3. The Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee in public

session are attached at Appendix 4.

http://www.oireachtas.ie/

http://www.oireachtas.ie/


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Engagement with European Institutions

European Parliament

Engagement with MEPs from the Island of Ireland on 24 May 2017

On 21 September 2017, a meeting was held of three Joint

Committees to engage with Mr Guy

Verhofstadt MEP, European Parliament Brexit Coordinator

Members of the Joint

Committee met with Mr James Temple-

Smithson on 1 March 2017, to discuss the

work of the European Parliament Information Office in Dublin


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Council of the European Union

Members of

the Joint Committee

met with HE Mrs Kristi Karelsohn,

Ambassador of Estonia to

Ireland, and discussed the

priorities of the Estonian Presidency of

the Council of the European

Union

Both Mr Dara Murphy TD and Ms Helen McEntee TD,

as Minister with responsibility for

European Affairs, met the Joint Committee a number of times for engagements on

the work of the General Affairs Council (GAC).

Also pictured here, with

Minister McEntee, Mme Valérie Gomex-Bassac, Deputy of the French

National Assembly


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European Commission

On 21 February 2017, a Joint meeting of the Joint

Committee on European Union Affairs and the Joint Committee on

Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence was held

with Mr Frans Timmermans, First Vice-President of the

European Commission

Mr Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport joined the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs for a

meeting in December 2017


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Engagement on the Future of Europe In 2017, the Joint Committee held a series of engagements on the Future of

Europe, prompted by the European Commission’s White Paper. The series

began with the Head of the European Commission Representation in Dublin, Mr

Gerry Kiely, presenting the White Paper and followed engagements with

Minister McEntee and a wide variety of interest representatives and experts.

European Commission Mr Gerry Kiely, Head of the European

Commission Office in Dublin

Minister for European Affairs Ms Helen McEntee

National Youth Council (NYCI) Mr Robert Nesirky and Ms Vanessa

Mulhallon

Ibec Dr Pat Ivory, Director of EU and

International Affairs


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European Movement Ireland (EMI)

Mr Maurice Pratt, Chairperson, and Ms Noelle O’Connell, Executive Director

Irish Creamery Milk Supplier

Association (ICMSA) Mr John Comer, President, and Mr John Enright, General Secretary

Macra na Feirme Mr James Healy, National President

Irish Congress of Trade Union

(Congress)

Mr Peter Rigney, Industrial Officer

Ambassador of France to Ireland

HE Mr Stéphane Crouzat

Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA)

Mr Joe Healy, President and representatives

Environmental Pillar

Mr Michael Ewing, Coordinator Earth Institute, University

College Dublin (UCD) Dr Eoin O’Neill and Dr Finbarr

Brereton, Lecturers in Environmental Policy


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Social Justice Ireland Dr Seán Healy, CEO; and

European Anti-Poverty

Network (EAPN) Ireland Mr Paul Ginnell, Policy Officer

Disability Federation of Ireland Ms Fiona O’Donovan, Policy and

Research Assistant

European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport

Mr Tibor Navracsics


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Engagement on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU The negotiations on the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union featured strongly in the work of the Joint Committee in 2017, both in engagements at

Joint Committee meetings, and in a delegation visit to Brussels to meet many of the key policy makers and stakeholders in the negotiations.

Engagement with HE Robin Barnett CMG, British Ambassador to Ireland,

JCEUA meeting on 4 April 2017

Meeting with Mr Michel Barnier, Chief Negotiator, Task Force for

the Preparation and Conduct of the Negotiation with the United Kingdom under Article 50 TEU, European Commission


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Meeting with Mr Guy Verhofstadt, European Parliament Brexit Coordinator

Meeting with Ms Emily O’Reilly , European Ombudsman

Meeting with Mr Phil Hogan, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development


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Meeting with MEPs from the Island of Ireland

Meeting with the Permanent Representative of Ireland to the

United Kingdom, Mr Declan Kelleher, and colleagues

Meeting with Irish Members of the European Committee of the

Regions

Meeting with representatives of

Irish Organisations working in Brussels and other stakeholders


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5.2 Select Committee The Dáil Select Committee was not required to meet in 2017.

5.3 Informal Meetings An important part of the Committee’s work is to meet with incoming

parliamentary delegations. Often for logistical reasons these take the form of informal meetings.

The Joint Committee met informally with visiting parliamentary delegations and Ministers on 14 occasions during the period under report.

In addition, the Chairman met informally with Ambassadors to Ireland from EU

Member States and other stakeholders.

Informal Meetings held with delegations

Austria Austrian Federal Council (Bundesrat), led by Mr Edgar Mayer, President of the Austrian Federal Council

European Parliament

European Conservatives and Reformists(ECR) Customs Working Group

Denmark Danish Parliament’s Brexit Expert Monitoring Group, led by Chairman of EU Affairs Committee, Mr Erik Christensen

Estonia Estonian Parliament, led by President of the Riigikogu, Mr Eiki

Nestor

Germany The Bundestag, led by the President, Professor Norbert Lammert

Hungary Hungarian National Assembly, led by the speaker Mr László Kóvér

Latvia Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Edgars Rinkēvičs

Romania Committee for Labour and Social Protection, Chamber of Deputies,

led by Chair of the Committee, Mr Adrian Solomon

Scotland Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Relations,

Scottish Government, Ms Fiona Hyslop

Slovenia National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, led by the Speaker,

Dr Milan Brglez

UK/Ireland Committee B of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly

UK House of Commons, Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, led by the Chair Mr Laurence Robertson

UK The Rt Hon the Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top, House of Lords

UK House of Commons, Select Committee on Exiting the European Union, led by Chair, Rt Hon Hilary Benn

https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/parliament-of-estonia/composition/members-riigikogu/saadik/81aecc23-8483-48d6-9217-289fce86b1b5/Eiki-Nestor

https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/parliament-of-estonia/composition/members-riigikogu/saadik/81aecc23-8483-48d6-9217-289fce86b1b5/Eiki-Nestor


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Engagement with Visiting Parliamentary Delegations

Denmark

A delegation representing the Danish Parliament (Folketinget) met with the Joint Committee on 11 September 2017 to consider the effect of British

plans to leave the European Union. The Head of the delegation of the group was Mr Erik Christensen, who is also Chairman of the Danish European Union Affairs Committee.

Germany

A delegation led by the President of the German Bundestag, Prof Norbert Lammert met the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and Members of the Joint Committee on 23 February 2017. At the meeting issues of mutual

interest and concern were discussed, including Brexit and the Future of the EU.


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Latvia

Meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Mr Edgars Rinkēvičs, accompanied by Ambassador Jānis Sīlis

United Kingdom

A delegation from the House of Commons’ Select Committee on Exiting the European Union met with Members of the Joint Committee and

Members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence


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Members of the House of Commons’ Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (NIAC) visited Dublin and met with the Joint Committee and the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement


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Informal Meetings held by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman

The Chairman, Michael Healy-Rae TD, assisted on occasion by the Vice-Chairman, Senator Terry Leyden, undertook to hold regular meetings with the

diplomatic community posted to Ireland, visiting dignitaries and key stakeholders.

The meetings were a chance to improve mutual understanding of key issues, the complexity of positions and priorities for the future.

Austria HE Dr Thomas Nader, Ambassador of Austria to Ireland

Austria HE Dr Helmut Freudenschuss, Ambassador of Austria to Ireland

Belgium HE Philippe Roland, Ambassador of Belgium to Ireland

Bosnia &

Herzegovina

Mr Igor Crnadak, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Bulgaria HE Mr Branimir Zaimov, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Ireland

Finland Mr Timo Soini, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Finland HE Ms Jaana Teckenberg, Ambassador of Finland to Ireland

France Deputy Valérie Gomez-Bassac, Member of the European Affairs Committee, National Assembly of France

France HE Mr Stéphane Crouzat, Ambassador of France to Ireland

Georgia Mr George Zurabashvili, Envoy and Chargé d’Affaires of Georgia

Germany HE Mr Matthias Höpfner, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of

Germany to Ireland

Greece HE Katia Georgiou, Ambassador of Greece to Ireland

Hungary HE Mr Istvan Pálffy, Ambassador of Hungary to Ireland

Italy Mr Sandro Gozi, Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Latvia HE Mr Gints Apals, Ambassador of Latvia to Ireland

Latvia HE Mr Jānis Sīlis, Ambassador of Latvia to Ireland

Lithuania HE Mr Egidijus Meilūnas, Ambassador of Lithuania to Ireland

Lithuania HE Ms Rasa Adomaitiené, Ambassador of Lithuania to Ireland

Netherlands HE Mr Peter Kok, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Ireland and Mr

Thom Kluck, Deputy Head of Mission

Poland HE Mr Ryszard Sarkowicz, Ambassador of Poland to Ireland

Slovenia Mr Iztok Mirošič, State Secretary

Sweden HE Ms Anna Brandt, Ambassador of Sweden to Ireland

UK HE Mr Robin Barnett, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ireland

Ukraine Mrs Olena Shaloput, Chargé d’Affaires

European Parliament

Mr James Temple-Smithson, Head of the European Parliament Office in Ireland


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Informal meetings with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Austria HE Dr Nader

Belgium HE Mr Roland

Bosnia and Herzegovina Mr Crnadak, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Bulgaria HE Mr Zaimov

Finland

Mr Soini Minister for Foreign

Affairs

Finland HE Ms Teckenberg

France

Deputy Gomez-Bassac

France

HE Mr Crouzat

Georgia and Ukraine

Ms Shaloput and Mr Zurabashvili


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Greece HE Ms Georgiou

Hungary HE Mr Pálffy

Latvia HE Mr Apals

Latvia HE Mr Sīlis

Lithuania

HE Mr Meilūnas Lithuania

HE Ms Adomaitiené Netherlands

HE Mr Kok Poland

HE Mr Sarkowicz

Slovenia

HE Mr Mirošič,

State Secretary

Sweden

HE Ms Brandt

United Kingdom

HE Mr Barnett

European Parliament

Mr Temple-Smithson


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6. Witnesses attending before the Joint Committee During the period, the number of speaking witnesses to the Joint Committee was 42.

7. Committee Reports Agreed During the period under report, the Joint Committee agreed Reports eight in

total, as follows:

i. Annual Report 2016

ii. Meeting of the Chairpersons of COSAC, Malta, 22-23 January 2017

iii. Travel Report - Brussels 7-8 February 2017

iv. Annual Report on the Operation of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002

1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016

v. Travel Report - COSAC Delegation Visit, Pozzallo, Italy, 5 – 6 May 2017

vi. COSAC LVII Plenary Meeting, Malta, 28-30 May 2017

vii. European Parliament High Level Conference on Migration Management,

Brussels, Belgium, 21 June 2017

viii. Meeting of the Chairpersons of COSAC, Tallinn, Estonia, 9-10 July 2017

8. Travel The Joint Committee undertook the following travel in accordance with its Orders of Reference in connection with its work programme:

1. Purpose of travel COSAC Chairpersons meeting Destination Malta

Date 22-23 January 2017 Member travelling Senator Terry Leyden (Vice-Chairman)

Accompanying Officials Ivan Farmer (Policy Advisor)

2. Purpose of travel Discussions on Brexit Destination Brussels

Date 7-8 February 2017 Members travelling Deputies Michael Healy-Rae (Chairman),

Seán Crowe, Bernard Durkan, Seán Haughey,

Senators Gerard P. Craughwell and Neale Richmond.

Accompanying Official Heidi Lougheed (Clerk to the Committee)

3. Purpose of travel Migration crisis - COSAC Delegation Visit Destination Pozzallo, Sicily

Date 5-6 May 2017 Members travelling Senator Gerard P. Craughwell

Accompanying Official None


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4. Purpose of travel LVII COSAC Plenary

Destination Malta Date 28 - 30 May 2017

Members travelling Deputies Colm Brophy, Bernard Durkan,

Senators Terry Leyden(Vice-Chairman), Gerard P. Craughwell and Neale Richmond

Accompanying Officials Heidi Lougheed (Clerk to the Committee) and Ivan Farmer (Policy Advisor)

5. Purpose of travel High Level Conference on Migration

Management Destination Brussels

Date 21 June 2017 Member travelling Senator Gerard P. Craughwell


6. Purpose of travel: COSAC Chairpersons meeting Destination Tallinn

Date: 9-10 July 2017 Member travelling Senator Terry Leyden, (Vice-Chairman),

Accompanying Official Rachel Breen (Committee Secretariat)

7. Purpose of travel Constitutional Affairs Committee (AFCO)

Interparliamentary Committee meeting on the Future of Europe

Destination Brussels

Date 11 October 2017 Member travelling Senator Gerard P. Craughwell


8. Purpose of travel LVIII COSAC Plenary meeting

Destination Tallinn Date 26 – 28 November 2017

Member travelling Senator Gerard P. Craughwell Accompanying Official Heidi Lougheed (Clerk to the Committee)

9. Report on Functions and Powers

The Joint Committee is currently satisfied with its present procedures and

role.


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APPENDIX 1 Orders of Reference

Dáil Éireann on 5 July 2016 ordered:

“(1) Go gceapfar Roghchoiste, dá ngairfear an Roghchoiste um Ghnóthaí an Aontais Eorpaigh,

ar a mbeidh seacht gcomhalta de Dháil Éireann, chun

breithniú a dhéanamh ar cibé nithe a éiríonn—

(1) That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select Committee on European Union

Affairs, consisting of seven members of Dáil Éireann, be

appointed to consider such matters arising from—

(a) as ballraíocht na hÉireann san Aontas Eorpach, agus

(a) Ireland’s membership of the European Union, and

(b) as Éirinn do chloí leis an

gConradh ar an Aontas Eorpach agus leis an gConradh ar Fheidhmiú

an Aontais Eorpaigh,

(b) Ireland’s adherence to the

Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European

Union,

a roghnóidh sé agus nach bhfuil tarchurtha chuig aon

Choiste eile.

as it may select and which are not referred to any other

Committee.

(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht mhír (1), breithneoidh an Coiste—

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), the Select Committee shall consider

such—

(a) cibé Billí a bpléann an Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála leis an dlí

reachtach ina leith,

(a) Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of

Foreign Affairs and Trade,

(b) cibé tograí a bheidh in aon tairiscint, lena n-

áirítear aon tairiscint de réir bhrí Bhuan-Ordú 187, agus

(b) proposals contained in any motion, including any

motion within the meaning of Standing Order 187, and

(c) cibé nithe eile, (c) other matters,

a tharchuirfidh an Dáil chuige. as shall be referred to it by the

Dáil.

(3) Beidh an tAire Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála (nó comhalta den Rialtas nó Aire

Stáit a ainmneofar chun gníomhú ina áit nó ina háit

chun na críche sin), ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta ex officio den Roghchoiste chun

na nithe atá leagtha amach i mír (2)(a) agus (b) a

(3) The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (or a member of the Government or Minister of State

nominated to act in his or her stead for that purpose) shall be

an ex officio member of the Select Committee for the purpose of consideration of the

matters outlined at paragraph (2)(a) and (b) and shall be


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bhreithniú agus beidh sé nó sí

i dteideal vótáil in imeachtaí an Roghchoiste.

entitled to vote in Select

Committee proceedings.

(4) Beidh ag an Roghchoiste na

cumhachtaí a mhínítear i mBuan-Ordú 85(1), (2) agus (3).

(4) The Select Committee shall have

the powers defined in Standing Order 85(1), (2) and (3).

(5) Déanfar an Roghchoiste a

chomhcheangal le Roghchoiste arna cheapadh ag Seanad Éireann chun

bheith ina Chomhchoiste um Ghnóthaí an Aontais Eorpaigh,

agus, gan dochar do ghinearáltacht mhír (1), déanfaidh an Roghchoiste an

méid seo a leanas a bhreithniú—

(5) The Select Committee shall be

joined with a Select Committee appointed by Seanad Éireann, to form the Joint Committee on

European Union Affairs, which, without prejudice to the

generality of paragraph (1), shall consider—

(a) doiciméid phleanála

straitéiseacha Choimisiún AE lena n-áirítear Clár Oibre an Choimisiúin,

(a) the EU Commission’s

strategic planning documents including the Commission Work

Programme,

(b) forbairtí beartais tras-earnála ag leibhéal an

Aontais Eorpaigh,

(b) cross-sectoral policy developments at European

Union level,

(c) nithe a liostaítear lena

mbreithniú ar an gclár gnó i gcomhair cruinnithe

de Chomhairle Gnóthaí Ginearálta na nAirí agus toradh cruinnithe den

sórt sin,

(c) matters listed for

consideration on the agenda for meetings of the General

Affairs Council of Ministers and the outcome of such meetings,

(d) cibé rialacháin faoi Achtanna na

gComhphobal Eorpach, 1972 go 2009 agus ionstraimí eile arna

ndéanamh faoi reacht agus is gá de dhroim na

n-oibleagáidí a ghabhann le ballraíocht san Aontas Eorpach a roghnóidh an

Coiste,

(d) such regulations under the European Communities Acts

1972 to 2009 and other instruments made under statute and necessitated by

the obligations of membership of the

European Union as the Committee may select,

(e) fógraí arna dtarchur ag an Dáil faoi Bhuan-Ordú

115(1)(a),

(e) notifications referred by the Dáil under Standing Order

115(1)(a),


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(f) fógraí i dtaobh tograí

chun na Conarthaí a leasú a fuarthas ón

gComhairle Eorpach de bhun Airteagal 48.2 den Chonradh ar an Aontas

Eorpach,

(f) notifications of proposals for

the amendment of the Treaties received from the

European Council pursuant to Article 48.2 of the Treaty on European Union,

(g) fógraí i dtaobh iarratas ar bhallraíocht san Aontas

Eorpach a fuarthas ón gComhairle Eorpach de bhun Airteagal 49 den

Chonradh ar an Aontas Eorpach, agus

(g) notifications of applications for membership of the

European Union received from the European Council pursuant to Article 49 of the

Treaty on European Union, and

(h) cibé nithe eile a tharchuirfidh an Dáil

chuige ó am go ham.

(h) such other matters as may be referred to it by the Dáil

from time to time.

(6) Tabharfaidh an Comhchoiste

tuarascáil do dhá Theach an Oireachtais ar oibriú Acht an

Aontais Eorpaigh (Grinnscrúdú), 2002.

(6) The Joint Committee shall report

to both Houses of the Oireachtas on the operation of

the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002.

(7) Beidh ag an gComhchoiste na cumhachtaí a mhínítear i

mBuan-Orduithe 85 (seachas mír (2A) den chéanna), 114,

115(1)(a) agus 116.

(7) The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing

Orders 85 (other than paragraph (2A) thereof), 114,

115(1)(a) and 116.

(8) Beidh ag an gComhchoiste an

chumhacht chun moltaí a dhéanamh chun an Aire

Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála (nó chun Aire Stáit) i dtaobh nithe a bhaineann leis

an Aontas Eorpach.

(8) The Joint Committee shall have

the power to make recommendations to the

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (or Minister of State) on European Union matters.

(9) Féadfaidh na daoine seo a leanas freastal ar chruinnithe

den Chomhchoiste agus páirt a ghlacadh in imeachtaí gan ceart vótála a bheith acu ná

ceart tairiscintí a dhéanamh ná leasuithe a thairiscint:

(9) The following may attend meetings of the Joint Committee

and take part in proceedings without having a right to vote or to move motions and

amendments:

(a) omhaltaí de Pharlaimint

na hEorpa arna dtoghadh ó thoghcheantair in

(a) Members of the European

Parliament elected from constituencies in Ireland,


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Éirinn, lena n-áirítear

Tuaisceart Éireann,

including Northern Ireland,

(b) Comhaltaí de thoscaireacht na hÉireann

chuig Tionól Parlaiminteach Chomhairle na hEorpa,

agus

(b) Members of the Irish delegation to the

Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and

(c) ar chuireadh a fháil ón gCoiste, Comhaltaí eile de Pharlaimint na hEorpa.

(c) at the invitation of the Committee, other Members of the European Parliament.

(10) Déanfaidh an Comhchoiste

ionadaíocht do dhá Theach an Oireachtais ag Comhdháil na

gCoistí um Ghnóthaí Comhphobail agus Eorpacha de chuid Pharlaimintí an

Aontais Eorpaigh (COSAC) agus tabharfaidh sé tuarascáil

ar an gcéanna do dhá Theach an Oireachtais.

(10) The Joint Committee shall

represent both Houses of the Oireachtas at the Conference of

Community and European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European

Union (COSAC) and shall report to both Houses of the

Oireachtas thereon.

(11) Beidh Cathaoirleach an Roghchoiste Dála ina

Cathaoirleach ar an Chomhchoiste freisin.

(11) The Chairman of the Dáil Select Committee shall also be the

Chairman of the Joint Committee.”


28

Seanad Éireann on 21 July 2016 ordered:

“(1) Go gceapfar Roghchoiste, dá ngairfear an Roghchoiste um

Ghnóthaí an Aontais Eorpaigh, ar a mbeidh ceathrar gcomhalta de Sheanad Éireann, chun

breithniú a dhéanamh ar cibé nithe a éiríonn—

(1) That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select

Committee on European Union Affairs, consisting of four members of Seanad Éireann, be

appointed to consider such matters arising from—

(a) as ballraíocht na hÉireann san Aontas Eorpach, agus

(a) Ireland’s membership of the European Union, and

(b) as Éirinn do chloí leis an gConradh ar an Aontas Eorpach agus leis an gConradh ar Fheidhmiú an

Aontais Eorpaigh

(b) Ireland’s adherence to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European

Union,

a roghnóidh sé agus nach bhfuil tarchurtha chuig aon Choiste

eile.

as it may select and which are not referred to any other

Committee.

(2) Beidh ag an Roghchoiste na cumhachtaí a mhínítear i

mBuan-Ordú 71(1), (2) agus (3).

(2) The Select Committee shall have the powers defined in

Standing Order 71(1), (2) and (3).

(3) Déanfar an Roghchoiste a chomhcheangal le Roghchoiste arna cheapadh ag Dáil Éireann

chun bheith ina Chomhchoiste um Ghnóthaí an Aontais

Eorpaigh, agus, gan dochar do ghinearáltacht mhír (1), déanfaidh an Comhchoiste an

méid seo a leanas a bhreithniú—

(3) The Select Committee shall be joined with a Select Committee appointed by Dáil Éireann, to

form the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs, which,

without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), shall consider—

(a) doiciméid phleanála straitéiseacha Choimisiún

(a) the EU Commission’s strategic planning


29

AE lena n-áirítear Clár

Oibre an Choimisiúin,

documents including the

Commission Work Programme,

(b) forbairtí beartais tras-earnála ag leibhéal an Aontais Eorpaigh,

(b) cross-sectoral policy developments at European Union level,

(c) nithe a liostaítear lena mbreithniú ar an gclár gnó i gcomhair cruinnithe de

Chomhairle Gnóthaí Ginearálta na nAirí agus

toradh cruinnithe den sórt sin.

(c) matters listed for consideration on the agenda for meetings of the

General Affairs Council of Ministers and the outcome

of such meetings,

(d) cibé rialacháin faoi

Achtanna na gComhphobal Eorpach, 1972 go 2009 agus ionstraimí eile arna

ndéanamh faoi reacht agus is gá de dhroim na n-

oibleagáidí a ghabhann le ballraíocht san Aontas Eorpach a roghnóidh an

Coiste,

(d) such regulations under the

European Communities Acts 1972 to 2009 and other instruments made under

statute and necessitated by the obligations of

membership of the EuropeanUnion as the Committee may select,

(e) fógraí arna dtarchur ag an Seanad faoi Bhuan-Ordú

108(1)(a),

(e) notifications referred by the Seanad under Standing

Order 108 (1)(a),

(f) fógraí i dtaobh tograí chun

na Conarthaí a leasú a fuarthas ón gComhairle Eorpach de bhun Airteagal

48.2 den Chonradh ar an Aontas Eorpach,

(f) notifications of proposals

for the amendment of the Treaties received from the European Council pursuant

to Article 48.2 of the Treaty on European Union,

(g) fógraí i dtaobh iarratas ar bhallraíocht san Aontas Eorpach a fuarthas ón

gComhairle Eorpach de

(g) notifications of applications for membership of the European Union received

from the European Council


30

bhun Airteagal 49 den

Chonradh ar an Aontas Eorpach, agus

pursuant to Article 49 of

the Treaty on European Union, and

(h) cibé nithe eile a tharchuirfidh an Seanad

chuige ó am go ham.

(h) such other matters as may be referred to it by the

Seanad from time to time.

(4) Tabharfaidh an Comhchoiste tuarascáil do dhá Theach an

Oireachtais ar oibriú Acht an Aontais Eorpaigh (Grinnscrúdú), 2002.

(4) The Joint Committee shall report to both Houses of the

Oireachtas on the operation of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002.

(5) Beidh ag an gComhchoiste na cumhachtaí a mhínítear i

mBuan-Orduithe 71 (seachas mír (2A) den chéanna), 107, 108(1)(a) agus 109.

(5) The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing

Orders 71 (other than paragraph (2A) thereof), 107, 108(1)(a) and 109.

(6) Beidh ag an gComhchoiste an chumhacht chun moltaí a dhéanamh chun an Aire Gnóthaí

Eachtracha agus Trádála (nó chun Aire Stáit) i dtaobh nithe a

bhaineann leis an Aontas Eorpach.

(6) The Joint Committee shall have the power to make recommendations to the

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (or Minister of State) on

European Union matters.

(7) Féadfaidh na daoine seo a leanas freastal ar chruinnithe den Chomhchoiste agus páirt a

ghlacadh in imeachtaí gan ceart vótála a bheith acu ná ceart tairiscintí a dhéanamh ná

leasuithe a thairiscint:

(7) The following may attend meetings of the Joint Committee and take part in

proceedings without having a right to vote or to move motions and amendments:

(a) Comhaltaí de Pharlaimint na hEorpa arna dtoghadh ó

thoghlaigh in Éirinn, lena n-

(a) Members of the European Parliament elected from

constituencies in Ireland,


31

áirítear Tuaisceart Éireann, including Northern Ireland,

(b) Comhaltaí de thoscaireacht na hÉireann chuig Tionól Parlaiminteach Chomhairle

na hEorpa, agus

(b) Members of the Irish delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of

the Council of Europe, and

(c) ar chuireadh a fháil ón gCoiste, Comhaltaí eile de

Pharlaimint na hEorpa.

(c) at the invitation of the Committee, other Members

of the European Parliament.

(8) Déanfaidh an Comhchoiste

ionadaíocht do dhá Theach an Oireachtais ag Comhdháil na gCoistí um Ghnóthaí

Comhphobail agus Eorpacha de chuid Pharlaimintí an Aontais

Eorpaigh (COSAC) agus tabharfaidh sé tuarascáil ar an gcéanna do dhá Theach an

Oireachtais.

(8) The Joint Committee shall

represent both Houses of the Oireachtas at the Conference of Community and European

Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European

Union (COSAC) and shall report to both Houses of the Oireachtas thereon.

(9) Beidh Cathaoirleach an Roghchoiste Dála ina

Cathaoirleach ar an Chomhchoiste freisin.

(9) The Chairman of the Dail Select Committee shall also be the

Chairman of the Joint Committee.”.


32

APPENDIX 2 Membership

List of Members (Joint Committee)

Chairman Michael Healy-Rae TD (RIG)

Deputies Colm Brophy TD (FG)

David Cullinane TD1 (SF)

Bernard J. Durkan TD (FG)

Seán Haughey TD (FF)

Mattie McGrath TD (RIG)

Frank O’Rourke TD (FF)

Senators Paul Coghlan (FG)

Gerard P. Craughwell (Ind)

Terry Leyden (FF)

Neale Richmond (FG)

1 Deputy Cullinane replaced Deputy Seán Crowe with effect from 28 September 2017


33

APPENDIX 3 Meetings of the Joint Committee The following are the details, in date order, of the scheduled meetings of the Joint Committee which took place during the period under report.

Meeting

No. and Date

Topic Organisations, Groups and

Individuals who attended

J 07 18/1/2017

(i) European Commission’s Annual Work

Programme and the work of the

European Commission Representation in

Ireland

(ii) Policy implications for the European Union of the

Ecumenical Accompaniment

Programme in Palestine & Israel’s (EAPPI) work

Mr Gerry Kiely, Head of Representation, European Commission Representation in

Ireland

Mr Alex Dunne, Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in

Palestine & Israel (EAPPI) and Ms Jenny Derbyshire (EAPPI)

J 08 1/2/2017

Private Meeting

J 09

15/2/2017

Briefing on the work of

the General Affairs Council (GAC) and key

developments on the European Agenda

Mr Dara Murphy, TD, Minister of

State for European Affairs

J 10

21/2/2017

Discussion with the First

Vice-President of the European Commission

Mr Frans Timmermans, First

Vice-President of the European Commission

J 11

1/3/17

Briefing on the work of

the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin

Mr James Temple-Smithson,

Head of Office, European Parliament Liaison Office

J 12 29/3/17

Private Meeting


34

Meeting

No. and Date



J 13 4/4/17

Engagement on the United Kingdom’s plans for withdrawal from the

European Union, following notification under Article

50 (2) TEU to the European Council of the

UK’s intention to withdraw from the European Union.

HE Robin Barnett CMG, British Ambassador to Ireland

J 14

12/4/17

Engagement on:

(i) Work of the

General Affairs Council (GAC);

(ii) Key developments

with regard to the UK’s notification of

their intention to withdraw from the European Union;

(iii) Future of Europe; and

(iv) Ireland and the European Semester Process 2017.

Mr Dara Murphy, TD, Minister of


J 15

10/5/17

European Semester:

Engagement on the National Reform

Programme

(i) Professor Alan Barrett

and Dr Edgar Morgenroth, ESRI

(ii) Ms Michelle Murphy,

Research and Policy

Analyst and Mr Eamon Murphy, Economic and

Social Analyst, Social Justice Ireland

J 16 24/5/17

Engagement with MEPs from the Island of Ireland

MEPs from the Island of Ireland:

Ms Mairead McGuinness MEP Mr Matt Carthy MEP

Ms Marian Harkin MEP Mr Luke Ming Flanagan MEP Mr Seán Kelly MEP

Ms Martina Anderson MEP


35

Meeting

No. and Date



J 17 21/6/17

White Paper on the Future of Europe

Mr Gerry Kiely, Head of Representation, European Commission Representation in

Ireland

J 18

5/7/17

(i) Briefing on key

developments on the European

Agenda

(ii) The priorities of the

Estonian Presidency of the Council of the

European Union

Ms Helen McEntee TD, Minister of


HE Mrs Kristi Karelsohn, Ambassador of Estonia to Ireland

J 19 12/7/17

Private Meeting

J 20 20/9/17

Future of Europe (i) Ms Vanessa Mulhall and Mr Robert Nesirky,

National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI)

(ii) Dr Pat Ivory, Director of

EU and International Affairs, Ibec

J 21 21/9/17

Special meeting of the Joint Committee on

European Union Affairs meeting with the Joint

Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence and the Joint

Committee on the Implementation of the

Good Friday Agreement

Mr Guy Verhofstadt MEP, European Parliament Brexit

Coordinator.


36

Meeting

No. and Date



J 22 4/10/17

Future of Europe (i) Mr Maurice Pratt, Chairperson and Ms Noelle O’Connell,

Executive Director, European Movement

Ireland (EMI)

(ii) Mr John Comer, President and Mr John Enright, General Secretary, Irish

Creamery Milk Supplier Association (ICMSA); and

Mr James Healy, National President, Macra na Feirme,

J 23 18/10/17

Future of Europe (i) Mr Peter Rigney, Industrial Officer,

Congress (Irish Congress of Trade Unions)

(ii) HE Mr Stéphane Crouzat,

Ambassador of France to

Ireland

J 24 9/11/17

Key developments on the European Agenda

Ms Helen McEntee TD, Minister of State for European Affairs

J 25 15/11/17

Future of Europe Mr Joe Healy, President, and Mr Damian McDonald, Director

General, Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA)

J 26

29/11/17

Future of Europe (i) Dr Eoin O’Neill and Dr

Finbarr Brereton, Lecturers in Environmental Policy,

University College Dublin (UCD) Earth Institute; Mr

Michael Ewing, Coordinator, The Environmental Pillar

(ii) Mr Paul Ginnell, Policy Officer, European Anti-

Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland; Dr Seán Healy,

CEO, Social Justice Ireland


37

Meeting

No. and Date



J 27 13/12/17

Future of Europe (i) Ms Fiona O’Donovan, Policy and Research Assistant, Disability

Federation of Ireland

(ii) Mr Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner

for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport


38

APPENDIX 4 Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee

JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN UNION AFFAIRS MINUTES OF MEETING OF 18TH

JANUARY 2017

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.03 p.m. in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000, a quorum being present.

2. ATTENDANCE

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Michael Healy-Rae (Chairman), Seán Crowe, Séan Haughey,

Frank O’Rourke. Senators: Paul Coghlan, Gerard P. Craughwell, and Neale Richmond

Apologies received from Deputy Colm Brophy and Senator Terry

Leyden Deputy Eamon Scanlon also attended

3. ENGAGEMENT ON THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S ANNUAL WORK

PROGRAMME AND THE WORK OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION

REPRESENTATION IN IRELAND [MR GERRY KIELY, HEAD OF

REPRESENTATION, EUROPEAN COMMISSION REPRESENTATION IN

IRELAND] The Committee met with Mr Gerry Kiely, Head of Representation,

European Commission Representation in Ireland to discuss European Commission’s Annual Work Programme and the work of the European

Commission Representation in Ireland. Following a presentation by Mr Kiely, a question and answer session ensued with the members of the Committee.

On conclusion, the Chairman thanked Mr Kiely for his engagement

with the Committee.

4. SUSPENSION

The meeting was suspended at 3.06 p.m.

The Committee resumed in Public Session at 3.09 p.m. In the unavoidable absence of the Chairman; Deputy Sean Haughey

took the Chair.

5. POLICY IMPLICATIONS FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION OF THE ECUMENICAL

ACCOMPANIMENT PROGRAMME IN PALESTINE & ISRAEL’S WORK [MR

ALEX DUNNE AND MS JENNY DERBYSHIRE ECUMENICAL ACCOMPANIMENT

PROGRAMME IN PALESTINE & ISRAEL (EAPPI)] The Committee met with Mr Alex Dunne and Ms Jenny Derbyshire

from the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine & Israel (EAPPI) to discuss the Policy implications for the European Union of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine & Israel’s


39

work. Following a presentation by Mr Dunne and Ms Derbyshire, a

question and answer session ensued with the members of the Committee.

On conclusion, the Chairman thanked Mr Dunne and Ms Derbyshire for their engagement with the Committee.

6. SUSPENSION


The Committee resumed in Private Session at 3.54 p.m.

7. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION







The Committee adjourned at 4.18 p.m. until Wednesday, 1st February 2017.

Mr Michael Healy-Rae TD

Chairman 1 February, 2017.


40


MINUTES OF MEETING OF 1ST

FEBRUARY 2017

1. The Joint Committee met in private session at 2.01 p.m. in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000, a quorum being present.

2. ATTENDANCE


Deputies: Colm Brophy, Seán Crowe, Bernard Durkan and Seán

Haughey. Senators: Terry Leyden (in the chair), Paul Coghlan, Gerard P.

Craughwell and Neale Richmond.

Apologies received from Deputies Michael Healy-Rae and Frank O’Rourke.


4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION 5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION






The Committee adjourned at 2.53 p.m. until Wednesday, 15th February 2017.

Mr Michael Healy-Rae TD Chairman

15 February, 2017



MINUTES OF MEETING OF 15TH

FEBRUARY 2017

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 1.34 p.m. in Committee

Room 1, Leinster House 2000, a quorum being present.

2. ATTENDANCE The following Members were present:

Deputies: Michael Healy-Rae (in the Chair), Seán Crowe, Bernard Durkan, Séan Haughey and Frank O’Rourke.

Senators: Gerard P. Craughwell, Terry Leyden and Neale Richmond.

Apologies were received from Senator Paul Coghlan.

3. ENGAGEMENT ON THE WORK OF THE GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL (GAC) [MR

DARA MURPHY TD, MINISTER OF STATE WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR

EUROPEAN AFFAIRS]

The Committee met with Minister Dara Murphy to discuss the work of the General Affairs Council (GAC) and key developments on the European

Agenda. Following an opening statement by the Minister, a question and answer

session with Members ensued. On conclusion, the Chairman thanked the Minister for his engagement with the Committee.

4. SUSPENSION



5. Item Discussed in Private Session


7. Item Discussed in Private Session 8. Item Discussed in Private Session



The Committee adjourned at 2.55 p.m. until Tuesday, 21st February 2017.

Mr Michael Healy-Rae TD Chairman 1 March, 2017.




FEBRUARY 2017

1. A Joint meeting of the Joint Committee on European Affairs and the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence was held, a quorum

being present. The meeting commenced in public session at 12:30 p.m in Committee

Room 2, Leinster House 2000.

2. ATTENDANCE The following members were present:

Joint Committee on European Affairs: Deputies: Colm Brophy, Sean Crowe, Bernard Durkan, Sean Haughey,

Michael Healy Rae, Frank O’Rourke,

Senators: Paul Coghlan, Gerard P. Craughwell, and Neale Richmond Apologies were received from Deputy Mattie McGrath

Brain Hayes MEP and Deputy Declan Breathnach were also in attendance.

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence: Deputies: Brendan Smith (Chairperson), Sean Barrett, Sean Crowe, Noel

Grealish, Darragh O’ Brien

Senators: Ivan Bacik and Billy Lawless Apologies were received from Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan

3. DISCUSSIONS WITH MR. FRANS TIMMERMANS FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

The Committee met in public session with Mr Frans Timmermans, First Vice-President of the European Commission to discuss issues concerning

the future of the EU, the migration crisis, Europe’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and the challenges that Brexit poses to the island of Ireland and Europe as a whole.

Following brief opening remarks, a questions and answers session with the

members present followed.

4. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 13:56 p.m.

___________________

Michael Healy-Rae TD,

Chairman,

29th March, 2017.




MARCH 2017


2. ATTENDANCE


Deputies: Michael Healy-Rae (in the Chair), Colm Brophy, Seán Crowe,

Bernard Durkan, Séan Haughey, Mattie McGrath and Frank O’Rourke. Senators: Paul Coghlan and Terry Leyden.

Apologies were received from Senator Gerard P. Craughwell and Neale

Richmond.

3. BRIEFING ON THE WORK OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT INFORMATION

OFFICE IN DUBLIN [MR JAMES TEMPLE-SMITHSON, HEAD OF OFFICE, EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT INFORMATION OFFICE]

The Committee met with Mr James Temple-Smithson to discuss the work of the European Parliament Information Office in Dublin.

Following an opening statement by Mr Temple-Smithson, a question and answer session with Members ensued. On conclusion, the Chairman

thanked Mr Temple-Smithson for his engagement with the Committee. 4. SUSPENSION







10. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION The Committee adjourned at 3.25 p.m. until Thursday, 29th March 2017.


Chairman 29 March, 2017.




MARCH 2017


2. ATTENDANCE The following Members were present:

Deputies: Michael Healy-Rae (in the Chair), Bernard Durkan, Séan

Haughey, Mattie McGrath and Frank O’Rourke. Senators: Paul Coghlan, Gerard P. Craughwell, Terry Leyden and Neale

Richmond.

Apologies were received from Deputy Seán Crowe.


4. ITEM DiSCUSSED In PRIVATE SESSION




The Committee adjourned at 2.33 p.m. until Tuesday, 4th April 2017.


Chairman

12 April, 2017.




APRIL 2017



2. ATTENDANCE


Deputies: Michael Healy-Rae (in the Chair), Seán Crowe, Bernard

Durkan, Séan Haughey and Mattie McGrath.

Senators: Paul Coghlan, Gerard P. Craughwell, Terry Leyden and Neale

Richmond.

Apologies were received from Deputies Colm Brophy and Frank

O’Rourke.

Deputy Declan Breathnach and Senator Mark Daly also attended in

accordance with Standing Orders.

Senator Terry Leyden (Vice-Chairman) took the Chair at 12.51 p.m.

3. Engagement on the United Kingdom’s plans for withdrawal from

the European Union, following notification under Article 50 (2) TEU to the European Council of the UK’s intention to withdraw

from the European Union. HE Robin Barnett CMG, British Ambassador to Ireland, attended the

Meeting and, following an opening statement by Ambassador Barnett, a

question and answer session with Members ensued. On conclusion, the

Vice-Chairman thanked Ambassador Barnett for his engagement with the

Committee.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

No matters arising.

5. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 13.23 p.m. until 12th April at 2 p.m.


12 April 2017.




APRIL 2017


2. ATTENDANCE



Bernard Durkan, Séan Haughey, Mattie McGrath Frank O’Rourke. Senators: Gerard P. Craughwell and Terry Leyden.

Apologies were received from Senators Paul Coghlan and Neale

Richmond.

3. ENGAGEMENT ON (I) WORK OF THE GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL (GAC); (II)

KEY DEVELOPMENTS WITH REGARD TO THE UK’S NOTIFICATION OF THEIR

INTENTION TO WITHDRAW FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION; (III)FUTURE OF

EUROPE; AND (IV) IRELAND AND THE EUROPEAN SEMESTER PROCESS 2017

[MR DARA MURPHY TD, MINISTER OF STATE WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY

FOR EUROPEAN AFFAIRS] The Committee met with Minister Dara Murphy to discuss the work of the General Affairs Council (GAC); key developments on the European

Agenda; Future of Europe; and Ireland and the European Semester Process 2017.

Following an opening statement by the Minister, a question and answer session with Members ensued. On conclusion, the Chairman thanked the

Minister for his engagement with the Committee.

4. SUSPENSION The meeting was suspended at 3.08 p.m.






10. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 15.35 p.m. until 10th May at 2 p.m. Mr Michael Healy-Rae TD

Chairman

10 May 2017.



MINUTES OF MEETING OF 10TH MAY 2017



2. ATTENDANCE



Bernard Durkan, Séan Haughey, Mattie McGrath, Frank O’Rourke.

Senators: Paul Coghlan, Gerard P. Craughwell, Terry Leyden (temporary

chair from 2.05 p.m. – 2.55 p.m.) and Neale Richmond.

3. EUROPEAN SEMESTER - ENGAGEMENT ON THE NATIONAL REFORM

PROGRAMME[PROFESSOR ALAN BARRETT AND DR EDGAR MORGENROTH,

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE [ESRI] ]

The Committee met with Professor Alan Barrett and Dr Edgar Morgenroth

from the ESRI to discuss the European Semester process in 2017.

Following an opening statement by Professor Barrett, a question and

answer session with Members ensued. On conclusion, the Chairman

thanked the speakers for their engagement with the Committee.

4. SUSPENSION


The Committee resumed in Public Session at 3.36 p.m.

5. EUROPEAN SEMESTER - ENGAGEMENT ON THE NATIONAL REFORM

PROGRAMME[MS MICHELLE MURPHY, RESEARCH AND POLICY ANALYST AND

MR EAMON MURPHY, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ANALYST, SOCIAL JUSTICE

IRELAND]

The Committee met with Ms Michelle Murphy, Research and Policy

Analyst and Mr Eamon Murphy, Economic and Social Analyst, Social

Justice Ireland.

Following an opening statement by Ms Michelle Murphy, a question and

answer session with Members ensued. On conclusion, the Chairman

thanked the speakers for their engagement with the Committee.

6. SUSPENSION










13. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 4.23 p.m. until 24th May at 2 p.m.


Chairman

24 May 2017.



MINUTES OF MEETING OF 24TH MAY 2017



2. ATTENDANCE


Deputies: Michael Healy-Rae (in the Chair), Colm Brophy, Bernard

Durkan, Séan Haughey, Mattie McGrath, Frank O’Rourke.

Senators: Paul Coghlan, Terry Leyden and Neale Richmond.

Apologies received from Deputy Seán Crowe and Senator Gerard P.

Craughwell.

Deputy Martin Kenny attended in substitution for Deputy Seán Crowe.

Also in attendance: Deputy Eamon Ryan and Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile

3. ENGAGEMENT WITH MEPS FROM THE ISLAND OF IRELAND

The Committee met with Ms Mairead McGuinness MEP, Mr Matt Carthy

MEP, Ms Marian Harkin MEP, Mr Luke Ming Flanagan MEP, Mr Sean Kelly

MEP and Ms Martina Anderson MEP to discuss various EU matters.

Following opening statements by the MEPs, a question and answer

session with Members ensued. On conclusion, the Chairman thanked the

speakers for their engagement with the Committee.

4. SUSPENSION









11. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 4.17 p.m. until 21st June at 2 p.m.


Chairman

21 June 2017.




JUNE 2017


2. ATTENDANCE



Bernard Durkan, Séan Haughey, Mattie McGrath and Frank O’Rourke. Senators: Paul Coghlan, Terry Leyden and Neale Richmond.

Apologies received Senator Gerard P. Craughwell.

3. ENGAGEMENT ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE [MR GERRY

KIELY, HEAD OF REPRESENTATION, EUROPEAN COMMISSION

REPRESENTATION IN IRELAND] The Committee met with Mr Gerry Kiely, Head of Representation and Mr

Andy Klom, European Commission Representation in Ireland Following opening statements by Mr Kiely a question and answer session

with Members ensued. On conclusion, the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their engagement with the Committee.

4. SUSPENSION









11. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 3.05 p.m. until 5th July at 2 p.m.


Chairman 5 July 2017.




JULY 2017


2. ATTENDANCE



Bernard Durkan, Séan Haughey and Frank O’Rourke. Senators: Paul Coghlan, Terry Leyden, Gerard P. Craughwell and Neale

Richmond.

3. ENGAGEMENT ON THE KEY DEVELOPMENTS ON THE EUROPEAN UNION [MS

HELEN MCENTEE, MINISTER OF STATE WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR

EUROPEAN AFFAIRS]

The Committee met with Ms Helen McEntee, Minister of State with Special Responsibility for European Affairs.

Following an opening statement by Minister McEntee a question and answer session with Members ensued. On conclusion, the Chairman

thanked the Minister for her engagement with the Committee.



5. ENGAGEMENT ON THE PRIORITIES OF THE ESTONIAN PRESIDENCY OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE EU [HER EXCELLENCY MRS KRISTI KARELSOHN ,

AMBASSADOR OF ESTONIA TO IRELAND] The Committee met with HE Mrs Kristi Karelsohn, Ambassador of Estonia to Ireland.

Following opening statements by Ambassador Karelsohn, a question and

answer session with Members ensued.

6. SUSPENSION



7. ENGAGEMENT ON THE PRIORITIES OF THE ESTONIAN PRESIDENCY OF THE

COUNCIL OF THE EU [HER EXCELLENCY MRS KRISTI KARELSOHN , AMBASSADOR OF ESTONIA TO IRELAND]

The Committee resumed their question and answer session with Ambassador Karelsohn. On conclusion, the Chairman thanked the Ambassador for her engagement with the Committee.


8. SUSPENSION

The meeting was suspended at 4.09 p.m. The Committee resumed in Private Session at 4.11 p.m.





13. ADJOURNMENT The Committee adjourned at 4.18 p.m. sine die


Chairman

12 July 2017.




JULY 2017


2. ATTENDANCE


Deputies: Michael Healy-Rae (in the Chair), Seán Crowe and Séan

Haughey. Senators: Paul Coghlan (temporary Chair from 3.36 p.m. to 3.50 p.m.)

Also in attendance: Senator Frances Black.

Apologies received: Deputies Bernard Durkan, Frank O’Rourke and

Senators Terry Leyden, Gerard P. Craughwell and Neale Richmond.




6. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION 7. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 3.50 p.m. until Wednesday, 20th September 2017


Chairman

20 September 2017.




SEPTEMBER 2017


2. ATTENDANCE


Deputies: Michael Healy-Rae (in the Chair), Brendan Durkan, Seán

Haughey and Frank O’Rourke. Senators: Paul Coghlan, Gerard P. Craughwell and Terry Leyden.

Apologies received from Senators Colm Brophy and Seán Crowe.

3. ENGAGEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE [MS VANESSA MULHALL AND MR

ROBERT NESIRKY, YOUTH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE NATIONAL YOUTH

COUNCIL (NYCI)] The Committee met with Ms Vanessa Mulhall and Mr Robert Nesirky,

Youth Representatives from the National Youth Council (NYCI). Following a presentation by Ms Muhall and Mr Nesirky, a question and

answer session ensued with the members of the Committee. On conclusion, the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their engagement

with the Committee.

4. SUSPENSION



5. ENGAGEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE [DR PAT IVORY, DIRECTOR OF EU

AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, IBEC] The Committee met with Dr Pat Ivory, Director of EU and International

Affairs. Ibec.

Following a presentation by Dr Ivory, a question and answer session ensued with the members of the Committee. On conclusion, the Chairman thanked Dr Ivory for his engagement with the Committee.

6. SUSPENSION

The meeting was suspended at 1.41 p.m. The Committee resumed in Private Session at 1.43 p.m.









14. ADJOURNMENT The Committee adjourned at 1.49 p.m. until 4th October at 2 p.m.


Chairman

4 October 2017.




SEPTEMBER 2017

1. A Special Meeting of the Joint Committee on European Unions Affairs; Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence; and the Joint

Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement was held, a quorum being present.

The meeting commenced in public session at 10:32 a.m. in the Dáil Chamber in Leinster House.

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghail, An Ceann Comhairle acted as Chairperson for the meeting.

2. ATTENDANCE

The following members were present:

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghail, Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Pat the Cope

Gallagher, Leas-Ceann Comhairle, Senator Denis O’Donovan, Cathaoirleach and Senator Paul Coghlan, Leas-Cathaoirleach.

Joint Committee on European Affairs Deputies: Colm Brophy, Seán Crowe, Seán Haughey, Bernard Durkan,

Michael Healy-Rae, Mattie McGrath and Frank O’Rourke.

Senators: Paul Coghlan, Gerard P. Craughwell and Terry Leyden.

Apologies were received from Senator Neale Richmond.

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence

Deputies: Brendan Smith, Sean Barrett, Seán Crowe, Tony McLoughlin, Darragh O’ Brien and Maureen O’Sullivan.

Senators: Ivana Bacik and Mark Daly.

Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Deputies: Declan Breathnach, Fergus O’Dowd, Tony McLoughlin, Maureen O’Sullivan, Seán Sherlock and Brendan Smith.

Senators: Gerard P. Craughwell, Mark Daly, Frank Feighan and Niall Ó Donnghaile.

Also in attendance: Minister Heather Humphreys TD, Ministers of State Helen McEntee TD and Joe McHugh TD.

Deputies: Gerry Adams, Bobby Aylward, Richard Boyd-Barrett, John Brady, John Brassil, James Browne, Pat Buckley, Mary Butler, Jackie

Cahill, Pat Casey, Shane Cassells, Lisa Chambers, Niall Collins, David Cullinane, John Curran, Pearse Doherty, Stephen Donnelly, Timmy Dooley,

Dessie Ellis, Martin Ferris, Seamus Healy, Catherine Martin, Martin Kenny, John Lahart, Micheál Martin, Denise Mitchell, Aindrias Moynihan, Michael


Moynihan, Imelda Munster, Margaret Murphy O’Mahony, Caoimhghín Ó

Caoláin, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Jim O’Callaghan, Maurice Quinlivan, Anne Rabbitte, Brendan Ryan, Eamon Ryan, Eamon Scanlon, Niamh Smyth and Brian Stanley.

Senators: Márie Devine, Alice-Mary Higgins and Michael McDowell.

3. ENGAGEMENT WITH MR GUY VERHOFSTADT MEP, EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

BREXIT COORDINATOR

The Committees met in public session with Mr Guy Verhofstadt MEP, European Parliament Brexit Coordinator. The Ceann Comhairle made an

opening statement and welcomed Mr Verhofstadt to Leinster House. Mr Verhofstadt made an Opening Statement, which included his thoughts on the negotiations for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

Following brief remarks from Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, Chairperson of

the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs, Deputy Brendan Smith, Chairperson of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence, and Deputy Declan Breathnach, Vice-Chairperson of the Joint

Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, a questions and answers session with the Members present followed.

Senator Denis O’Donovan, Cathaoirleach made some concluding remarks.

4. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 12:19 pm

___________________

Michael Healy-Rae TD, Chairman,

18 October, 2017.




OCTOBER 2017


2. ATTENDANCE


Deputies: Michael Healy-Rae (in the Chair), Colm Brophy, David

Cullinane, Brendan Durkan, Seán Haughey, Mattie McGrath and Frank O’Rourke.

Senators: Paul Coghlan, Terry Leyden and Alice-Mary Higgins

Apologies received from Senators Gerard P. Craughwell and Neale Richmond.

3. ENGAGEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE [MR MAURICE PRATT, CHAIRPERSON AND MS NOELLE O’CONNELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

EUROPEAN MOVEMENT IRELAND] The Committee met Mr Maurice Pratt, Chairperson and Ms Noelle O’Connell, Executive Director from European Movement Ireland.

Following a presentation by Mr Pratt and Ms O’Connell, a question and

answer session ensued with the members of the Committee. On conclusion, the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their engagement with the Committee.

4. SUSPENSION



5. ENGAGEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE [IRISH CREAMERY MILK SUPPLIER

ASSOCIATION (ICMSA) MR JOHN COMER, PRESIDENT AND MR JOHN

ENRIGHT, GENERAL SECRETARY; AND MACRA NA FEIRME, MR JAMES HEALY,

PRESIDENT, MR DENIS DUGGAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, AND MR DERRY DILLON, AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL AFFAIRS MANAGER] The Committee met with representatives of the Irish Creamery Milk

Supplier Association (ICMSA) Mr John Comer, President and Mr John Enright, General Secretary; and Macra na Feirme, Mr James Healy,

President, Mr Denis Duggan, Chief Executive, and Mr Derry Dillon, Agricultural and Rural Affairs Manager.

Following a presentation by Mr Comer and Mr Healy, a question and answer session ensued with the Members of the Committee. On

conclusion, the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their engagement with the Committee.








11. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 4.28 p.m. until 18th October at 2 p.m.


Chairman 18 October 2017.



MINUTES OF MEETING OF 18TH OCTOBER 2017



2. ATTENDANCE


Deputies: Michael Healy-Rae (in the Chair), Colm Brophy, Brendan

Durkan, Seán Haughey, Mattie McGrath and Frank O’Rourke.

Senators: Paul Coghlan, Gerard P. Craughwell, Terry Leyden and Neale

Richmond.

Apologies received from Deputy David Cullinane.

3. ENGAGEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE [MR PETER RIGNEY, INDUSTRIAL

OFFICER, CONGRESS (IRISH CONGRESS OF TRADE UNIONS)]

The Committee met Mr Peter Rigney, Industrial Officer, Congress (Irish

Congress of Trade Unions).

Following an opening statement by Mr Rigney, a question and answer

session ensued with the Members of the Committee. On conclusion, the

Chairman thanked the witness for his engagement with the Committee.

4. SUSPENSION









11. SUSPENSION




12. ENGAGEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE [HIS EXCELLENCY MR STÉPHANE

CROUZAT, AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE TO IRELAND]

The Committee met with HE Mr Stéphane Crouzat, Ambassador of France

to Ireland.

Following a presentation by Ambassador Crouzat, a question and answer

session ensued with the Members of the Committee. On conclusion, the

Chairman thanked the Ambassador for his engagement with the

Committee.

13. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 4.17 p.m. until 9 November at 2 p.m.


Chairman

15 November 2017.



MINUTES OF MEETING OF 9TH NOVEMBER 2017



2. ATTENDANCE


Deputies: Colm Brophy, Seán Haughey and Mattie McGrath.

Senators:, Gerard P. Craughwell, Terry Leyden (in the Chair) and Neale

Richmond.

Apologies received from Deputies Michael Healy-Rae, Frank O’Rourke

and Senator Paul Coghlan.

Also in attendance: Brian Hayes MEP.

3. BRIEFING ON KEY DEVELOPMENTS ON THE EUROPEAN AGENDA [MS HELEN

MCENTEE TD, MINISTER OF STATE FOR EUROPEAN AFFAIRS]

The Committee met with Ms Helen McEntee TD, Minister of State for

European Affairs.

Following an Opening Statement by Minister McEntee, a question and

answer session ensued with the Members of the Committee. On

conclusion, the Chairman thanked the Minister for her engagement with

the Committee.

4. SUSPENSION








10. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 3.29 p.m. until 15 November.


15 November 2017.




NOVEMBER 2017


2. ATTENDANCE


Deputies: Colm Brophy, Seán Haughey, Michael Healy-Rae (in the Chair)

and Mattie McGrath and Frank O’Rourke. Senators: Paul Coghlan and Neale Richmond.

Apologies received from Senators Gerard P. Craughwell and Terry

Leyden. 3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION





7. ENGAGEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE [MR JOE HEALY, PRESIDENT, IRISH FARMERS’ ASSOCIATION (IFA)] The Committee met with Mr Joe Healy, President, Mr Damian McDonald,

Director General and Ms Elaine Farrell, Brexit Co-ordinator, Oireachtas & Retail Executive, Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).

Following an Opening Statement by Mr Healy, a question and answer session ensued with the Members of the Committee. On conclusion, the

Chairman thanked the Witnesses for their engagement with the Committee.

8. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 4.05 p.m. until 29 November.


Chairman 29 November 2017.




NOVEMBER 2017


2. ATTENDANCE


Deputies: Michael Healy-Rae (in the Chair), David Cullinane, Seán

Haughey and Mattie McGrath. Senators: Gerard P. Craughwell and Terry Leyden.

Apologies received from Deputy Frank O’Rourke and Senator Paul

Coghlan. 3. ENGAGEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE [DR EOIN O’NEILL AND DR

FINBARR BRERETON, LECTURERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE DUBLIN (UCD) EARTH INSTITUTE; MR MICHAEL EWING,

COORDINATOR, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PILLAR] The Committee met Dr Eoin O’Neill and Dr Finbarr Brereton, Lecturers in Environmental Policy, University College Dublin (UCD) Earth Institute;

and Mr Michael Ewing, Coordinator, the Environmental Pillar.

Following a presentation by Dr O’Neill and Mr Ewing, a question and answer session ensued with the members of the Committee. On conclusion, the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their engagement

with the Committee.





8. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION.



11. THE COMMITTEE RESUMED IN PUBLIC SESSION AT 3.00 P.M.


12. ENGAGEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE [MR PAUL GINNELL, POLICY

OFFICER, EUROPEAN ANTI-POVERTY NETWORK (EAPN) IRELAND; AND DR

SEÁN HEALY, CEO, SOCIAL JUSTICE IRELAND] The Committee met with Mr Paul Ginnell, Policy Officer, European Anti-

Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland; and Dr Seán Healy, CEO, Social Justice Ireland.

Following a presentation by Mr Ginnell and Dr Healy, a question and answer session ensued with the Members of the Committee. On

conclusion, the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their engagement with the Committee.

13. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 3.48 p.m. until 13 December at 2 p.m.


13 December 2017.




DECEMBER 2017


2. ATTENDANCE


Deputies: Michael Healy-Rae (in the Chair), David Cullinane, Bernard

Durkan, Seán Haughey, Mattie McGrath, Frank O’Rourke, Fiona O’Loughlin and Kevin O’Keeffe

Senators: Paul Coghlan, Gerard P. Craughwell, Terry Leyden, Rónán Mullen and John Dolan.

Apologies received from Senator Neale Richmond.

3. ENGAGEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE [MS FIONA O’DONOVAN, POLICY

AND RESEARCH ASSISTANT, DISABILITY FEDERATION OF IRELAND]

The Committee met with Ms Fiona O’Donovan, Policy and Research Assistant, Disability Federation of Ireland.

Following a presentation Ms O’Donovan, a question and answer session

ensued with the members of the Committee. On conclusion, the Chairman thanked the witness for her engagement with the Committee.







9. SUSPENSION

The meeting was suspended at 3.00 p.m. The Committee resumed in Public Session at 3.08 p.m.

10. ENGAGEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE WITH A FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND

CULTURE [MR TIBOR NAVRACSICS, EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR

EDUCATION, CULTURE, YOUTH AND SPORT] The Committee met with Mr Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner

for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport and considered the Future of Europe with a focus on education.


Following a presentation by Mr Navracsics, a question and answer session ensued with the Members of the Committee. On conclusion, the Chairman thanked the Commissioner for his engagement with the

Committee.

11. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 4.17 p.m. until 17 January at 2 p.m.


Chairman

17 January 2018.

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