David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of our meeting is to consider new EU legislative proposals on a variety of matters that have been referred to the joint committee for consideration. We have had a discussion on the various intricacies of the proposals in private session and we will proceed with them now.

COM (2012) 557, COM (2012) 558, COM (2012) 559 and COM (2012) 560 concern the signature and conclusion of a readmission agreement and a visa facilitation agreement with Cape Verde. It is proposed that COM (2012) 558 and COM (2012) 559, which concern the signature of the two agreements and which have already been adopted, be noted and that COM (2012) 557 and COM (2012) 560, which concern the conclusion of the agreement and which are still ongoing, require no further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

COM (2012) 703 and COM (2012) 704 concern the signature and conclusion of a readmission agreement and facilitation agreement with Armenia. It it agreed that they require no further scrutiny? Agreed.

COM (2012) 650 concerns amending a regulation which lists third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders of member states and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement. This relates to Schengen countries and constitutes the development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis to which Ireland is not a party. Is it agreed that we write to the Minister and the Department to get further information on these proposals? Agreed.

COM (2012) 744 concerns a proposal to amend existing provisions relating to insolvency. We understand that it is likely Ireland will decide to opt in to this proposal within the three months it has to do so and that the committee is likely to be referred to the proposal for its consideration prior to such an opt in. In light of this, it is proposed that the committee will consider the proposal, if referred, and that will constitute scrutiny of the proposal. If it is not so referred it is proposed that the committee will consider it again if it requires further scrutiny. It is also proposed to send the proposal for information to the Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Is that agreed? Agreed.