Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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COM (2013) 130 is a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights and Regulation (EC) No. 2027/97 on air carrier liability in respect of the carriage of passengers and their baggage by air. This proposal for a regulation is significant as it will have an impact on both airlines and consumers. The draft regulation seeks to update current legislation by clarifying existing grey areas in the law, introducing new consumer rights, strengthening enforcement of the rules and balancing the financial impact on all stakeholders.

As this proposed regulation is significant, impacting on both the airline industry and consumers, it is proposed that this proposal warrants further scrutiny. I propose that, initially, officials for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport be asked to appear before the joint committee to assist members in scrutinising it, in particular, to explain the detail and consequences of the draft regulation and also the outcome of its consultations with stakeholders. Thereafter, the joint committee can decide on further action. Is that agreed? Agreed.

COM (2013) 147 is a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on measures to reduce the cost of deploying high-speed electronic communications networks. The objective of the draft regulation is to reduce the cost of rolling out high-speed broadband throughout the EU for the benefit of EU citizens and the Single Market. This proposed regulation is significant as new or additional directly applicable obligations would be imposed. The issue of subsidiarity must also be considered in the context of this proposal.

As this is a significant proposal, it is proposed that it warrants further scrutiny. It is proposed to invite officials from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to a meeting of the joint committee as soon as possible to assist it in scrutinising this draft regulation. Is that agreed? Agreed.