Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I remind members and those in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off or left in flight mode for the duration of the meeting, as they interfere with the broadcasting of the proceedings, even when left in silent mode.

On Schedule A proposals, I will take COM (2013) 538 and COM (2013) 539 together as they are linked. COM (2013) 538 is a proposal for a Council decision on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, of the protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products to the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in so far as the provisions of the protocol which do not fall under Title V of Part III of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union are concerned. COM (2013) 539 is a proposal for a Council decision on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, of the protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products to the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in so far as the provisions of the protocol which fall under Title V of Part III of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union are concerned. It is proposed that these proposals warrant further scrutiny. It is proposed, therefore, to write to the Department of Health to ask if Ireland will be opting in to the provisions of the protocol which fall under Title V, to outline the details of concerns it has about the proposals and to outline the resource implications for the State associated with the enforcement and implementation of the measures proposed.

It is also proposed that these proposals be sent for information to the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Regarding COM(2013)894, proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on novel foods, it is proposed that this proposal does not require further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed. I thank Ms Fiona Cashin in particular for her co-operation on the EU matters. I welcome viewers watching the meeting on the UPC Oireachtas channel.