Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Before we begin we will record our decisions in respect of the EU scrutiny. It is proposed that COM (2017) 481, on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations, warrants no further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Does any member wish to make a comment?

Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party)
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I would like to make a comment with regard to COM (2017) 481. The proposed cuts to European political party funding from 15% to 10%, and to 5% for political foundations, seem counter-intuitive and unwise at a time when citizens need to be brought closer to the EU and its work. European political parties are some of the hardest-working bodies in trying to do this. Just this weekend, we are hosting a fully booked public event with the European Green Party to talk about EU policy and politics. The Government should not support any reduction in the resources of European political parties.

Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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I thank those who have presented this detailed report to us. It is important to note that on page 6 of the report, item 14 details the impact of this proposal on the public and states that there will be "No significant impacts but, if the proposal is agreed and implemented, more information would be available to the public about European political parties, their membership, their political programmes and gender representation among their candidates at European elections and their Members of the European Parliament". It is important to put that on the record because it is the kernel of the proposal. Greater transparency and openness in the local, national, regional and European electoral processes has to be welcomed because it is exceptionally important.

Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Is it agreed that COM (2017) 481 warrants no further scrutiny? Agreed. It is proposed that COM (2017) 482, on European citizens' initiative, warrants no further scrutiny. Is that agreed?

Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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It is important that we acknowledge these initiatives. If this proposal is accepted and comes into effect, it will empower 16 year olds to engage in petitioning under the European citizens' initiative. If it gets through this process, it is proposed that it will come into effect in 2019. This is important given that Ireland, regrettably, does not allow 16 year olds and 17 year olds to vote. This matter has been debated in both Houses of the Oireachtas. I think we should engage with more young people in the political process at local, regional, national and European levels. The effect of this proposal would be to give young people aged 16 and 17 the right to petition the EU under the European citizens' initiative. I think that is welcome and important.

Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Is it agreed that COM (2017) 482 warrants no further scrutiny? Agreed.