Senators may be aware that there are negotiations at Justice and Home Affairs Council level of the European Union for a proposed Council directive on minimum standards for the qualification and status of third party nationals and stateless persons as refugees and as persons who would otherwise need international protection. This proposal sets out minimum standards relating to eligibility criteria for refugee status and subsidiary protection in the European Union and the entitlements of the persons who qualify for such protection. When the proposal is fully adopted by the Justice and Home Affairs Council other than refugee status, it will, in effect, define a protected status other than refugee status other than under the 1951 convention which states can offer to persons found to be in need of such protection. It is expected that the proposal will be adopted by the middle of this year.