Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)

I have received apologies from Deputies Sean Sherlock and Denise Mitchell.

Before I begin this meeting, I wish to make a declaration on the record in relation to my role as Cathaoirleach to the committee, as follows: I do solemnly declare that I will duly and faithfully, and to the best of my knowledge and ability, execute the office of Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth without fear or favour, apply the rules as laid down by the House in an impartial and fair manner, maintain order and uphold the rights and privileges of members in accordance with the Constitution and Standing Orders.

Our first agenda item concerns decisions of the committee regarding EU Commission proposals. As a formality, I need to read into the public record the decisions of the committee following its previous consideration of the EU Commission proposals. At a private meeting of the joint committee on 18 June 2024, the committee discussed EU COM (2023) 512, a proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European disability card and the European parking card for persons with disabilities. Following consideration of this proposal, it was agreed that the proposal did not warrant further scrutiny.

At another private meeting of the joint committee, on 17 September, the committee discussed EU COM (2023) 698, a proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council extending the directive to third country nationals legally residing in a member state. Following consideration of the proposal, it was also agreed that the proposal did not warrant further scrutiny.