(The sitting was suspended at 12.55 and resumed at 15.00.)

IN THE CHAIR: Hans-Gert PÖTTERING
President

11. Membership of Parliament

Verbatim reports

The Irish authorities had given notice of the appointment of Colm Burke to replace Simon Coveney as Member of Parliament with effect from 19.06.2007.

Under Rule 3(2), until such time as his credentials had been verified or a ruling had been given on any dispute, and provided that he had previously made a written declaration stating that he did not hold any office incompatible with that of Member of the European Parliament, Colm Burke would take his seat in Parliament and on its bodies and would enjoy all the rights attaching thereto.

The following spoke:Avril Doyle spoke.