WRITTEN QUESTION E-2735/99 by Carlo Fatuzzo (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Free entry to museums for Community citizens between the ages of 55 and 65.
C 26 E/8 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 26. 1. 2001 improving the capacity for luggage and passport control etc. ). Contrary to the view held by the honourable Member, the Italian authorities have indeed sent the information which the Commission had asked to receive on carrying out work and improvements. The Commission is currently checking this information. (1) Commission Decision of 16 September 1998 on a procedure relating to the application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 (Case VII/AMA/11/98 ü Italian traffic distribution rules for the airport system of Milan). OJ L 337, 12. 12. 1998. (2001/C 26 E/009) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2735/99 by Carlo Fatuzzo (PPE-DE) to the Commission (18 January 2000) Subject: Free entry to museums for Community citizens between the ages of 55 and 65 Cultural tourism among the 55- to 65-year old age group in Europe is a source of cultural enrichment, a healthy way of using free time and a source of many new jobs. Does the Commission intend to issue a directive to boost this type of tourism and to make it more accessible? In addition, can the Commission ask the Italian minister Mr Melandri to amend the regulation published in the Italian Official Journal No 253, 27. 10. 1999, which restricts free entry to monuments, museums, archaeological sites, and parks etc. to those over the age of 65, so that it includes Community citizens between the ages of 55 and 65? Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (13 March 2000) The Commission is aware of the importance of cultural tourism as a source of potential job creation. However, there is no intention to issue a directive on this matter. The question of the age group benefiting from free entry to cultural attractions in Italy is a matter for the Member State itself, following the principle of subsidiarity. (2001/C 26 E/010) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2750/99 by Dorette Corbey (PSE) to the Commission (7 January 2000) Subject: Turtles, nature conservation and accession: Cyprus Is the Commission aware of the debate in Cyprus about the protection of the Akamas Peninsula, 1. which is an important nesting area for sea turtles? These turtle species include vulnerable and endangered species, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list. Has the Commission been informed about measures to protect Akamas which were approved by the Cypriot Parliament in 1998, but have not yet been accepted by the Cabinet of Ministers? Is the Commission also aware of the fact that hotel development in the area has meanwhile continued? 2. In view of the upcoming accession of Cyprus, has the Commission entered into discussions regarding the suitability of the Akamas Peninsula, and particularly that the Asprokremmos, Lara and Toxeftra beaches be included in the Natura 2000 network of protected sites, established under the Habitats and Birds Directives (resp. 92/43 (1) of 21 May 1992 and 79/409 (2) of 2 April 1979)?