I would add that unannounced visits to detention centres are aimed at preventing ill-treatment, which generally goes unpunished in France, as indicated in the most recent report by the Committee for the Prevention of Torture.

3. Except in exceptional circumstances, duly recorded and explained by the national authorities, the on-the-spot checks shall include a visit to the operation or, if the operation is intangible, to the operation promoter.

4. Administrative checks relating to investment operations shall include at least one visit to the operation supported or the investment site to verify the realisation of the investment.

Mr President, honourable Members of the European Parliament, ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted and honoured to address this distinguished gathering, particularly as this is my first visit to the European Parliament.

18. Welcomes the adoption of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment of 10 December 1984, whose aim is to establish a system of regular visits to places of detention in order to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and to set up a 'Prevention Subcommittee' coming under the authority of the Committee Against Torture (CAT) and, in each State Party, a national prevention mechanism in the form of one or two independent bodies to visit places where people are deprived of their freedom; calls on the EU Member S ...[+++]tates to sign and ratify that Optional Protocol promptly;

The NFIP of the visiting country/countries monitors and, where appropriate, provides the host NFIP with updated information on the movements and whereabouts of the visiting supporters.