This discussion (Chaired by T. Fukushima) was related to the organization of Division I in the framework of the upcoming IAU by-laws on Commissions and Working Groups.

The focus of the discussion was where to put the activities of the ICRS Working Group that, although it was considered as being a successful WG, was disabled in 2003 to comply with the new IAU rules on Commissions and Working Groups. Several solutions were debated. One was a possible distribution of the seven tasks of the former ICRS WG into the most appropriate Division 1 commissions according to their recently revised terms of reference.

Another solution was the creation of a new commission to embrace all the activities of the seven tasks.

An intermediate proposal was to expand Commission 31 (Time) to include reference systems in general, and to make each of the seven tasks a WG in that expanded commission. These different options are to be futher discussed within the Division 1 special group, chaired by Division I President, T. Fukushima, that is looking at ways to rationalize the current structure and advise on future arrangements.

(3 January 2005)