Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 16 Nov 1972

Vol. 263 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - EEC Trade Directives.

102.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the main provisions and the implications for Ireland of the EEC draft directive C. 50, 19.5. 1972; and if any consultations on it have yet been held in this country.

103.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the main provisions and implications for Ireland of EEC proposal C. 50, 19. 5. 1972 on the removal of technical obstacles to trade.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together. I presume the first question relates to two draft directives on prepacked liquids and on bottles used as measuring instruments which were published in the Official Journal of the EEC on 19th May, 1972. These drafts lay down prescribed volumes and methods of control for alcoholic and other drinks, milk, vinegar and edible oils, in bottles and other containers. The provisions are optional and would require only that importation and sale of such goods may not be prohibited for reasons relating to volumes or control methods provided the goods comply with the directives. Firms and associations concerned with the manufacture and filling of bottles, cans and plastic containers of these products in this country have been consulted by my Department and, where appropriate, representations have been made to the European Commission in accordance with the EEC consultation procedure.

The Deputy's second question relates to a proposed resolution of the Council regarding removal of technical obstacles to trade. This is complementary to an earlier resolution of May, 1969, establishing a programme to eliminate technical obstacles to the exchange of industrial products by harmonising the differing national requirements regarding standards, characteristics, and performance which exist in the member countries to protect the public or industrial consumer's safety, health and welfare. The effect of the draft resolution which is the subject of the Deputy's question would merely be to add certain items to the list of products to receive attention in this way. Naturally, one cannot discuss the implications for Irish industry until draft proposals for these products are published later, but I think it should be safe to say that there is no reason to suppose that in their final form they will present any particular problem.

Can the Minister tell me if he has circulated a copy of such draft proposals as do exist in a full English translation to all the industries which are likely to be affected?

They have been consulted.

Have they been circulated with a copy of the actual directive, or have they just been given the Department's gloss on the directive?

The Department's gloss is usually pretty accurate especially so as far as glass is concerned.

Have they been circulated with a copy of it?

It is not spelled out here whether they have or have not, but when my officials get together with industrial interests in this regard, the normal procedure is the presentation on the table for discussion of the documents that are being discussed. I have no reason to believe that those documents and the drafts and the translation of the draft have not been seen by them and presented to them and discussed.

Can the Minister tell me if his Department have made an English translation of these documents because they are not published in Journal Officiel in English?

The Deputy asked me——

Surely the Minister would be aware if there is a translation section in existence in his Department.

I am aware of the existence of a translation section. I am aware of the existence of a heck of a lot of sections within my Department. I do not parade the corridors of my Department every five minutes.

Will the Minister be able to find out this information for a later Question?

I will. There is nothing in these questions about a translation service.

Top
Share