asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if any consultations have been held with the EEC, or if any are planned, regarding the possibility of extending the period under Protocol 7 of the Treaty of Accession to the EEC relating to the motor assembly industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Motor Assembly Industry.
384.
There has not been any consultation with the EEC Commission regarding the possibility of extending the special arrangements for the motor assembly scheme beyond the date provided for in Protocol 7, viz., 1 January 1985, and it is not intended to seek such an extension.
In fact it is implicit in article 4 of the protocol that no measures be proposed which would call into question the final date for the abolition of the scheme.
385.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is satisfied that all motor assembly firms in Ireland are complying with the requirements of Protocol 7 of the Treaty of Accession to the EEC in relation to the number of vehicles which must be assembled in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
For an account of the different categories of registered importers and the conditions to be met by each to qualify for registration for the importation of fully built up motor vehicles I would refer the Deputy to the reply given by me on 2 February 1983 to a question by Deputy Taylor (Dáil Official Report, Vol. 339, No. 7, columns 748 to 751).
At present there are three registered importers of EEC vehicles who import the fully built up vehicles for which they are registered without restriction. Two of the firms are still assembling and have maintained their 1965 levels of assembly and employment. One of the firms has met fully the requirements for diversification and consequently continues to enjoy facilities for importation of built up vehicles, for which it is registered, without restriction.
Five registered importers of EEC vehicles have ceased assembly of such vehicles. Four of these firms have failed to provide alternatives to assembly which would fully meet the requirements for diversification and consequently their imports of fully built up vehicles are restricted. Negotiations with the fifth firm have not yet been concluded. Discussions are also taking place with one of the four firms, which has failed to meet requirements under a previous arrangement.
Two registered importer/assemblers of non-EEC vehicles are continuing assembly but not at the required level under the scheme. Negotiations are, however, taking place with both firms and proposals for alternatives to assembly have been submitted and are being examined.