asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that over 1,000 tonnes of uncertified tube was sold on the Irish market last year with a further 900 tonnes being imported in the current year; if he will comment on the effects of the lack of proper certification of imported copper products on the decision of Irish metal industries to close their Galway plant next year with the loss of 58 jobs; and if he will indicate the action he proposes to take with regard to proper standards of certification for imports in copper and other building materials being imported into Ireland.
Written Answers. - Importation of Copper Products.
32.
Limerick East): Available official statistics do not differentiate between imports of certified or uncertified copper tubing. Imports of copper tubing to September 1986 were 3,014 tonnes compared to 3,293 tonnes in 1985.
The National Standards Authority of Ireland operate a certification scheme for copper tubing to Irish Standard 238. A total of seven manufacturers are licensed under the scheme, one Irish, three UK, and one each from Sweden, Holland and Spain. In addition, two further foreign manufacturers are currently seeking certification under the scheme.
I am satisfied that the certification scheme is being operated in a correct and proper manner under EC regulations. I have no proposals at present to introduce further regulations in this area.