asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline the result of the review of import monitoring systems promised in his reply to Parliamentary Questions 106 and 107 of 7 April 1987, and of his investigation of similar systems in other EEC countries; his views on whether import monitoring systems are in line with the principle of the EEC internal market for goods and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Import Monitoring Systems.
40.
The parliamentary questions in April 1987 to which the Deputy refers were essentially concerned with import substitution. Following a review of existing import monitoring systems, I will shortly be putting to Government a series of proposals aimed at assisting Irish firms to maximise import replacement on the home market. These include the strengthening of those systems.
I am satisfied that the strengthened systems proposed are consistent with our commitment to achieve the completion of the internal market for goods and services by 1992.
In common with other member states Ireland operates the import monitoring systems allowed under EEC regulations. Because of the vigilance of the Commission in relation to any measures, including monitoring, which would offend Article 30 of the Treaty of Rome which prohibits restrictions on imports, the extent to which additional levels of monitoring takes place in other EEC countries is difficult to identify.
Is the Minister of State aware that some countries in the EEC manipulate the various regulations to frustrate imports? Has he found any evidence of such and has he found it necessary at any time to complain to other countries?
I am aware in a general sense. There are no particular complaints on file at present of which I am aware. However, I am aware, in a general sense, that not every country plays as fairly as it should. If the Deputy wanted details in that respect he would need to put down a separate question.