Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 1

Written Answers. - EC Directives.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

178 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice if, in relation to the areas for which her Department has responsibility, she will give details of the number of EC Directives, by number and title, which have been implemented in Ireland by way of statutory instruments since Ireland became a member state; if, in relation to each Directive implemented, she will give details of the variation/amendment/ differences there are in each statutory instrument compared to the original Directive; and the number of Directives, by number and title, which have not been implemented by way of statutory instruments.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

The information sought in the question is not readily available and would have to be specially compiled. This could only be done by diverting scarce staff resources from other more pressing tasks, which would not be warranted.

The task of compiling the information requested by the Deputy would involve detailed research and examination of departmental records spanning more than 20 years and the benefits accruing would not, in my opinion, justify the effort and commitment required.

However, if the Deputy is concerned about any particular Directive I will be glad to inform him of the position. The precise effect of Directives which have not been implemented by way of Statutory Instrument is a matter for legal interpretation and it would not be my function to provide such interpretation.