Vol. 428 No. 1
228 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the concern among jewellery manufactures and traders that current attempts at European Community level to harmonise the certification of precious metal products (details supplied) will lead to loss of jobs in this country and weaken the guarantee to the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
231 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he has satisfied himself with the approach being taken in the draft EC Directive for the marking of precious metal articles, both in so far as it continues to provide the consumer with quality guaranteed, and in so far as it protects the jobs of those employed in the manufacturing trade from possible dumping of inferior products; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
234 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fears of persons (details supplied) that a proposed new approach to the marking of precious metals to be considered shortly by the EC Council of Ministers could undermine the work and standards of the Assay office in ensuring the quality of jewellery products, diminish the protection now afforded to customers and lead to a loss in jobs amongst manufacturing jewellers in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 228, 231 and 234 together.
