Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 1

Written Answers - Manufacture of Concrete.

Noel Treacy

Question:

256 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the system of certification for agricultural concrete manufacturing which is operated by his Department; if he is satisfied with the system as it exists at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2606/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

Each farm building grant-aided by my Department must conform with the relevant Department minimum specification all of which require that concrete used in construction must be covered by a concrete manufacturers' specification certificate. This certificate was introduced jointly by the Concrete Manufacturers' Association of Ireland, representing major manufacturers, and the Independent Concrete Manufacturers' Association, representing a large majority of other manufacturers, in consultation with representatives from the building industry and officials from my Department.

Since the introduction of the certification scheme in 1993 there has been a very considerable improvement in the quality of on-farm concrete construction. The certification scheme has worked to the clear benefit of farmers, the building industry, suppliers of quality materials, and of the State in its grant-aiding role.