Tony Gregory
Question:283 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment his response to a request (details supplied) for support on the conciliation procedure, European Motorcycle Multi-Directive, Com(93)449/final. [22461/96]
Written Answers. - European Motorcycle Multi-Directive.
Noel Dempsey
Question:285 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will ensure that the views of the European Parliament on the European Motorcycle Multi-Directive, Com(93)449/final, are supported during Ireland's Presidency of the EU. [22499/96]
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn
Question:286 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment whether it is intended to implement the European Motorcycle Multi-Directive Com(93)449/final during Ireland's Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22579/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 283, 285 and 286 together.
The proposed directive on the type approval of certain components and systems of two and three wheel motor vehicles forms part of the EC motor vehicle type approval system, the aim of which is to achieve harmonisation of manufacturing/safety standard requirements for two and three wheel vehicles throughout the community.
These vehicles are not manufactured in Ireland not are the components or systems referred to in the proposed directive. Accordingly, it does not have industrial implications for Ireland. However, motorcycle users here will be affected to the extent that new motorcycles will have to comply with the provisions of the directive.
After lengthy and complex debate at Council working group level in Brussels, a common position on the proposed directive was reached at a Council meeting in November, 1995. As noted in the questions, the European Parliament has tabled amendments to the proposed directive and these were discussed at Council working group level during the Irish Presidency. However, it emerged in those discussions in the Council working group that not all the amendments proposed by the European Parliament were acceptable to member states and, accordingly, the proposal will be examined under the conciliation procedure involving Council and Parliament.
I am, of course, keen to see that process begin at the earliest date convenient to all the other parties involved, i.e. the Parliament, the EU Commission and the Council Secretariat.