Vol. 486 No. 1
163 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the nature of the political agreement reached at the European Council in regard to a transparency mechanism for information society services; and the implications of this for Ireland. [1301/98]
I take it the Deputy is referring to the draft directive to amend Directive 83/189/EEC, so as to specify procedures to apply to the adoption of national rules and regulations relating to information society services.
The amendment to this directive does not seek to harmonise substantive law in regard to such services. It gives effect to the principles governing the internal market by putting in place a co-operative mechanism, applicable to all member states, for prior notification and consultation on proposed draft national legislation relating to on-line interactive services.
The draft directive has support from all member states and is expected to be approved by the Council of Ministers in the immediate future.
