Vol. 514 No. 1
85 Mrs. Barnes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the National Metrology Laboratory has been transferred to the National Standards Authority of Ireland; if so, when it was transferred; if she has satisfied herself that any difficulties which arose in this transfer have been solved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3482/00]
116 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the National Metrology Laboratory has been transferred to the National Standards Authority of Ireland; if so, when it was transferred; if she has satisfied herself that any difficulties which arose in this transfer have been solved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3553/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 116 together.
Since the establishment of Enterprise Ireland in July 1998, there have been ongoing discussions between Enterprise Ireland, the National Standards Authority of Ireland – NSAI – and the unions representing the relevant staff to complete all necessary administrative and funding arrangements to ensure a smooth transfer of the functions of the National Metrology Laboratory to the NSAI.
A draft collective agreement between Enterprise Ireland, Forfás, the NSAI and the unions in respect of the transfer of the staff of the laboratory has now been drawn up and is the subject of ongoing discussions, with the various interests involved. I am hopeful of a satisfactory conclusion to these discussions, which of necessity must take full account of the interests of the various parties, including staff interests as represented through their trade union.
Meanwhile the transfer of responsibility for the Exchequer allocation in respect of the National Metrology Laboratory from Enterprise Ireland to the NSAI came into effect on 1 January 2000. The work of the laboratory continues to be carried out while the staff transfer arrangements are being finalised.
