Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 3

Written Answers. - EU Directives.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

393 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the EU directives relevant to his Department which are awaiting implementation; the nature of the directives; when each was passed by the Council of Ministers; the date for implementation; if the Government sought a derogation; and if he will meet the deadline as required. [23346/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I have set out, for the Deputy's information, details of each directive for which my Department has responsibility, its original publication date, the date by which it ought to have been, or is to be, transposed into national law and the date currently anticipated for its transposition.

The transposition of EU directives is being addressed as a priority in my Department. The Deputy should note that, where a delay in transposing directives occurs, this can be for various reasons such as the technical or legal complexity of the measure itself or the pressure of other work. The intention, at all times, is to avoid such delay or minimise its duration where it occurs.

Commission Directive 2002/34 relates to cosmetic products – publication date, 15 April 2002. Transposition was due by 15 April 2003, transposition expected by 31 October 2003. Commission Directive 2003/1 relates to cosmetic products – publication date, 6 January 2003. Transposition was due by 15 April 2003, transposition expected by 31 October 2003. Commission Directive 2002/67 concerning the labelling of foodstuffs – publication date, 18 July 2002. Transposition was due by 30 June 2003, transposition expected by 31 October 2003. Directive 2002/46 of the European Parliament and of Council concerning food supplements – publication date, 10 June 2002. Transposition was due by 31 July 2003, transposition expected by 31 October 2003. Commission Directive 2002/82 concerning specific purity criteria on food additives other than colours and sweeteners – publication date, 15 October 2002. Transposition was due by 31 August 2003, transposition expected by 31 October 2003. Commission Directive 2003/40 concerning labelling requirements for natural mineral waters and the treatment of same – publication date, 16 May 2003. Transposition due by 31 December 2003, transposition expected by 31 December 2003.

Commission Directive 2003/32 on medical devices – publication date, 23 April 2003. Transposition due by 1 January 2004, transposition expected by 30 November 2003. Commission Directive 2003/16 on cosmetic products – transposition was due 18 February 2003; transposition expected by 15 November 2003. Commission Directive 2001/20 on the conduct of clinical trials on medicinal products for human use – publication date, 4 April 2001. Transposition due by 1 May 2003, transposition expected by 1 May 2004. Commission Directive 2003/63 relating to medicinal products for human use – publication date, 25 June 2003. Transposition due by 31 October 2003, transposition will be given effect by the due date of 31 October 2003.