Vol. 400 No. 2
102 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, in respect of the Government-sponsored EUROPEN campaign, the action he has taken within his Department to ensure Ireland's preparedness for 1992; if, as recommended, he has appointed a person in his Department with specific responsibility for 1992; if that person has developed and promoted a programme of work/activities in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has not direct involvement in the EUROPEN campaign.Preparations associated with 1992 in the Department are concerned with rapidly changing developments relating to the regulatory environment for communications, telecommunications, postal, radiocommunications and broadcasting in the European Community.
My Department takes part in all EC meetings dealing with issues that come within its ambit at a senior level.
103 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment , in respect of the Government-sponsored EUROPEN campaign, the action he has taken within his Department to ensure Ireland's prepardness for 1992; if, as recommended, he has appointed a person in his Department with specific responsibility for 1992; if that person has developed and promoted a programme for work/activities in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has participated fully in the EUROPEN campaign. A series of seminars has been conducted for the construction industry which highlighted the broad range of EC measures that will affect its future operations. Among these are the Directives and Construction Products, Public Procurement, Freedom of Establishment for the Professions and the introduction of European building codes — the Eurocodes.
My Department has established a National Eurocodes Advisory Committee comprising technical experts from the public and private sectors under the aegis of its environmental research unit to promote the Irish viewpoint at every level of development of Eurocodes.
The Construction Industry Standards Committee was established by the National Standards Authority of Ireland in consultation with my Department to liaise with the industry about relevant European developments.
Another element of the campaign is the publication of newsletters which will continue to keep the industry in touch with developments.
In addition my Department has provided important inputs to other bodies involved in the EUROPEN campaign particularly in the financial services, transport and construction sectors.
An official of my Department acts as a contact person for the purposes of the EUROPEN campaign.
