Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jun 1993

Vol. 433 No. 2

Written Answers. - EC Initiatives.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

59 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Justice if she will give details of the various European Community initiatives that she has implemented in the period from 1989 to 1993 inclusive; the scope and extent of funding for each programme; if these programmes will be continued in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

60 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Justice the initiatives, if any, she will be taking, legislative or otherwise, to comply with the terms of the Maastricht Treaty; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

61 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Justice if there are any measures required to be taken in her remit of responsibility to comply with the terms of the Single Market; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59, 60 and 61 together.

The Treaty on European Union provides for co-operation between the member states for the purposes of achieving the objectives of the Union, including co-operation in the areas of justice and home affairs. Pending ratification of the Treaty by all of the member states and the entry of the Treaty into force, it is not possible to anticipate what initiatives, legislative or otherwise, will be necessary on my part arising from such co-operation.

With regard to the Community objective of a Single Market, I would refer the Deputy to my reply of 17 June last to a question from Deputy Liz McManus relating to the free movement of persons. Measures remain to be taken to implement certain EC directives relating to this area. Directive 91/447 EEC on the control of the acquisition and possession of weapons was due to be implemented on 31 December 1992. Draft regulations to implement the directive are ready for completion. However, on the advice of the Attorney General I have deferred making the regulations pending the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Meagherv. the Minister for Agriculture and Others. Articles 9 to 14, inclusive, of Directive 93/15 EEC on the harmonisation of the provisions relating to the placing on the market and supervision of explosives for civil uses are due to be implemented before 30 September 1993. The remaining provisions of the Directive apply from 1 January 1995. Draft regulations to implement the Directive are in course of preparation.

One of the purposes of Council Directive 91/308/EEC on prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering — adopted on 10 June 1991 — is to ensure that member states do not adopt measures to combat money laundering which could be inconsistent with the completion of the Single Market Legislation to give effect to the Directive is at a very advanced stage of drafting and will be introduced as soon as possible.

I presume the Deputy is referring to Community initiatives under the Structural Funds in Question No. 59. My Department has not had a specific role in relation to these.