Vol. 470 No. 4
285 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether the Greyhound Industry (Amendments) Bill, the Plant Varieties (Proprietary Rights (Amendment) Bill and the Protection of the Financial Interest of the European Community Bill will be published in this session; the purpose of each Bill; if these Bills are in response to EU directives or other international obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19026/96]
It is unlikely that the relevant Bills will be published in 1996. The information requested is set out in the following tabular statement:
|
Type of Bill |
Purpose of Bill including EU/International Obligations |
Current Position |
|
Greyhound Industry Bill |
To provide appropriate up to date structures particulary relating to the area of control/regulation of racing and to provide a modern legislative framework for the greyhound industry. |
Consultations with industry representatives still ongoing with a view to publishing in 1997. |
|
The Plant Varieties (Proprietary Rights) (Amendment) Bill |
To facilitate Ireland's ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants as revised in 1991 (UPOV) and to take account of Council Regulation (EC) No. 2100/94 on Community Plant Variety Rights |
Publishing anticipated in early 1997. |
|
Protection of the Financial Interests of the European Communities Bill |
To give effect to EU legislation and to reinforce domestic legislation to protect the financial interests of the EU and the Exchequer, and to strengthen anti-fraud legislation. |
This is a wider issue than agriculture. Inter-departmental discussions are ongoing on legislation to provide a comprehensive and coherent framework for dealing with EU regulations on the protection of the EU budget and for reinforcing national procedures and rules on investigations and evidence to make them more effective. Publishing is anticipated in 1997. |
