Vol. 534 No. 5
79 Mr. Bradford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department has had discussions with the Director of Legal Metrology concerning the possible use of a company (details supplied) which has an international standard of flow testing; and if she will encourage the use of this international standard system. [11262/01]
80 Mr. Bradford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 66 of 29 March 2001, she has satisfied herself that the testing of milk collection systems and oil distribution systems are carried out to the preferred international standards. [11263/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 80 together.
My Department has had discussions with the Director of Legal Metrology concerning expressions of interest from a company, which is principally engaged in the calibration of flow meters, in expanding its activities to include the testing and verification of such instruments. Calibration is concerned with the maintenance-repair of measurement systems by determining accuracy and carrying out the necessary adjustments and repairs. Milk collection systems and oil distribution systems are calibrated either by their owners or private sector companies.
Verification attests that the instrument is within specified legal tolerances after calibration has taken place. The testing and verification of measuring instruments for trade use is a function controlled under the Legal Metrology Act, 1996. While presently all functions under the Metrology Act are exclusively carried out by the Legal Metrology Service, provision have been included in the legislation which allows for the authorisation of other bodies, when warranted, to undertake specific functions under the Act. Any decision to authorise private companies to undertake prescribed functions under the Act could only be taken following an independent impact analysis of how these services are to be most efficiently and effectively carried out.
The Director of Legal Metrology has informed me that he is satisfied that the verification and inspection of flow meters is carried out in line with international practices. The director has also indicated that the feasibility of commissioning an impact analysis into the authorisation of private companies to undertake prescribed functions under the Act in a number of areas will be examined in the context of developing the future strategy for the Legal Metrology Service.
