Written Answers. - Legislative Programme.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:
158
Mr. Quinn
asked the
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
the Acts or sections or other provisions of Acts under the auspices of his Department or for the commencement of which his Department is responsible which have not commenced by reason of the fact that a commencement order has not been made; if it is intended to make such an order; if so, when; the reason for the failure to make such an order to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[7170/02]
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:
159
Mr. Quinn
asked the
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
the proposed statutory instruments being prepared in, or under the auspices of, his Department; the proposed effect of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[7185/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.
Section 8 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, sets out the functions of Horse Racing Ireland, including the registry office and related functions which are to transfer from the Racing Regulatory Body to HRI. Section 8(2) provides for a separate commencement of this section from the rest of the Act. Discussions are currently under way between the Racing Regulatory Body and HRI to achieve an orderly transfer of these functions, including arrangements for the transfer of staff and associated matters such as the terms and conditions of their employment. I hope that arrangements will be finalised by both parties in the near future, which will enable me to make the commencement order to give effect to section 8 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001.
The following statutory instruments are being prepared by my Department:
1. European Committees (Beef Carcass Classification) Regulation, 1994, (S.I. No. 8 of 1994) is being drafted to allow the Minister appoint as a classification officer any employee of the slaughterer he considers to be a fit person to carry out the functions of a classification officer.
2. Statutory instruments on fodder plant seed, seed of oil and fibre plants and the common catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant species are being prepared. The proposed effect of each is consolidate existing regulations and to introduce detailed rules in respect of genetically modified plant varieties and plant genetic resources.
3. A statutory instrument is being prepared to give effect to the EU regulations governing the production of organic food.
4. The European Communities (Milk Quota) (Amendment Regulations, 2002, are currently nearing completion. These regulations will amend the European Communities (Milk Quota) Regulations, 2000, S. I. No. 84 of 2000) to provide detail rules for the introduction and operation of milk production partnerships in Ireland.
5. European Communities (Wine) Regulations: The purpose of this statutory instrument is to confer powers of entry on authorised officers and to provide for penalties for breaches of the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1493/99 of 17 May 1999 on the common organisation of the market in wine. Council Regulation 1493/99 automatically has the force of law here, but national legislation – secondary – is required to enable it to be policed.
6. European Communities (Marketing of Cocoa and Chocolate products intended for human consumption) Regulations: The purpose of this statutory instrument is to transpose Directive 2000/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to cocoa and chocolate products into Irish law. The deadline for the implementation of this directive is 3 August 2003.
7. European Communities (Marketing of Fruit Jams, Jellies, Marmalades and sweetened Chestnut puree intended for human consumption) Regulations: The purpose of this statutory instrument is to transpose Council Directive 2001/113/EC relating to fruit jams, jellies and marmalades and similar products into Irish law. The deadline for the implementation of this directive is 12 July 2003.
8. A statutory instrument, the European Communities (Welfare of Laying Hens) Regulations, 2002, is currently being prepared giving effect to Council Directive No. 1999/74/EC of 19 July 1999 laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens.
9. A statutory instrument, Abattoirs Act, 1988 (Veterinary Examination) (Amendment) Regulations, 2002, is in the course of preparation in order to establish a pig salmonella control programme.
10. A statutory instrument, European Communities (Marketing Standards for Poultrymeat) Regulations, 2002, is currently being prepared in order to update national legislation that transposes EU marketing standards regulations.
11. European Communities (Marketing of fruit juices and certain similar products intended for human consumption) Regulations. The purpose of this statutory instrument is to transpose Council Directive 2001/112/EC relating to fruit juices and similar products into Irish law. The deadline for the implementation of this directive is 12 July 2003.
