Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 8 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 2

Written Answers. - International Certification Scheme.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

131 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, at the next plenary in October 2003 on the international diamond certification scheme known as the Kimberley process, the Government will press for the establishment of a regular and effective monitoring mechanism to assess over time all national diamond control systems; and the diamond control systems, regulations and laws which are in place here or are planned. [12578/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern):

The European Union is a single area for the purposes of the Kimberley process certification scheme. The scheme provides for the kind of monitoring and review the Deputy refers to in relation to participants. Ireland is also keeping its arrangements under review to ensure that they comply with our obligations under the scheme and to identify any revisions that may be necessary from time to time.