Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 July 2013
752. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the marine equipment directive and agreement on recreational craft that were achieved during the Irish EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36181/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Irish Presidency, Transport Ministers at their meeting on 10 June agreed a General Approach on the proposals from the European Commission to amend the Directive on Marine Equipment (96/98/EC). The Transport and Tourism Committee of the European Parliament also examined the proposals, with the Committee’s rapporteur on the issue reporting his findings on 29 May 2013. The next step is negotiations between the Parliament and the Council, with a view to adopting a Directive before the end of this year.
The main element of the agreed General Approach is to introduce a framework of Implementing Acts to replace the current system of annual amendments to an annex of the Directive on approved equipment.On the Recreational Craft Directive (94/25/EC), the Irish Presidency achieved a First Reading Agreement with the European Parliament, subject to formal approval at their Plenary session in September/October 2013. The proposed amendments to this Directive include providing standard obligations for a number of products in matters such as the competencies of conformity assessment bodies and market surveillance authorities, the obligations of economic operators and the rules on CE marking (i.e. the marking which is a manufacturer's declaration that their product meets the requirements of any applicable EC directives). It is expected that the revised Directive will be agreed by the end of this year.
