Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 192: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in the context of the programme of the Irish EU Presidency, she will work to ensure that the proposed regulation in trade in torture equipment is adopted by the Council of Ministers in order that the EU has export controls in place for torture and death penalty related equipment before the accession of the ten new member states on 1 May 2004. [4579/04]

Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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The Commission proposal for a Council regulation concerning trade in certain equipment and products which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment was examined on a number of occasions by the Council working party on trade questions in Brussels during 2003. On the basis of this work, and in the light of positions taken by member states, it was decided that the Commission should present a revised proposal.

At this time, the revised Commission proposal is still awaited by the Council. After receipt of the revised proposal, which is expected in March or April, the Irish Presidency will seek to ensure that the proposal is adopted as soon as possible.