Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 349: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the exemptions from EU directives or regulations that Ireland has achieved in his Department's competency area; the reason his Department requested each exemption; if it is intended to give up any of these exemptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33842/05]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the exemptions from EU directives or regulations that his Department is seeking; the reason his Department is requesting each exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33857/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 350 together.

My Department has not received or sought exemptions for Ireland from generally applicable EU directives or regulations. In the normal course of negotiating legal instruments, my Department contributes to negotiations on the basis of securing the best outcome for Ireland and frequently makes proposals or suggestions to amend proposed instruments that, in our view, would make better law. Under the European Union (Scrutiny) Act, all measures proposed by the EU are laid before each House of the Oireachtas, together with a statement outlining the content, purpose and likely implications for Ireland of the proposed measure. If the Deputy has concerns about any particular measure I would be pleased to provide a briefing to him on the state of negotiations.