Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the implications for Ireland of the decision of the European Parliament to vote in favour of the latest REACH proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36603/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The European Parliament and the Council are in the final stages of a proposal for the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals, REACH. The Parliament agreed its first reading opinion on REACH on 17 November 2005.

On registration, the Parliament agreed a compromise package of amendments which aims to target resources at the substances of highest concern. These amendments include lowered information requirements for existing substances manufactured or imported in the one to ten tonne range to minimise the risk of withdrawal of these vulnerable substances; so-called one substance one registration, OSOR, which will require manufacturers and importers of the same substance to register jointly, but with criteria included to allow separate registration for reasons of business confidentiality, for example; and more flexible provisions for exemption of substances used in research from registration.

On evaluation, the Parliament voted in favour of shifting more responsibility to the central agency which will lead to a more harmonised system across Europe. On authorisation, the Parliament has voted for a much stricter and more rigorous approach than in the Commission's original proposal. The substitution principle is much more strongly enforced which would mean that substances of high concern may only be authorised where suitable alternative substances or technologies do not exist.

The UK Presidency is aiming to achieve political agreement on a common position at the Competitiveness Council at its meeting on 13 December. My key objective is to ensure that the proposed REACH regulation secures as high a level of protection for human health and the environment as possible, while ensuring the efficient functioning of the internal market and the stimulation of innovation and competitiveness in the chemical industry.