Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the role he is playing in the audit of the transposition of EU directives; the directives that are under scrutiny by him; if this audit will incorporate an analysis of the transposition of EU directives on an all-Ireland basis in order that there is cross-border harmonisation thus reducing barriers to enterprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10010/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department is proactive in ensuring that good performance on transposition of Directives is consistently maintained. Transposition is monitored through a customised Intranet database which is used as a central management and information tool to track the implementation of Directives on an ongoing basis. The Interdepartmental Co-ordinating Committee on EU Affairs, which is chaired by the Minister for European Affairs, also monitors Directives through its monthly meetings and the Department of the Taoiseach's EU Returns database. My Department is constantly working to maintain our national reputation and position by maintaining a high level of commitment to the ongoing management and implementation of EU Directives to ensure the transposition deadlines are met. Nine Directives require to be transposed by my Department up to 2012. One of these - Directive 2009/125/EC on ecodesign requirements for energy-related products - is currently overdue. However, I expect to sign a statutory instrument transposing this Directive in the coming days. A full list of Directives to be transposed up to 2012 is provided on my Department's website, www.deti.ie. In addition, my Department is dealing with the transposition of four codified Directives. It should be noted that codification brings together previous legislation in a single new act. There are no timelines required for the transposition of codified Directives. While my Department is heavily engaged in supporting North-South enterprise development, in particular through the work of the North South Ministerial Council, transposition of EU Directives in Northern Ireland is a matter for the UK Government. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, there is continuing and extensive co-operation with Departments in Northern Ireland, including through the mechanism of the North-South Ministerial Council, on a wide range of issues which are of mutual concern and benefit. EU related matters, including EU Directives and Regulations and their application, are discussed periodically.