Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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127. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide assistance and funding to small and medium enterprises that are struggling to meet the high costs associated with attaining certification to standard EN1090, formerly the CE Mark & EN127; if he is aware that in some instances, the projected cost of EN1090 certification has forced SMEs out of business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43996/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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In general, the implementation of the Construction Products Regulations (CPR), is a matter for the Minister for the Environment Community and Local Government, and has resulted in increased compliance requirements for manufacturers of construction products across the board. The requirement for Steel Fabricators to CE mark product is a complex matter requiring the implementation of systems and procedures to demonstrate compliance with the EU regulations.

The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) are one of a number of notified bodies that can provide certification to fabricators in the area. NSAI costs are limited to the certification of the fabricators factory production control processes. The charge per day is currently €1,100 and certification normally requires 1.5 days of audit giving a total cost of €1,650 plus VAT. There is a follow up annual inspection process, normally incurring a 1 day charge plus an administration fee of €440.

It has come to the attention of NSAI’s Sustainability and Built Environment Division that fabricators have been quoted consultant costs in the region of €15,000 - €20,000 to develop and implement the appropriate processes and documentation to achieve compliance with the CPR. As a certification body, NSAI does not provide such consultancy services and has no direct evidence of the costs being charged by the consultants in this sector.

NSAI has received no notification of instances where SMEs have been forced out of business directly as a result of the implementation of the CPR.

Assistance is offered by way of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) who have, provided general awareness/information seminars on the topic. The Education and Training Boards (ETBs) in Cork, Dundalk, Galway, Shannon, Tralee and Waterford provide metal fabrication apprenticeship training, which incorporates elements of certification training. The ETBs come under the remit of the Minister for Education and Skills.

The Centre of Excellence in Enterprise Ireland has agreed to explore the option for the LEOs to join forces with the Construction Industry Federation to provide regional information briefings.

I understand that the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, remains committed to working with all stakeholders in order to continue to raise awareness and facilitate the implementation of the CPR in Ireland.