Written answers

Tuesday, 9 December 2014

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

EU Regulations

Photo of Michael FitzmauriceMichael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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424. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the consultations that took place regarding the EU standard EN 1090 regarding structural steel and aluminium which came into effect in July 2014; if pre-legislative scrutiny took place; the groups which were consulted regarding its potential impact; his response to its introduction at each stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47059/14]

Photo of Dara CallearyDara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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446. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the consultations that took place here regarding the EU standard EN 1090 regarding structural steel and aluminium which came into effect in July 2014, if pre-legislative scrutiny process was entered into; the organisations that were consulted regarding its potential impact; if a regulatory impact assessment was prepared and published and if so, if he will provide it in the response; the interaction his Department or any other Departments' input was to its introduction at every stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47275/14]

Photo of Alan KellyAlan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 424 and 446 together.

The development of European standards is principally a matter for the CEN (ie the European Committee for Standardisation ) of which the National Standards Authority of Ireland is a member . My Department’s role relates to overseeing the implementation of the overarching Construction Products Regulation (and its predecessor , the Construction Products Directive). In this regard, my Department has been working with a wide range of organisations in both the public and private sectors in order to ensure that the construction industry was made aware of, and could prepare for, the Construction Products Regulation, and that an effective system of market surveillance would be in place, when it came into full effect in Ireland (and throughout the European Union ) on 1 July 2013.

EN 1090-1 Execution of steel structures and aluminium structures - Part 1: Requirements for conformity assessment of structural componentsis one of a series of standards for the execution of steel and aluminium structures developed by a European standardisation technical committee, CEN TC 135, which is responsible for the standardisation of rules for execution of steel and aluminium structures for building and civil engineering works, including rules for inspection and control. Membership of CEN TC 135 is open to all CEN members, including the National Standards Authority of Ireland. Harmonised European standards are developed through an open and transparent process, are built on consensus between all interested parties and are published as national standards when formally adopted and published. My Department understands that public engagement was held in late 2004 - early 2005 on the standard when it was in draft form , ahead of its adoption in 2008, and its ultimate entry into force earlier this year.

I understand that a significant number of steel fabricators operating in the State have already established the systems necessary to comply with their obligations under the Construction Products Regulation and the requirements of I.S. EN 1090-1. While my Department will continue to work with all stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of the Construction Products Regulation in Ireland, I would urge all affected steel fabricators to make the arrangements necessary to comply with their obligations under both the Construction Products Regulation and I.S. EN 1090-1 at the earliest possible opportunity.

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