Address by Mr Noel Treacy T.D.,Minister for Science, Technology and Commerceat the NSAI Construction ConferenceOn Friday 22nd June, 2001at 9.00amOn the Industry Centre, UCD Belfield, Dublin 4

I am delighted to have been asked to this Conference which is hosted by the National Standards Authority of Ireland. The timing of a Conference for the Construction Industry is appropriate, faced as we are with the challenge of building up the nation’s infrastructure to match the recent strides that we have made in economic growth.

The construction industry is becoming increasingly dependant on standards for products and techniques in its day-to-day work. The European and International Standards bodies, CEN and ISO, are developing, and have published many standards which will replace the familiar British and Irish standards. ‘Eurocodes’ will become the codes for design in Europe, and Ireland needs to participate in their development so that the industry here can be best placed to adapt to them when they come into effect. Successful companies need to keep themselves up to date on legislation and standards affecting their business, in order to remain competitive.

My Government colleague the Minister for the Environment and Local Government Mr Noel Dempsey T.D., has published an Action Plan of 50 measures to expand the Capacity of the Construction Sector. The key areas identified for development are :

-the supply of Skilled manpower -Innovative materials and products -The planning and regulatory environment and - Supplementing domestic capacity from abroad.

NSAIs Agreement Board plays an important role in the assessment and approval of innovative products and processes. The Board will therefore aim to issue approval within six months of a completed application being submitted to it. Towards this end, NSAI are examining staff and funding requirements to meet this aim, commencing hopefully in the new year.

In the private housing sector, the Agrement Board will also be examining a common approach with Home Bond insurers, to ensure acceptance of Board-approved products and systems.

The creation of unified standards is another sign of closer European integration. Ireland has of course benefited enormously from the European Union. One of the main attractions of Ireland as a business location is its automatic access to the large European market.

The construction sector in Ireland has benefited indirectly from European Union funding and investment in recent years. This Government is fully committed to developing our roads and public transport capability, under the National Development Plan. The use of harmonised European standards will contribute to the realisation of these infrastructural developments which are planned under the NDP.

New standards which have recently been introduced cover Chimney Flue Liners. The National Standards Authority have consulted Industry here in order to select one of the 22 classes allowable. This is how NSAI works in consultation with Irish Industry, through the Consultative Committees, to adapt EU standards to Irish Industry needs and conditions.

As part of the conference here today you will have a presentation from Mr Brendan Lynch of Irish Cement Limited, on the first major new European landmark standard to be introduced, on cement and concrete (EN 206-1 and EN197).

You may already be aware that an increasing number of CE marked products are appearing on the market: the first CE marked bags of Cement are now for sale in continental Europe.

I will leave it to the Conference Chairman to introduce the Conference speakers that you will hear today. I note the presence of Mr Arthur Hickey of the Institute of Architects. I welcome your distinguished visitor to this Conference, Mr Bill Harper, from the European Standards body, CEN. I wish also to acknowledge Mr. Joe Twomey from the Department of the Environment and I must also pay tribute to the Principal Officer in the Construction Section, Mr Michael McCarthy, who is here today also. I am pleased to note also that the Chairman of NSAIs Agreement Board, Mr Neil Kerrigan, from Enterprise Ireland will address you all today.

The line-up of speakers here today is also a fine example of a public - private partnership. You will hear today from prominent private - sector companies like Irish Cement ( Mr Brendan Lynch) and John Sisk & Son Ltd. (Mr Tom Costello) as well as the Construction Industry representative body, CIF (Mr Peter McCabe). You will also hear from an expert private consultant in the fire safety area - Mr Michael Slattery. On the public side, I have already mentioned Mr Joe Twomey from the Department of the Environment, Mr Pat Maher from the National Roads Authority and Mr Neil Kerrigan from Enterprise Ireland.

Chairman, I commend your efforts and those of your participants at this Conference today. THANK YOU ALL.