Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This issue arose at the pre-legislative scrutiny stage of the process. The Department of Finance's point of view was that it would have unintended consequences of narrowing the definition to exclude small businesses such as sole traders and holders such as charities. The Department has engaged extensively with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel on the definition of "consumer". That definition is more comprehensive. In particular it defines the term "consumer" as meaning in general terms individuals, small businesses, charities, clubs and so on. On reflection, Deputy Doherty is moving an amendment to delete the section. I welcome that very much and can agree to it.