Kevin Humphreys (Labour)
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I congratulate Deputy Collins. It is well worth doing. I note that Senator Bacik brought forward a similar gift voucher Bill in 2009. I believe this is in the interests of the small retailer as well because confidence in the gift voucher means it will continue, unlike if it loses that confidence. Two small restaurants opened near my home two years ago and I decided to buy vouchers from them because I wanted to direct business their way and to help the local small urban village that needed the investment.

It was a good way to support local businesses. What struck me about having a register is its simplicity. The businesses recorded my name and the amount I paid in a book and issued me with a voucher. One of the people to whom I gave the voucher lost it. There was never a question raised about this because it was recorded in the book. For businesses, not just consumers, confidence in gift vouchers is very important. We often encourage the purchase of gift vouchers in urban villages from the small struggling shops to try to shore up the business.

I have two questions. As to the money order, could I suggest that the costings of the Bill be taken from what is currently adjusted as there is an existing consumer protection budget? The cost could come from currently allocated resources and there would therefore be no be need for a money message.

I was going to ask Deputy Billy Kelleher who was beside me the second question. There was a problem with section 55 of the Consumer Protection Act. Does this Bill run foul of the same section 55?