Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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We will only know whether such a concern is valid when the body is up and running, but we are constantly dealing with regulatory bodies that seem to have an aversion to regulating and will often look for any excuse to avoid pursuing matters. For example, we have seen that with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, CCPC, where agrifood is concerned. The number of reasons a regulator may decide not to investigate a complaint are stipulated in other subsections. This one reads: “the unfair trading practice occurred too long ago”. However, it should be at least five years before this reason is used. This would not mean that a matter would definitely be too long ago after five years either. The term “at least” makes that clear.

The amendment is helpful to the Bill and would ensure this matter is provided for. If the Minister says that the secondary legislation he is empowered to deliver will do the same thing, that is fine. I do not know whether he plans to publish those measures before Report Stage.