Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister agree, because it will take nine months from establishment of the committee to the production of a report, that action needs to be taken in the interim, particularly with regard to consumer affairs? Does she also agree that the rip-off culture in Ireland is worsening? The Director of Consumer Affairs reported in her annual report of 2003 that the number of complaints has increased by more than 7,000 in a period of one year from the previous level of 35,000. Does the Minister agree that it is time for her to act directly on the recommendations of the director's report?

The director specifically requested action to be taken to update consumer protection, particularly regarding fines for those who fail to comply with consumer legislation. The current fine is €127 and the recommendation is that this should be increased to at least €3,000. Will it take nine months for the Minister to take that action? Will the Minister also agree that the limit in the small claims court, to which the director also referred and which is set at €1,270, should be changed immediately? What steps is she going to take to address the issue of rip-off Ireland and the specific issues brought to her attention by the Director of Consumer Affairs before the group's report is produced?

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