Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

As the Deputy is aware, the rate of inflation has now fallen to 1.3%, which is welcome. That has happened because consumers have become more active, albeit slowly. They are now more likely to make complaints than they would have been a short time ago. That is also the reason the director receives more queries and complaints. The advertising campaign she organised in the latter half of last year also had the effect of increasing activity in her office and of making people more aware of its importance.

The consolidation of the legislation to update the fines is under way, separate from the establishment of this group. Next weekend, a European Council agenda will raise two significant proposals relating to consumer affairs matters which will have to be incorporated in Irish law. In conjunction with all that, we will ensure there is a substantial increase in the fines. It is a matter for the Attorney General to advise how we proceed on fines and summary convictions. There are limits in that regard.

The small claims court does not come under my responsibility. However, I share the view expressed by the director and others that we need to increase its jurisdiction if possible. When the Government, some time ago, agreed to increase the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court, a view was taken that this would encourage awards to go to the new limit which would have the effect of driving up costs. There are downsides as well as upsides with regard to increasing the jurisdiction of the court in so far as financial awards are concerned. We must be careful before we move willy nilly to make a decision in a particular direction. There is some merit in increasing the jurisdiction to some degree as the current limit is extraordinarily small in today's terms.

See this speech in context