Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Directive 98/6/EC on the requirement to indicate product prices was transposed into Irish law in Statutory Instrument No. 639 of 2002 and came into force on 1 March 2003. The directive obliges retailers to display the selling price and the unit price per kilo or litre for products. As the Deputy is aware, I will introduce major consumer legislation later this year to establish the new national consumer agency and transpose the unfair commercial practices directive into Irish law. I also decided to review certain EU and domestic secondary legislation in connection with consumer protection.

I decided to review the EU price display legislation as it impacts on a consumer every time he or she purchases a product. On 20 October 2006, I arranged for advertisements to be placed in national newspapers inviting comments on the regulations. A consultation document outlining the issues on which people may wish to comment was also produced and is available on the Department's website. I also arranged that groups and businesses with an interest in these matters be contacted. Now is an opportune time to review these regulations as the EU Commission is conducting its own review. Comments can be sent to my Department by Friday, 17 November 2006. After this, I will consider the responses and decide what further action to take.

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