Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

There is no doubting the validity of the Deputy's point about the need substantially to increase awareness among consumers of their rights and to advocate on the basis of the need to assert those rights when purchasing goods or services. If we can achieve that, we will improve competitiveness in the economy.

The Consumer Protection Act specifies the precise function of the National Consumer Agency in the promotion of public awareness and information campaigns. The agency enjoyed success last year with its shoppers' rights cards and Know your Rights campaigns. It recently launched a guide to buying a car for consumers purchasing new and second-hand cars. This aims to increase consumer awareness of their rights on issues that may arise when buying cars. The agency systematically updates its website on consumer issues, which we launched last year, providing consumer tips and responding to topical issues as they arise in the press and on the website. To coincide with the ploughing championship next September, the agency will release leaflets and pamphlets on various consumer rights topics.

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