Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his reply. He must be aware this issue is a problem. It may involve only a small number of operators who are carrying out what are essentially scams but thousands of people are affected by them. Will the Minister accept that he needs to ensure the proposed Bill will be of the best standard in terms of regulation if it is to work, given that Regtel has been operating for some time and yet problems still persist.

Will the Minister publish the draft Bill before it is introduced in the House? I urge him to ensure there is some form of public consultation on this issue. Will he advise what protection there is in the Bill for the consumer? I understand there is provision in the Bill for the levying of fines on operators but that the current procedure where consumers are refunded money they are owed is not included. I urge the Minister to note that this is about consumers primarily and that many people have suffered considerable losses, some small amounts and others large amounts. Is he aware, for example, that the last annual report of Regtel indicated a payment of €179,000 was made to consumers in regard to an operator? Can he guarantee that in the Bill he will provide for a facility to refund customers who have a genuine complaint, as the people concerned are essentially being ripped off by unscrupulous operators?

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