Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the latter issue first, it is the intention that if people seek this information electronically, they will obtain it electronically. The service providers will have to put a system in place to deal with that. Since the Committee Stage proceedings, when it was the unanimous view that the statement should be free and the information should be readily accessible, I understand the National Consumer Agency has said it is eager to work with the Central Bank in devising a national campaign. The NCA will bring a sharp focus on consumer-related issues to the bank. We must have a public awareness campaign that is in people's faces, informing them of this protection and their right, as citizens, to obtain this information, as a result of the Oireachtas's decision to make sure this right was included in the legislation. As far as we are concerned, the fact that the NCA will work with the Central Bank on this is all to the good. On the question of e-mail, it is crucial that where individuals want to obtain the information in this way, they can do so.

Finally, on the issue of awareness, there must be a national campaign. Broadly speaking, it will encourage individuals to use this in a way that provides them with the maximum amount of information about themselves. It is entirely right and appropriate that people know exactly the state of their own creditworthiness and where they stand in that regard. We believe our amendment reflects the broad consensus that exists on all sides of the House and improves the legislation in a way that allows people to get this information once a year in the most user-friendly way possible.

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