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I am dealing with this amendment on behalf of my colleague, Deputy Sherlock. It is, however, a topic that I have spoken about before. This amendment aims to deal with the issue of how different electronic products and devices become obsolete and the right to repair. All of us in these Houses have these smartphones. We are lucky now if we get a couple of years out of them. It is quite ridiculous. I sometimes get jealous of my father’s Nokia brick, as they call it, because of the reliability. There is no upgrading required, there is nothing required in that regard.

This amendment is grounded in the idea that we will have to deal with this matter. In Ireland, we have often been innovative and ahead of the curve. Examples of this include the plastic bag levy, how we addressed the issue of smoking indoors and other things. This, however, is something that we must get ahead of the EU on. Looking at the regulations being brought in, and I sat on the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection when I was an MEP, and specifically regarding some of the changes in the context of technological necessities, those measures took several years to come through. Again, on this topic, it is also going to take a long time to address. Therefore, we should lead on this issue.

The idea that, basically, no matter what the device or technology, whether smartphones, tablets, Kindles, small household items or large household appliances, there is effectively only a lifespan of a few years is unacceptable. We must have a change in this mindset. It is not good for the environment. It is not good for our pockets. In many cases, this attitude has impacts concerning energy consumption. There are also other issues involved. Equally, there is also the aspect of the effects and costs for consumers. They are required to constantly upgrade, whether that involves purchasing new software, apps, additions, different components for household items, etc.

Therefore, we must be very radical in this regard. I have high hopes that the Minister of State will be radical. In that context, I hope he will accept this amendment, because it is a necessary one. We must have the right to repair these items and we must not be continuously bounced into ensuring that all these types of items, whether personal devices or household items, must be continuously upgraded, have constant changes made to them and that their lifespans will be dictated by those who manufacture them. I refer to people being constantly forced to change and upgrade devices and appliances. Somebody must shout “Stop” here.

I am not sure that I ever want to do any more with the device I have now. It has everything I need. Within one year, however, I will have to change this device. New applications or upgrades will ensure I have to do that because the manufacturer will dictate it. Therefore, I urge the Minister of State to take on board this amendment. I will be listening closely to what he is going to say regarding it. This is something the Labour Party feels strongly about and I hope the Minister of State will take this amendment on board.

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