Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach agus leis na Teachtaí O'Reilly, Nash agus Devlin freisin for their contributions this evening. I appreciate the broad support for the Bill and I look forward to engaging with the Deputies in respect of the issues they have raised.

Deputies O'Reilly and Nash raised the issue around third-party funding. As indicated, I have written to the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, who is engaging with the Law Reform Commission in order that we will have a comprehensive response in that area. If legislation is passed on foot of the work of the Law Reform Commission, which I cannot anticipate, the new laws will automatically apply to cases brought under this Bill.

I want to transpose this legislation, and Deputy Nash correctly raised the delay in its transposition. I do not want to risk further delays. I am of the view that we can transpose the legislation while the law reform process is ongoing. I will certainly communicate again with the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, ahead of Committee Stage in order to try to get an indication of the timeline of the law reform process. By the time we get to Committee Stage, I will be in a better position to give that indication.

I thank the Deputies for their comments on the Bill. I appreciate the broad support offered. As the Deputies stated, the legislation seeks to transpose the EU directive, which is an EU-wide response to recent mass consumer breaches, such as those relating to private companies and involving car emissions, mass flight cancellations and property issues, as referred to by Deputy O'Reilly. It will allow for several cross-border qualified entities to come together to represent European consumers where they have been harmed by the same alleged infringement that has been caused by the same trader in several member states.

The legislation will not impose an extra administrative burden on businesses. As already stated, it will also not affect the vast majority of traders and companies that treat their customers very well. This legislation has the improvement of consumer protection at its heart. Its enactment will be good for consumers and responsible traders alike. It will make it easier for consumers to group together and to seek redress where a large number of them have been affected by the breach of their rights, either at home or in another European country. It will allow that to be done through a designated qualified entity at the High Court on behalf of consumers.

I look forward to constructive debate on Committee Stage. I thank the three Deputies for their contributions.

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