John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 8: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when on-the-spot fines for breaches of consumer law will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18996/07]

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he will make consumers more aware of their rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18997/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 16 together.

Section 85 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 provides that an authorised officer of the National Consumer Agency who has reasonable grounds for believing a person is committing, or has committed, a relevant offence may serve, personally or by post, a notice, popularly known as an on-the-spot fine, for an offence or offences relating to price display and product pricing.

The fixed payment provision is an innovative option which expands the suite of enforcement functions at the National Consumer Agency's disposal and should ensure a greater compliance with consumer protection law. Section 85(3) of the Act provides that the fixed payment notice shall be in the prescribed form, and section 2 provides that "prescribed" means prescribed by regulations made by the Minister. The agency is currently preparing the template for the fixed payment notice and expects to be in a position to submit it to the Minister in the near future. The necessary regulations will be made in consultation with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel as soon as possible thereafter.

With regard to awareness raising, section 8 of the Act places a specific obligation on the agency to promote public awareness and conduct public information campaigns for the purpose of educating and advising consumers on consumer protection and welfare. Even prior to its establishment as a statutory entity, the National Consumer Agency conducted a number of high-profile campaigns to raise awareness of consumers' rights, including its shoppers' rights card and Know your Rights campaigns. Given the NCA's commitment in this area and its specific statutory mandate, I am confident that raising awareness of consumers' rights will continue to be a focus of the agency's activities in the future.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Does the Minister agree there is a low level of consumer awareness? I accept there is a motivation, through the establishment of the National Consumer Agency, to correct the deficit in information for consumers. For whatever reason, Irish people are not aware of their rights to the same extent as consumers in other jurisdictions. A concerted initial effort is required by the National Consumer Agency to ensure people are fully informed. Is there a specific initiative that the Minister will advise the National Consumer Agency to undertake to ensure citizens have the best possible information about their consumer rights?

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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We cannot wait.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy asked about specific upcoming projects, so I am being specific in my reply. The agency recently commissioned consultants who will work to produce a publication in October or November, entitled Construction and the Consumer in Ireland. Also in autumn, the agency will release a guide on the consumer and bereavement.