Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I fully accept the Senator's bona fides in this matter. It is unusual that we should have this exchange but I welcome it. The reality is that the retailers have been at the negotiating table and I have listened to their concerns. Ironically, some on the other side of this debate are arguing that I am too much in favour of the retailers. It seems I must be somewhere in the middle. There is no doubt that small retailers are worried about some of the inaccurate information they have received.

This matter has been the subject of unnecessary concern. The reverse logistics system means that a fridge can be collected when a new one is delivered. The old appliance can then be deposited in the nearest civic centre or another location which provides suitable storage. Electrical retailers already store materials on their existing premises. The concerns expressed by some parties in this regard seem to be a case of crying wolf and they will do their cause no good by so doing.