Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

Of course.

I wish to raise a matter of serious concern regarding consumer rights. As Members are aware, the consumer strategy group report of May 2005 recommended the establishment of a new national consumer agency. According to the legislative timetable, legislation was due in December 2005 and was meant to be operational by now. However, there is still no sign of this legislation. Moreover, as the Leader is aware, the Investment Funds, Companies and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2006 has been published. Among other matters, it makes provision for the temporary replacement of the Director of Consumer Affairs for a period in excess of six months.

As Members are aware, the former director, Carmel Foley, resigned some time ago to take up a position with the new Garda Ombudsman Commission. She was replaced on an interim basis by a civil servant from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. This appears to be mere lip service as far as the rights of consumers are concerned. Put simply, consumers appear to be a mere afterthought in the policy objectives and legislative priorities of the Government. Surely consumers deserve better. Can the Leader state when the proper and long-promised legislation will be before the House?