David Norris (Independent)

I welcome the legislation. I am not part of the partisan pre-election ping-pong. I congratulate the Minister on producing the legislation, although it is a bit like the Taoiseach's slogan — some done, more to do. I have a strong feeling part of the motivation for this Bill is the fact we are required to implement an EU directive. The Minister is shaking his head but he referred to this EU directive several times and it is inescapable that it is part of the motivating factor.

The introduction of this Bill is welcome. The National Consumer Agency was set up some time ago but not on a statutory basis. There is much exaltation here such as forcefully advocating the consumer's case. That is fine but it is a bit wishy-washy. It is stated that a commission will publish research. This Government is committed to committing, commissioning, researching and so on but there is far too much dithering.