Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I commend Senator Cox on tabling this amendment, which she has also suggested as a Private Members' Bill through the Fianna Fáil Senators' group, from which she received great support. I know that the Minister will give this very careful consideration. It is a very worthy amendment, and the consumer should be protected when using credit cards, which are being exploited to a great extent. They are a very expensive method of payment and, while people should be encouraged to use them, that is true only if there is no extra cost.

Senator Cox has chosen this route, which would be speedier than a Private Members' Bill and which would ensure that her idea would get through the legislative system. I request the Minister and his Department to give this every possible consideration for inclusion in this Bill.