Seanad debates

Thursday, 5 April 2007

Consumer Protection Bill 2007 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages

 

12:00 pm

Margaret Cox (Independent)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen; the Minister, Deputy Martin; and their officials in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for the open and proactive manner in which they have taken on board the thoughts of Senators on credit card surcharges. They agreed it was not right that companies were allowed to impose additional charges on people who use credit cards to do their business over the telephone, on the Internet or in person in shops and offices. I thank the various consumer agencies who contacted me to support what I was trying to do in this campaign. In particular, I thank Mr. Pat Farrell of the Irish Banking Federation, who ensured that I was fully briefed on the views of the federation's member organisations. I am pleased that the various interests have committed to try to move towards a cashless society, which is important from a security point of view if we are to protect the welfare of people in their everyday lives.

I thank the Minister of State for taking on board the amendments which were proposed by Senators on Committee Stage, which is always helpful. The Minister of State introduced proposals in the Dáil on foot of our suggestions, as he said he would do, and then brought the Dáil amendments back to this House.

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