Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I refer to amendment No. 14. There is merit in Senator McCarthy's contribution. Many are not au fait with the manner in which these charges apply. We have witnessed people being taken advantage of, people who lack knowledge of services in which they are invited to participate and the costs they incur in many industries. The time has come to err on the side of the consumer rather than the supplier. I would, therefore, like the Minister to examine this issue further. With regard to banking and other sectors, an acknowledgement, apology or a refund is not sufficient subsequently. Sanctions are needed against individuals and commercial entities, in particular, which may have a policy of taking advantage of sections of society which may not be as literate as they are regarding the various services they offer and the costs pertaining to them. Sanctions would build in inhibition on the part of companies in taking advantage of people, particularly those who are vulnerable or ignorant of what they are signing up to. I would like the Minister to examine this issue. They should be sanctioned and the sanctions should be set at a level that would provide a clear disincentive for a company to do this.