Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 2:

"(10) In this section, a public body will be subject to the same consumer protection requirements as those outlined by the Consumer Protection Act
2007.".

Members will have noted in many cases when they go on to public websites that there is a custom to refer to the users of those services as its "customers". If a service is not delivered to a person, as a customer, with the same protections as in the wider economy, can one have the same protections that are afforded by the Consumer Protection Act? In other words, I do not want providers of public services referring to people as "customers", as a cliché. It involves certain rights and protections and one should be served by public bodies with the same protections as one gets as a customer in the wider economy, which is the purpose of the Bill, which I support. The point I am making is that public services should have the same consumer focus. They should not just call people customers but treat them as people, as Senator Quinn grew such a reputation for treating people as customers with choice and rights. It is against a "take it or leave it attitude" that one might encounter by some providers of public services. I support the Minister in increasing the rights of consumers but do they extend to all areas where the providers call themselves the customers?