Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join colleagues in expressing joy at the result of the referendum. It was a proud day to be Irish and an even more proud day to be Senator Norris or Senator Zappone or any of those who went public with their personal stories. It was the likes of those interventions that made the difference in this campaign. I personally know someone very significant in my life who was intent on voting "No" and who is quite elderly. I did not ask her on the day but she said she had heard so many personal stories about people's circumstances throughout the campaign that when it came to it she voted "Yes". I was personally delighted about that. Obviously, a lot more than she voted "Yes". We were the talk of the world, which is important, but the effect it will have on citizens is much more important and it is definitely something to celebrate.

I briefly welcome the consumer regulations that have been proposed by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, in respect of gift vouchers and other vouchers. A great many of those who issue vouchers have overly onerous terms for them. While I await the detail I welcome the initiative. We will have an opportunity to discuss the matter when it comes before the House. I would welcome clarification from the Minister on one minor concern, perhaps through the Deputy Leader, in terms of how the regulation will impact on businesses and their balance sheets. Does the Minister propose a mechanism to ensure vouchers will not remain a permanent liability on the balance sheets of businesses, given that there is a likelihood that a percentage of gift vouchers will never be redeemed? It would seem wise to try to formalise a structure that would ensure a balance of fairness to both consumers and businesses. I very much welcome the proposals that have been outlined to date by the Minister, Deputy Bruton.