Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I welcome that the Department will consider the issue of reducing balance fees. These companies are regulated by the Central Bank. I understand that they cannot defy what is set in European law, but many people are not aware that the value of their vouchers is being reduced as the information in this regard is in tiny print at the bottom of the voucher. One would need a magnifying glass to read it. Many people are not aware that this has happened until such time as they present their card or voucher and are told that the value of it is less than they expected. That is embarrassing.

I welcome that this matter will be considered by the European Commission. We need to keep the pressure on for proper regulation in this area. As I said, when people give a gift card they expect that the recipient will get the full value of it. I know the companies involved are not breaking the law, but the recipient is not receiving the full value. People are not aware of that. In the meantime, we may need to run an awareness campaign.