Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in view of recent revelations of rip-off Ireland, he will offer an explanation for the ongoing delay in the introduction of the consumer agency Bill; if he will provide a timeline for the new legislation. [31588/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I would point out to the Deputy that on the occasion of the publication of the final report of the Consumer Strategy Group in May of this year, I clearly stated that notwithstanding my desire to have the national consumer agency up and running on a statutory basis as soon as possible, the preparation of the legislation to establish the new agency would take some time.

Given the importance of the national consumer agency to the development of future consumer protection policy, I am anxious that the legislation is framed so as to ensure that the NCA has sufficient powers and functions to enable it to carry out the role of being a forceful advocate on behalf of the consumer as recommended by the Consumer Strategy Group.

In addition to setting up the NCA, the new legislation will take the opportunity to update the existing code of consumer protection law, some of which is over 100 years old, something which was also recommended by the Consumer Strategy Group. Furthermore, it is intended that the legislation will also transpose the recently promulgated European directive on unfair business to consumer commercial practices, which is one of the most significant directives in the area of consumer protection, into national law. Given the scope of the legislation it will be appreciated, therefore, that its preparation will of necessity take some time. It is my expectation, however, that the legislation will be published in the latter half of next year.

I would point out to the Deputy that it was for the very reason that the establishment of the NCA would take time that I appointed a board to the new agency to act in an interim capacity until the NCA is established on a statutory footing. This appointment will ensure that in the interregnum until the NCA is formally established, the momentum built up by the Consumer Strategy Group's report will be maintained and that the consumer's case will be continue to be forcefully advocated.