Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 51: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the practice of some sports organisations, including the Irish national soccer team, involving their changing their shirts on a frequent basis in association with sponsors, primarily for marketing reasons; if his attention has further been drawn to the cost consequences for consumers; if the National Consumer Agency or some other consumer body will be asked to examine this practice with a view to ensuring adequate protection for consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11264/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am aware of concerns raised in a number of quarters regarding the practice highlighted in the Deputy's question. It is the case that there is no law to prevent sports organisations from changing their sports shirts. I would, however, agree with the Deputy that constant and frequent changes of replica apparel by sports organisations can give rise to considerable expense for some consumers. For that reason, I intend to request my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, to raise the Deputy's concerns with the relevant sports organisations to ensure that they fully appreciate the difficulties that too frequent changes in their sporting apparel can cause for some consumers.

It is, however, ultimately a decision for the consumer himself or herself as to whether he or she considers the cost of any good, including sports shirts, to represent value for money. It is not a matter for Government to make such decisions. Nevertheless, the European Communities (Requirements to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations 2002 oblige traders to indicate the selling price of goods/products which they offer for sale to consumers. It is important, therefore, that consumers use this information to assist them in making informed choices as to whether a particular product or item of sporting apparel offers value for money.