Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Finance if he intends to commission research into the practices and extent of doorstep credit here in view of the dangers it presents for low income earners who do not have access to conventional banking services. [19212/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act 2003 the Financial Regulator exercises important consumer protection powers under the Consumer Credit Act 1995, including the licensing of money lenders. The Act also provides for monitoring by the Regulator of the provision of credit to consumers.

The Financial Regulator is committed under its Strategic Plan 2006 to undertake a review of the moneylending industry including the moneylending licensing process. The target date for completion of this review is September 2006.

My Department has been informed by the Financial Regulator that the scope of this review will encompass the practices and extent of doorstep credit. It will therefore provide a basis for further examination by the Regulator of the issue raised by the Deputy. In the circumstances, there is no requirement at this time to commission further research on this issue.