Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 255: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he proposes to regulate counselling bodies such as a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28251/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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All traders, including counselling bodies, are subject to the provisions of consumer protection legislation. In this regard, the recently enacted Consumer Protection Act 2007 includes particular provisions in relation to the manner in which traders deal with consumers in the course of selling goods and services. The Act prohibits traders from engaging in unfair, misleading or aggressive commercial practices.

If the Deputy is aware of any concerns in relation to the commercial practices of particular counselling bodies, I would advise the Deputy to bring these concerns to the attention of the National Consumer Agency, which is responsible for enforcing the unfair commercial practices provisions of the Consumer Protection Act.