Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 284: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the anticipated benefits for house purchasers arising from the application of consumer protection law to real property transactions, as a result of the Consumer Protection Act 2007; if, in particular, a reduction in the conveyancing costs for intending purchasers is anticipated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19407/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I would advise the Deputy that I have no direct responsibility in relation to property transactions or in relation to the level of conveyancing costs attending to such transactions. In so far as the Consumer Protection Act 2007 is concerned, the Act, whilst not dealing with issues such as the cost of specific products or services, does contain provisions applicable to all sectors which prohibit traders from engaging in unfair commercial practices including misleading actions, misleading omissions and aggressive commercial practices.

In that regard, any consumer who believes that they have suffered as a result of being misled in relation to the price of a good or service, including in relation to a property conveyancing service, may wish to contact the National Consumer Agency which is the body responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2007. The Deputy will be aware that the Agency is independent in the exercise of its statutory functions.