Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 156: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her view of the recently proposed Contract Rights Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41029/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Commission published a proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Consumer Rights on the 8th October 2008. This proposal will involve the review of four existing EU consumer Directives on Distance Selling, Doorstep Selling, Unfair Terms in Contracts and on Consumer Sales and Guarantees.

The proposed Directive is intended to codify horizontal issues such as common terms in the Directives. These include the definition of consumer and trader; the length of cooling off periods during which a consumer may withdraw from a contract without incurring any penalty; and the manner of withdrawal.

I welcome the Commission's proposal for a draft Framework Directive on Consumer Rights. I fully support the empowerment of consumers and recognise the need for strong consumer protection. I expect that the outcome of our discussions on the proposed Directive will result in a simplified and coherent regulatory environment with increased certainty for both consumers and traders as to their respective rights and obligations.