Written answers

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation

Consumer Protection

10:00 am

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his views regarding the EU Commission proposal C(2010) 3021 for the use of a harmonised methodology for classifying and reporting consumer complaints and queries; his further views on whether agencies and regulators under the auspices of his Department should adopt these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29483/10]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws was transposed into Irish law by Statutory Instruments No. 290 of 2006 and No. 316 of 2008. My Department coordinates the national response to the Commission's requests for information in respect of this Regulation.

Article 16 of the Regulation specifically mandates the Commission to work with the Member States, in the context of the work of the Committee set up under this Regulation, to develop a common classification for reporting consumer complaints and enquiries, which they will use to inform future policy decisions. On 12 May 2010, the EU Commission issued two documents on this issue: 2010 Document C(2010) 3021 and document SEC(2010) 572. The latter contains very detailed specifications in regard to a harmonised methodology for classifying and reporting consumer complaints and enquires across a broad range of sectors. The Commission has requested my Department to use this methodology in reporting consumer complaints and enquiries for 2009. My Department is currently in contact with all relevant stakeholders in this regard.

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