Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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267. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to bring forward proposals including regulations and-or legislation to address the issue of individuals and groups targeting vulnerable people by offering bogus services; if he will consider the introduction of a standardised identification scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19171/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Consumers already have protection, under both Irish and EU consumer law, when engaging with traders, be it at the trader’s premises, on the consumer’s doorstep, or remotely over the telephone or online. The goods or services purchased must be as described, fit for the intended purpose, and be of merchantable quality. In relation to consumer legislation which applies to off-premises and distance contracts, I signed into Irish law statutory instrument No. 484 of 2013 which transposes the EU Directive 2011/83/EU on Consumer Rights last December. This Regulation, titled European Union (Consumer information, cancellation and other Rights) Regulation 2013, comes into operation on 13 June 2014 and will apply to contracts concluded after that date.

On the issue of consumers who complain about traders offering inferior quality goods or services whilst using aggressive or intimidatory tactics, and the ensuing sense of fear which it leaves particularly with certain vulnerable consumers, I consider that complaints in this area are more appropriately dealt with by the Garda Síochána in the first instance. The National Consumer Agency will also consider a complaint where it is referred to them by a consumer who feels dissatisfied. The Agency’s website, www.consumerhelp.ie provides information and tips to consumers in relation to doorstep selling and runs periodic awareness campaigns to highlight the issue. I have no plans to introduce a standardised identification scheme.