asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will consider the introduction of a purchaser's protection code in the motor industry; if he is aware that guarantees offered with new cars are unsatisfactory in maintaining the rights of the purchaser over the period guaranteed; and if he proposes to take any action in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Car Purchase Guarantees.
60.
As I have recently indicated in the course of a Seanad debate, I am aware that many purchasers of new cars are induced to sign a form of guarantee which represents a reduction rather than an increase in the possibilities of legal redress in the event of the cars proving unsatisfactory. I have arranged to have this matter examined as part of the consumer protection programme which I have in hand, and I shall await the outcome of this examination before deciding whether any action by me is called for.
If the purchaser's legal rights are undermined by any agreement he signs, surely it should be a simple matter of redrafting at that particular point — rather than the favourite Ministerial practice of procrastination—before we go on to another survey?
No. The purchaser's legal rights are not taken away but some of his statutory rights are being taken away in the sense that he is signing them away, in the sense that he is signing the guarantee. The amendment of the legislation in that regard would apply not merely to motor cars but to the sale of goods. Therefore, it is not just that simple to amend the Sale of Goods Act like that. There is a comprehensive programme of consumer protection under way in my Department. This forms part of it and it is receiving priority.
(Cavan): The Minister agrees that what might be described as the contractual guarantees offered do in fact reduce very considerably the statutory remedies which are available to the purchaser and that these people would be much better off not to sign these documents at all?
I do agree. I said so in the Seanad and again today. I urge that wide publicity be given to this matter. Indeed, some publicity has been given to this fact.