asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has considered, from the point of view of users, the system of trading cheque operations; if he is satisfied that the interests of such users are properly safeguarded; and if he has any proposals for legislation in relation to this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trading Cheque Operations.
48.
As I have previously stated, I am having a number of matters related to consumer protection examined in my Department at present. The system of cheque trading is amongst these matters, but until the examination has been completed I shall not be in a position to say what action, if any, by me may be called for.
Is the Minister not aware that poor people have been exploited under this system for a number of years and his Department took no action and never even investigated the matter? I should like to know how soon this investigation will take place, how soon the results will be made known and how soon proper legislation will be brought in to control this menace?
I do not know what the Deputy means in saying that no action was taken. I have previously stated on a number of occasions that a whole programme of consumer protection is under way. It involves a great many aspects of consumer protection and this is one of them. I cannot say at this stage when the investigation will be completed.
Will the Minister state if his Department have investigated this already?
I told the Deputy this forms part of a programme of consumer protection, which has been under way for quite some time and will continue under way for some time to come.
Will the Minister not agree that there is no legislation whatsoever to protect consumers?
Will Deputy Dr. O'Connell please allow questions to proceed?