asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will consider introducing legislation that will tighten up on manufacturers' warranties and give consumers cheap and easy access to the courts to sue for refunds or damages.
39.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Consumer Protection Legislation.
38.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will set up a commission to scrutinise false claims in advertising; and when such a claim now arises, how it is dealt with.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 39 together.
The general questions of false claims in advertising or otherwise, warranties, and civil remedies for consumers are under consideration as part of my Department's programme of consumer protection. The first measure in this programme, the Merchandise Marks Act, 1970, was enacted last July, and further legislation is being prepared.
Can the Minister explain the delay in introducing this very important legislation? In 1966 the Minister's prodecessor said he was about to instigate an investigation into the whole question of consumer protection.
As the Deputy said, I hope this will be a very important piece of legislation, and that may be the reason why I am not inclined to rush into making decisions in the preparation of the legislation, without having taken a complete look round to ensure that this consumer protection legislation will be as comprehensive as possible.
Pending the introduction of this legislation, will the Minister make it known to the public that their rights at common law under statute are already superior to the rights offered by many manufacturers? They should not enter into any manufacturers's guarantee which excludes their common law statutory rights.
The Deputy's question indicates how comprehensive consumer protection is, the case he has mentioned is only one facet of it.
I know it is only one facet of it but I am asking that we make the public aware of that facet of it.
This will be covered. It is something which is available at the present time.
But the public is not aware of it.
An effort was made to make the public aware of it some time ago.
My problem is to have the enabling legislation there. I find it difficult to appreciate that I must continuously be operating on the basis of making the public aware of all the things to which they are entitled. The Deputy's raising the matter today, and the consequential publication, may help to make it known.