asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the present position in regard to the establishment of a consumer research and testing unit in the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards as recommended by the National Prices Commission in the December 1971 report.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Consumer Protection.
73.
The Institute for Industrial Research and Standards has been considering this recommendation in the overall context of the role of the institute itself in consumer affairs generally and I understand that their considered views will be submitted to me very shortly.
Could the Minister say if any meetings have taken place between the institute and the National Prices Commission?
The Department communicated with the IIRS on this matter but there has not been any direct meeting between the two bodies.
Is the Minister satisfied that the National Prices Commission have sought such a meeting and have failed to obtain it?
I have not any information in this respect. It is difficult to anticipate such a supplementary on the question the Deputy put down.
It is a separate question in any case.
It is. I will check it out and communicate with the Deputy.
74.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when he expects to have the report of the National Prices Commission on consumer protection; and if he will indicate the progress made to date.
I asked the National Prices Commission to examine in depth the whole field of consumer protection and to report to me as soon as possible on what measures I might apply to provide improved protection for consumers in this country.
The commission have commenced two separate studies. They expect that the first study "The Role of Local Authorities in Consumer Protection" will be completed in the present month and that the second study "The Law relating to Consumer Protection" will be completed not later than March, 1973. These studies will be published as discussion papers by the commission to give all interested parties full opportunity to submit their comments and observations, before the commission draw conclusions or formulate proposals for submission to me.