asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will comment on the proposal of the National Consumer Advisory Council that funds be provided to the National Social Service Council to assist community information centres to provide information on consumer matters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Consumer Information.
20.
A proposal was made to me in September, 1977, by the National Consumer Advisory Council that a consumer information service should be introduced through the use of the community information centres set up under the aegis of the National Social Service Council. I intend to consider this proposal in conjunction with other proposals which I expect to have before me shortly for the improvement of consumer information. The National Advisory Council are at present considering a proposal from the Consumers Association of Ireland and the Irish Housewives Association jointly for the setting up and financing of an Information and Research Centre, and I hope to receive the council's ideas on the proposal within a couple of months. Also, the Consumer Education Committee are due to report to me very early in 1978 on how best consumer education and information might be advanced at all levels. Since all three sets of related proposals should be before me within three or four months, I shall consider them together rather than attempt to decide on them piecemeal.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary intend to use the services of RTE to disseminate information for consumers?
That would be the general intention but, of course, that would be a matter for discussion between my Department and the relevant authorities within RTE.
I hope the Parliamentary Secretary will be more successful than heretofore.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary consider, as an interim measure, bringing out a brochure on the rights conferred on consumers by the Consumer Information Bill, which will shortly be an Act, and dissiminate this through the social service advice centres?
I am prepared to consider any such proposals.
That is a separate question.