asked the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he accepts the proposal of the Director of Consumer Affairs that henceforth his office be financed by way of a grant-in-aid or separate Vote.
27.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Director of Consumer Affairs.
26.
asked the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he proposes to accept the proposal of the Director of Consumer Affairs that procedures be devised (a) whereby the director can participate in the selection of staff for the office and (b) staff be selected from a wider pool than is the case at present.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 27 together.
The Director of Consumer Affairs had raised these matters in previous annual reports and in correspondence with my Department. They were given full consideration at the time. He has raised them again in his Third Annual Report recently published. I have now had a chance to review the situation but I am not satisfied that the changes sought would lead to any greater efficiency, nor would they provide any worthwhile cost savings or otherwise materially assist in the discharge of the responsibilities of the office. Accordingly, I do not propose to introduce arrangements as envisaged in the questions.