asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received a request for financial assistance from the Consumers' Association of Ireland; if he has received information as to the number of countries in Europe in which Government provides assistance to similar associations; if so, if he will give the information in question; and if he is prepared to grant assistance to the Consumers' Association of Ireland in the context of the 1989 Estimates or in the meantime.
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers. - Assistance to Consumers' Association of Ireland.
8.
As I indicated in the House in reply to a question on 2 March last, I have received a request for Exchequer support from the Consumers' Association of Ireland. I also indicated that I met representatives of the association and explained to them that, because of the financial situation facing the Government, I was not in a position to make funds available to them. The question of the allocation of funds to the association in the context of the 1989 Estimates will be examined when those Estimates are being considered.
As regards the position in other European countries, the situation varies considerably from country to country and it is not possible, therefore, to be categoric as to the extent to which governments provide financial assistance to associations which would be similar to the Consumers' Association of Ireland. While some countries in the European Community may provide assistance to organisations which might be considered similar to the Consumers' Association of Ireland many countries do not provide such direct assistance. In some countries, public funding of consumer protection activities is done at local or regional level, or funds are given to umbrella groups broadly representative of various organisations which may include trade unions, environmental groups and women's groups as well as consumer organisations, or a financial contribution is made for the purposes of a specific project.
It is noteworthy also that, in some countries, some of the financial assistance given by the State to consumer organisations is given for performing functions which are performed here by State agencies such as the Director of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trade or Eolas.
Is the Minister aware that the consumers' association are called upon by the Government to give expert advice on behalf of consumers in the public interest on numerous items of legislation emanating from here and from Brussels and that it is unsatisfactory that the association providing such advice should be so sparsely funded and have to rely solely on voluntary contributions? Is he aware of the risk that this association might well decide to cease performing this public duty altogether unless they receive some modicum of Government support? Is he further aware that there are numerous voluntary organisations already receiving grant-aid from the Government to a great extent and who are performing less valuable work than does the CAI.
The consumers' association provide very valuable assistance to consumers and to the State. It is unfortunate that we are not in a position to be of direct assistance at this time.
Is there any hope for 1988?