Vol. 409 No. 9
75 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce his views on whether compulsory cooling-off periods for large purchases or contracts should be extended from seven days to fourteen days as is the practice in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The cooling-off period provided for in Irish law is that required by the European Communities (Cancellation of Contracts negotiated away from Business Premises) Regulations, 1989, S.I. No. 224 of 1989. These regulations are generally referred to as the "doorstep selling" regulations but, as well as doorstep sales, they apply to sales by a trader at other locations such as a consumer's workplace or the home of another consumer.
The requirement of these regulations is for a cooling-off period of at least seven days. I regard this period as adequate.
It is my understanding that the legal requirement in the UK provides for a similar minimum seven-day cooling-off period.
