Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 1

Written Answers. - EC Consumer Budget Implications.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

266 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Council of Ministers of the EC has made substantial reductions on the consumer budget for 1992 and that this will have a direct effect on reducing essential funding for assistance in the provision of research and marketing to the Consumers' Association of Ireland; if, having regard to that reduction in funding, he is prepared to make available a grant in 1992 to the Consumers' Association of Ireland to enable them to carry out their important and essential work on behalf of Irish consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Phil Hogan

Question:

270 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to a cut in the EC Consumer Budget for 1992; if he will outline the impact that this will have on consumer schemes in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. O'Malley)

I propose taking Questions Nos. 266 and 270 together. I am very concerned at the proposed reduction in the EC Consumer Budget for 1992 which, if implemented, would have serious implications for the Consumers' Association of Ireland.

I understand that the next step in the EC budgetary process entails its consideration by the European Parliament. In the event of Parliament restoring the cuts imposed I have asked my colleague, the Minister for Finance, to ensure that the interests of consumer associations are safeguarded when the budget is again debated by the Council of Ministers.