Vol. 424 No. 5
49 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps he is taking to curb and stop the sale of counterfeit t-shirts on the streets of Dublin where there is an estimated 20 dealers selling counterfeit t-shirts in Henry Street alone at the rate of 40,000 per month.
I am aware of the problem to which the Deputy refers. I have been contacted by a number of companies who have complained that existing controls to deal with counterfeiting are inadequate and in response to that I am having the relevant legislation reviewed in my Department.
Neither the Director of Consumer Affairs nor my Department have received complaints from consumers about this matter. However, I am particularly concerned that this illegal activity may damage the reputation of the trade marks concerned and give rise to losses of sales revenue to these companies. I hope to have this review finalised shortly.
