I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.
I have not sought advice from the Director of Consumer Affairs in relation to an oil company's interest in participating in a national promotional scheme. I am, however, aware that in his submission to the Fair Trade Commission's Report on the Supply and Distribution of Motor Fuels, the director of Consumer Affairs indicated that he received no complaints from consumers that such schemes were putting up prices. The Consumers Association of Ireland were not opposed to the principle of gift schemes, considering that consumers should be free to choose gifts if they wished.
I would also refer the Deputy to my reply to a Dáil question on this subject on 18 May, 1993 which remains valid.