Kathleen Lynch
Question:14 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the progress, if any, made with regard to the Cork office of the Director of Consumer Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13638/96]
Written Answers. - Director of Consumer Affairs' Cork Office.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 9957 on 16 May 1996 (Volume 465 (No. 5), Cols. No. 1354-1355).
I am informed that the director will take possession on 1 july 1996. I have asked the director to take the necessary steps to open the office on South Mall to the public at the earliest possible date and, in any event, not later than the autumn of this year.
I am aware that it is the intention of the director to arrange for the construction of a ramp to allow for and enable wheelchair access prior to the opening of the office to the public.
The director's main function under the Consumer Credit Act which entered into force on 13 May are: to regulate and to monitor the activities of all persons offering consumer credit or arranging such credit; to seek redress in the courts for breaches of the legislation; to direct lenders to withdraw or modify credit advertisements; to provide advice, guidance and information to consumers on their rights under, and on the workings of the Consumer Credit Act; to license moneylenders; to authorise persons to act as credit intermediaries or mortgage intermediaries; to investigate information given on the credit status of consumers; and to curtail and regulate bank customers charges.
The proposed Cork office will of course provide advice and assistance to consumers on the wide-range of other consumer protection legislation enforced by the director.