Vol. 489 No. 6
149 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Director of Consumer Affairs has the power to refuse to sanction increases in the charges applied by banks; and, if so, the number of times he has exercised it and turned down a request by a bank to increase charges. [8682/98]
The Director of Consumer Affairs who is independent in the performance of his statutory duties, has power under section 149 of the Consumer Credit Act, 1995, to refuse to sanction applications for increases in bank charges. I am informed by the director that to date the majority of notifications received in his office, in excess of 70%, under section 149 related to the introduction of new products. However, in relation to notifications for increases, the director, since the introduction of the Act on 13 May, 1996, has refused or required an amendment in respect of 21 products. The director has no power to determine the levels of charges sanctioned by the Central Bank prior to the introduction of the Consumer Credit Act, 1995.
