Vol. 491 No. 3
41 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the report that the European Commission has terminated financial support for Consumers Choice, the magazine of the Consumers' Association of Ireland; the action, if any, she has taken or will take as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12041/98]
72 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the provisions, if any, her Department has made to provide financial support to the Consumer Association, following the withdrawal of £200,000 EU funding in 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12111/98]
115 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make resources available to the Consumers' Association of Ireland in order to enable that organisation to continue to produce its magazine, Consumer Choice, in view of the decision of the European Commission to withdraw financial support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11896/98]
137 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the report that the European Commission has terminated financial support for the magazine of the Consumers' Association of Ireland, Consumer Choice; the action, if any, she has taken or will take as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12216/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 72, 115 and 137 together.
I am aware of the issue raised by the Deputies and have written to Commissioner Emma Bonino, who has responsibility for consumer matters, requesting her support for the restoration of financial support to the Consumers' Association of Ireland. I pointed out to Commissioner Bonino that CAI is the only private sector organization in Ireland wholly involved in consumer protection activities and that it plays an important role in the development and promotion of consumer policy in Ireland. I also remained Commissioner Bonino that the Commission has acknowledged that Ireland is a priority country for assistance in the consumer affairs area.
I have not yet received a reply from Commissioner Bonino but, in the meantime, I have met with the association to identify any means by which I might be able to assist the association to cope with their present difficulties.
I have assured the association that my Department would be pleased to work with the association with a view to ensuring that their current difficulties are not repeated in 1999 and I understand that the Director of Consumer Affairs has given a similar assurance.
