Vol. 493 No. 3
116 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Question No. 46 of 9 December 1997, when a forum to determine the way in which the enhanced protection contained in the Amsterdam Treaty can be translated into a rapid and tangible action programme which will benefit consumers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16265/98]
As indicated to the House on 9 December 1997 by the Tánaiste, I intend to host a forum to determine how the enhanced protections contained in the Amsterdam Treaty can be translated into a rapid and tangible action programme which will benefit European consumers.
I am pleased to say that Commissioner Emma Bonino has signalled her intention to participate in the forum. I intend to ask a number of my ministerial colleagues from the Consumer Affairs Council to participate also. In addition, members of the European Parliament, national and European Union officials, legal experts in the area of consumer law and representatives of consumer and business organisations are expected to attend.
The forum, which will take place in Dublin on 2-3 October next, will feed into the Commission's thinking in developing its next three year programme for the consumer protection area. The current programme ends in December 1999.
