Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 3

Written Answers. - EU Directives.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

79 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when EU Directive, 97/7/EC, on the protection of consumers in respect of distance contracts will be transposed into Irish law; the way in which this will be done; the options in the directive which are being taken up; the public consultation which is being undertaken in this regard; if the Government is facing infringement proceedings over its failure to implement the directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10410/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt)

Directive 97/7/EC on the protection of consumers, in respect of distance contracts, will be transposed into Irish law during 2001 by way of regulations to be made under the European Communities Act, 1972, (No. 27 of 1972). The directive was widely circulated to interested parties but public consultation is not envisaged. My Department is in receipt of a reasoned opinion from the European Commission in respect of non-transposition of the directive by the due date.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

80 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress which has been made regarding preparations to implement EU Directive 199/44/EC on certain aspects of the sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees; the consultation process which will be undertaken in regard to the directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10411/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt)

The deadline for transposition of this directive is 1 January 2002. Preparatory work is under way for putting in place a work plan to transpose the directives.