Vol. 544 No. 3
90 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the need for changes to the Pyramid Selling Act, 1980, to cover gifting schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28655/01]
Arising from concerns regarding so-called "gifting schemes" I consulted the office of the Attorney General as to whether such schemes were covered by the Pyramid Selling Act, 1980. The Department has received preliminary advice from the office of the Attorney General and this suggests there are doubts that "gifting schemes" come within the definition of pyramid selling schemes as provided for in section 1(1) of the Pyramid Selling Act, 1980. These consultations between my Department and the office of the Attorney General are continuing.
As I indicated in my reply to a similar question on 10 October 2001, the Garda has taken the view that such schemes are not covered by the Act of 1980. In these circumstances I repeat my previous warning that people should be extremely vigilant when considering investing their money in schemes covered by the Pyramid Selling Act, 1980, or similar schemes.
