Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 4

Written Answers. - E-Commerce Arbitration.

David Stanton

Question:

106 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to develop an on-line arbitration system for business to business and business to consumer e-commerce; if legislation is required in this regard; if so, the details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20879/02]

David Stanton

Question:

110 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to establish an on-line ombudsman to provide a conciliation service between consumers and firms trading over the Internet and in adjudicating in disputes; if legislation is required in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20887/02]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. M. Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 110 together.

While I have no plans to develop on-line arbitration systems or an on-line ombudsman at this time, a number of potentially important projects in this field are ongoing. The Arbitration (International Commercial) Act, 1998, has considerably enhanced Ireland's attractiveness as an international centre for commercial arbitration. The American Arbitration Association established an international centre for dispute resolution in Ireland in 2001. The centre is the international division of the association, which is the world's largest provider of conflict management and dispute resolution services.

A pilot on-line business to consumer project has been in operation since October 2001 between University College Dublin and a number of European and North American partners. The project, which is based in UCD and which has been supported by my Department and the European Commission, is designed to test the viability of an on-line dispute resolution system for consumers. The scheme is available free of charge at www.ecodir.org to consumers during the pilot phase, which is expected to end in June 2003. Finally, a project is being developed under the auspices of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to establish an on-line small claims procedure. This will allow consumers to lodge small claims regarding disputed transactions, including business to consumer e-commerce transactions, in relation to goods and services.