I have no plans to introduce further legislation in this area. The current law is the European Communities (Contracts for timesharing of immovable property – protection of consumers) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 204 of 1997) and European Communities (Contracts for timesharing of immovable property – protection of consumers) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 144 of 2000), which both implement the European timeshare Directive, 97/47/EC.
I am aware that timeshare legislation does not extend to membership of holiday clubs, a relatively new phenomenon whereby subscribers can avail of cut-price luxury holidays to popular holiday destinations each year. In this regard, the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs advises consumers to carefully consider the full implications of the contract being offered in connection with these holidays and to seek legal advice as to the terms and conditions of the contract.