asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the EEC regulations and directives at present in force in this country relative to consumer protection; and the measures in course of consideration by the Council of Ministers.
Written Answers. - Consumer Protection.
441.
EEC regulations and directives having a bearing on consumer protection cover a very wide range of subjects which are the concern of a number of different Departments. It would, therefore, be a matter of considerable difficulty to compile accurate and comprehensive information on the basis envisaged by the question and it is doubtful that the results achieved would be commensurate with the amount of work involved.
As indicated in the Fifth Report on Developments in the European Communities (Prl. 4663) presented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Dáil in August 1975, the EEC programme for consumer protection and information was adopted by the Council of Ministers on 14 April 1975. It sets out objectives of Community policy towards consumers and the principles to apply and priorities to be followed in:
(a) protection of consumer health and safety;
(b) protection of the economic interests of consumers;
(c) advice, help and redress;
(d) consumer information and education; and
(e) consumer consultation and representation.
The First Annual Report by the EEC Commission in the programme indicates that at the end of 1976 some 160 directives and regulations had been adopted. These, which are set out in Appendix II of the First Report, cover a diverse range of subjects under the broad heads of:
Foodstuffs, Veterinary Directives, Feedingstuffs, Animal Nutrition, Health Protection, Textiles, Industrial Products, Motor Vehicles and their use, Material measures of length.
Given this diversity of subjects, the implementation of the necessary national actions in pursuance of the Community instruments, and also the servicing of the many meetings which take place in Brussels before Community drafts are finalised, is the responsibility of a number of Departments in addition to the Department of Industry, Commerce and Energy.
442.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the present position regarding the appointment of the Director of Consumer Affairs.
The Civil Service Commission are at present holding a competition for the post of Director of Consumer Affairs. When the Commissioner's recruitment procedures are completed I hope to be in a position to make an appointment.