asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy, the number of complaints from the general public received by the Director of Consumer Affairs to date.
Written Answers. - Director of Consumer Affairs.
340.
I understand from the Director of Consumer Affairs that in the period 12 February, when he took up duty, to 12 November 1979, a total of 85 complaints were received by him from the general public.
341.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the number of staff and the budget presently allocated to the Director of Consumer Affairs.
342.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the amount of funds made available to the Director of Consumer Affairs for the purpose of bringing consumer legislation to the attention of the public.
With the permission, of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 341 and 342 together.
In addition to the director there are three staff members serving full-time in the office. He has also available to him the general services of the Department. Proposals for additional staff are under consideration.
For budgetary purposes all the activities of the office of the director are subsumed in the Department's overall financial allocations under the appropriate headings.
343.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he has conferred any further functions on the Director of Consumer Affairs since his appointment.
No additional functions have been given to the director since his appointment.
344.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the number of prosecutions brought by the Director of Consumer Affairs since assuming office.
I understand from the Director of Consumer Affairs that he has not, so far, instituted any prosecutions.