23 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he proposes to wait until the latest possible date, that is 31 December 1994, to introduce the EC Directive on unfair contract terms; or if he will seek to have this introduced earlier in view of its importance as a measure of consumer protection.
41 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he proposes to wait until the latest possible date, that is 31 December 1994, to introduce the EC Directive on unfair contract terms; or if he will seek to have this introduced earlier in view of its importance as a measure of consumer protection.
47 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he proposes to wait until the latest possible date, that is 31 December 1994, to introduce the EC Directive on unfair contract terms; or if he will seek to have this introduced earlier in view of its importance as a measure of consumer protection.
67 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he proposes to wait until the latest possible date, that is 31 December 1994, to introduce the EC Directive on unfair contract terms; or if he will seek to have this introduced earlier in view of its importance as a measure of consumer protection.
85 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he proposes to wait until the latest possible date, that is 31 December 1994, to introduce the EC Directive on unfair contract terms; or if he will seek to have this introduced earlier in view of its importance as a measure of consumer protection.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 41, 47, 67 and 85 together.
At this stage I cannot give a precise indication as to when effect will be given to the EC Directive. The method of transposition and timing of implementation will be effected by the outcome of proceedings currently before the Supreme Court.
While I appreciate the Minister's concern about a court case will he not agree that we should take immediate steps to implement measures that will protect, for example, small businesses against unfair bank charges or consumers against unfair practices? Will he give an assurance there will be no phoney hiding behindsub judice rules to postpone a measure of considerable importance to consumers?
We share the concern of the House in relation to the implementation of this directive. I am constrained by the ongoing legal proceedings but I can give the Deputy and the House an assurance that as soon as that process is completed we will proceed without delay.
