Pat Upton
Ceist:84 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, he has to publish a charter of consumers rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5591/95]
Written Answers. - Consumer Rights.
Pat Upton
Ceist:85 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, he has for the upgrading and co-ordination of consumers' rights and entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5592/95]
I propose to take Question Nos. 84 and 85 together.
Section 9 (6) (g) of the Consumer Information Act, 1978 provides that the Director of Consumer Affairs shall `ensure that the provisions of any legislation providing for the protection of consumers that, in his opinion, should be brought to the attention of the public and for this purpose to publicise those provisions in such manner and to such extent as he thinks appropriate".
I am satisfied that these arrangements are working well.
I indicated in reply to a question on 15 February, 1995 (Volume 449 — (No. 2) Col. No. 437) that I had recently signed regulations the effect of which is to outlaw all unfair terms in consumer contracts which have not been individually negotiated. Further major legislative measures planned by me for 1995, which shall advance consumer rights and entitlements, include:
— the enactment of the Consumer Credit Bill currently at Committee Stage, which regulates all forms of consumer credit;
— the making of Regulations under the European Communities Act, 1972, giving effect to the EU Directive on Timeshare (Directive 94/47/EC);
— new footwear labelling Regulations which will inform the consumer, through compulsory labelling indications, as to the exact nature of the materials used in the main components of footwear.
Finally, I should say that I continue to keep the needs of consumers under review in the light of both domestic and international developments.