I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 72, 115 and 137 together.
I am aware of the issue raised by the Deputies and have written to Commissioner Emma Bonino, who has responsibility for consumer matters, requesting her support for the restoration of financial support to the Consumers' Association of Ireland. I pointed out to Commissioner Bonino that CAI is the only private sector organization in Ireland wholly involved in consumer protection activities and that it plays an important role in the development and promotion of consumer policy in Ireland. I also remained Commissioner Bonino that the Commission has acknowledged that Ireland is a priority country for assistance in the consumer affairs area.
I have not yet received a reply from Commissioner Bonino but, in the meantime, I have met with the association to identify any means by which I might be able to assist the association to cope with their present difficulties.
I have assured the association that my Department would be pleased to work with the association with a view to ensuring that their current difficulties are not repeated in 1999 and I understand that the Director of Consumer Affairs has given a similar assurance.