Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2022
47. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress his Department has made in transposing EU legislation, such as Council Directive 2019/2161, in the area of consumer protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24958/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMost of the provisions of Directive (EU) 2019/2161 on better enforcement and modernisation of Union consumer protection rules are being transposed, along with Directives (EU) 2019/770 and 2019/771 on contracts for the supply of digital content and digital services and contracts for the sale of goods respectively, in the consolidated Consumer Rights Bill 2022.
The Bill represents the biggest reform of consumer law in more than 40 years. It consolidates and updates existing legislation on the sale of goods and supply of services to ensure it is fit for the modern digital age. A core focus of my work is to ensure we have a fair and effective market that works for both businesses and consumers. This Bill does that by strengthening protections for consumers while also creating clearer rules for business. The Bill passed Second Stage in the Dáil on 11 May last and Committee Stage is scheduled for 1 June.
Directive (EU) 2019/2161 amends four Directives, including Directive 98/6/EC on consumer protection in the indication of the prices of products offered to consumers. Directive 98/6/EC, which does not relate to contracts and falls outside the scope of the Consumer Rights Bill, is being amended by means of a statutory instrument which is currently being drafted and is expected to finalised in the near future.
