Minister asks businesses to delay Christmas adverts
Irish business operators have rejected a claim by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs that early Christmas advertising is putting young families under excessive financial pressure.
Minister Mary Coughlan had appealed to the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland to impose a voluntary embargo on Christmas promotions until December.
However John Dunne, Chief Executive of the Irish Chambers of Commerce says that the early start to Christmas is in response to consumer demands.
"We sympathise in terms of we know where she is coming from, but we don't think it's terribly practical.
"The early start for Christmas is something that has built up steadily over the years in response to consumer demand and behaviour. People don't start spending their money until December even though the hype begins earlier each year."
