New consumer protection deal agreed in Brussels
A new directive outlawing unfair commercial practices which makes it easier for individual consumers to seek redress throughout the European Union, has been agreed by member states in Brussels today.
Practices specifically outlawed by the directive include making false claims about products, persistent and unsolicited calls on consumers whether in person or by telephone and certain types of advertisements aimed at children.
The text of the directive will now be presented to the European Parliament before final adoption later in the year.
Tánaiste Mary Harney chaired the meeting and described the provisions as providing clear and positive protections for consumers while also providing legal certainty for genuine traders across the EU.
She praised the flexibility shown by Member States and the EU Commission in reaching agreement on the proposals.
Mary Harney said today: "It is critical for consumer confidence in an internal market of 25 member states where trade and commerce is increasingly conducted across borders that we provide strong protection measures and effective redress mechanisms.
"The measures agreed today are an important part of the overall framework of consumer protection measures across the EU," the Tanaiste added.
