asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if he has satisfied himself that the Director of Consumer Affairs is being given sufficient funds and staff to enable him to exercise his duties in an independent fashion as envisaged under the Consumer Information Act.

Without prejudice to the independence in law of the Director of Consumer Affairs in discharge of his functions, the allocation to his office of resources both in funds and in staff must take account of the existing constraints on public expenditure. Subject to that, I am satisfied that the funds to be allocated to the office of the Director in the present year will be adequate for the purposes of the office.

Proposals for additional staff, formulated by my Department following consultation with the director, are at present under active consideration.

When is it likely that a decision will be taken on these urgently needed extra staff?

I had discussions with the director as to his requirements, while totally recognising his independence. I am hoping to have an early solution to this problem.

How many extra staff are involved in this request and what extra budgetary allocation is envisaged?

The budgetary allocation will depend on the number of personnel involved. When we know the number of personnel allocated by the Department of the Public Service I will be in a position to answer a question put down by the Deputy.

Is there any suggestion that extra finance is needed not just for personnel but for media advertising of the existence of the bureau and the services they can render to consumers?

Obviously it is my desire that the office will work as efficiently as was intended in the original Act. Within budgetary constraints, as much money as possible will be made available.