351. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to review the operation of gift cards to ensure that they last longer than two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20514/15]

Yesterday I launched for public consultation my Department’s Scheme of a proposed Consumer Rights Bill. Among other provisions, the Scheme provides that contracts for the supply of a gift card or voucher must not include a term that makes the card or voucher subject to an expiry date. While this and other provisions of the Scheme are only proposals at this stage, I am conscious of the consumer detriment that can result from the application of expiry dates to gift cards. I will, however, consider carefully all responses to the consultation, including proposals for additional protections for consumers in respect of gift cards and vouchers, before finalising legislative proposals for submission to Government.