Christmas voucher regulation
Deputy Murnane O'Connor warned that proposed EU voucher identification rules would burden small retailers and deter local gift-card buying. The Minister of State said Ireland was not signed up to the measure and would provide a briefing note, but it was not currently a concern.
At this time of year, many people are purchasing gift cards for Christmas. I have always been a big supporter of shop local, stay local, support local. We have a local voucher scheme in County Carlow. I am very concerned that the EU is proposing that any voucher like this under €150 will have to be regulated for identification. This proposal will discourage people from buying them and small shop owners will have much more paperwork. We will be cutting off a vital lifeline in our local economy.
The European Parliament was scheduled to vote on this but it was pushed back. Will we be supporting amendment No. 479 that calls for the reintroduction of the €150 exemption for low risk e-money? I absolutely call for this. I ask everyone to shop local and support local. I will get in first and wish everyone a really happy Christmas, including the Ceann Comhairle, the Ministers and all the Deputies. Of course, in my area of Carlow-Kilkenny, I wish everyone a happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.
Comment on this
That was well said by the inimitable Deputy Murnane O'Connor. Is the Minister if State going to save the Christmas vouchers?
Comment on this
I think we will save Carlow's retailers after this. This is an important and ongoing debate in the European Parliament and other parts of Europe as well. I certainly do not want to confuse the situation over Christmas. It is not an issue to which we are signed up as yet in any shape or form. I will get the Deputy a briefing note on it but it is not an issue of concern at this moment.