1069. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether the remit of the right to repair law will be expanded to cover kitchen equipment and associated ducting; and whether a particular case (details supplied) can avail of alternative consumer protection legislation. [63192/26]

The EU Right to Repair Directive, which was introduced on 31 July, is designed to make it easier and more accessible for consumers to repair certain products instead of replacing them. It supports longer product lifespans, reduces waste and contributes to the transition to a circular economy. My Department’s website has detailed information about this Directive and the goods that are currently covered.

However, as has been correctly identified, hobs are currently not among those goods. The EU intends to conduct a regular review of the goods covered by the repair rules and add further categories of goods over time. Any updates will then be reflected in the Irish 'right to repair’ legislation.

In relation to availing of alternative consumer protection in this case, officials from my Department engaged with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) which is the independent statutory body that enforces competition and consumer law in Ireland. They outlined the existing consumer rights for faulty goods that apply here and the next steps this consumer can take.

In the first instance, the consumer has strong consumer rights with the business that sold the hob and ducting kit in question. The business must ensure that the goods supplied are fit for purpose and are durable, which means they should work for a reasonable time with normal use.

If this is not the case, the business that supplied the goods must repair or replace them. If a repair or replacement is not possible or if there is a very serious issue with the good, the consumer can seek to cancel their contract and look for a refund. Further information can be found on the CCPC website in relation to consumers rights with faulty goods.

As regards next steps, the CCPC advise, if the consumer can show that the items bought are not fit for purpose, and it is less than six years since they were bought, to speak again with the business that sold the items or contact the manufacturer if bought from them directly.

The CCPC has details about how to complain to a business and the next steps consumers can take, including information on the small claims procedure, on the how to complain section on their website.

As regards seeking a reputable repair business, the consumer may wish to review the www.repairmystuff.ie website which has details of independent repairers country wide.