Bank-card transaction fees
Senator Noone welcomes a proposed European cap on payment-card fees, saying it could reduce barriers for consumers and businesses; brief interjections concern Senator Naughton’s welcome.
I congratulate and welcome Senator Naughton to the House and wish her well. This is an exciting day for her on a personal level. I join with those colleagues who have welcomed the fact that she is another young, west of Ireland woman in the House.
A proposal to be tabled by the European Commission on Wednesday would see a Europe-wide cap imposed on banking card fees of between 0.2% and 0.3% of a given transaction. This proposal has been welcomed by consumers and businesses alike, many of whom believe that fees can often be a barrier to trade. The proposal, which would update the payment services directive, is necessary following a judgment by the European Court of Justice that imposes limits on the fees that can be applied by Visa Europe. As such, the proposal is a practical review and will allow solutions to be reached. I am glad that Europe is once again proposing smart regulations that will make consumers' lives better.
Comment on this
I wish to issue an unqualified and unreserved congratulations to Senator Naughton. I have heard much about her. She is thought of highly in local authority circles, particularly in Galway. It is a proud day for her and her family. There should be no more about it, as there are political considerations in everything that happens here. I am delighted to find out that she is a trained soprano. For a long time, I have been searching for someone to do a duet with the Leader. As we all know, he is an accomplished baritone.
Comment on this
It is an offer that she cannot refuse.