Consumers and businesses have until close of business on Friday to respond to a public consultation on gift voucher fees.
Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys has urged anyone with an interest in the issue to make their voice heard.
In June, the Government announced approval of new legislation, which proposes a minimum lifespan of five years for gift vouchers.
"As well as this, the Bill proposes that the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation will have the power to set fees for inactive balances on gift vouchers, together with fees for the issue and replacement of gift vouchers," said Minister Humphreys. "For this reason, I'm looking for views to help me decide on what fees, if any, should apply."
Most consumers feel they should be able to use their gift voucher at full face value, however, the businesses charging these fees say that they could not meet their costs without them.
All information pertaining to the public consultation is available on the website of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Responses should be sent by email to conspol@dbei.gov.ie or by post to Competition and Consumer Policy Section, Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Earlsfort Centre, Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2.
