The Consumers' Association of Ireland (CAI) has expressed its deep concern at the decision by Minister Micheal Martin not to offer it a seat on the Interim Board of the National Consumer Agency.

As the only truly independent consumer organisation representing the needs of the Irish consumer for almost 40 years it is an outrage that the CAI is ignored in this manner.

Irish consumers should be very concerned that this Agency, through the Minister responsible for consumer affairs, Micheal Martin TD - purporting, not only to represent consumers but also to tackle long standing areas of concern in our rip-off culture - fails at the first hurdle by seeking to deny access to the one body that is experienced and dedicated to educating and empowering the consumer.

It is a poor day for Government representation of the consumer and a wake up call to those who must now join with the Consumers' Association of Ireland to fight harder than ever to ensure experienced and truly independent representation of the needs of the Irish consumer and the voice to demand it.

Consumers' Association of Ireland
43-44 Chelmsford Road
Ranelagh
Dublin 6.
TEL: 00 353 1 497 8600
FAX: 00 353 1 497 8601