This afternoon.

Legislation to remove excessive charges and restrictions on gift vouchers will not be passed in time for Christmas.

Last year, the Social Democrats launched the Consumer Rights (Gift Vouchers) Bill – to end the rip-off associated (unreasonable charges and expiry rules) with gift vouchers and cards.

The cabinet approved six months ago toa minimum five-year expiry date on gift vouchers.

Social Democrat co-leader Catherime Murphy said:

“The government has been promising since 2015 to increase protections for consumers. But there’s still no sign of the legislation to stop companies from charging maintenance fees on gift cards or selling vouchers with expiry limits of less than five years.

“It’s inexcusable that another Christmas season will come and go before consumers get the protections they deserve. The Social Democrats are keen to see action in this area.

“[our] Bill would have ensured gift vouchers are valid for at least five years, would ban charges for issuing gift vouchers and would ban the practice of applying charges to unused or inactive balances. It would also ban any charging for the repayment of credit balances on gift vouchers.”

Minister’s plans for gift-voucher expiry charge falters (Irish Times)

Previously: Don’t Look A Gift Voucher In The Mouth

Pic: Shutterstock