Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Rejects Criticism

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment this evening rejected criticism of the reduction in funding for the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs in the Department's spending estimates for 2004.

A Departmental spokesperson explained that the reduction was due to the transfer of certain functions of that Office in regard to consumer credit to the new independent financial regulator (IFSRA) with effect from 1 May 2003.