Co Kildare TD is urging regulation for expiry dates on gift vouchers

A Co Kildare TD is calling for a minimum five years for vouchers , calling for regulation on expiry dates.

Gift vouchers should have a minimum lifespan of five years, Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon has said.

Deputy Heydon said: “There’s no doubt that there are great advantages to gift vouchers. That said, Ireland has no legislation regulating their expiry dates, which causes confusion and worry to many consumers."

He said:“This can be particularly frustrating where the vouchers themselves aren’t clear about their expiration date.For too long the waters have been muddied for consumers and businesses alike."

Deputy Heydon said: "For the last few months, my Fine Gael colleague Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys, has been developing proposals to introduce a minimum expiry date of five years."

According to Deputy Heydon  proposals to extend the expiry dates for vouchers  are now at an advanced stage.

He said: "Every year, countless gift vouchers are lost or go out of date and these proposals can make a real difference to consumers in Kildare for the better. We are hopeful that this important consumer protection initiative can be agreed by all parties in the Oireachtas.”