Martin announces bill to outlaw rogue trading practices

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin has announced a major crackdown on a range of trading practices like pyramid-selling, prize-draw scams and persistent cold-calling.

Such practices will all be outlawed in a new Consumer Protection Bill which Mr Martin has described as the biggest reform of the area in more than 30 years.

The legislation, due to be published in the coming months, will give gardaí greater powers to tackle rogue traders, who could face up to five years in prison or fines of up to €120,000.

It will also empower the new National Consumer Agency to prosecute traders who breach the new laws.