Pa Daly
Question:192. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when he plans to introduce a right to repair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72918/25]
View answerWednesday, 17 December 2025
Questions (192)
Written answers
The EU Directive on common rules promoting the repair of goods (the Right to Repair Directive) was formally adopted in July 2024, and my Department is required to transpose it into national law by July 2026. This initiative forms part of a broader suite of measures under the New Consumer Agenda and the Circular Economy Action Plan, building on the commitments of the European Green Deal. Its purpose is to strengthen sustainable consumption by increasing the repair and reuse of faulty consumer goods, both during and after the legal guarantee of conformity, making repair a more accessible and cost-effective option than replacement.
Under the Directive, consumers will be able to obtain repairs more readily once the guarantee period has expired, as manufacturers of products that are legally required to be repairable will have a duty to provide repair services. The Directive also prohibits any contractual arrangements or hardware or software mechanisms that would hinder the repair of such goods. This includes preventing manufacturers from blocking the use of compatible spare parts, such as 3D-printed components, provided these parts comply with product safety and intellectual property rules. It is envisaged that these provisions will significantly improve conditions for independent repairers. In addition, manufacturers will not be able to refuse repairs simply because a previous repair attempt was made by someone else.
The Directive further requires the EU to establish an online platform where repairers, and businesses involved in buying or selling refurbished goods, can list their services. It also includes a model for a voluntary European Repair Information Form, which repairers may use to give consumers clear and comprehensive details about the repair being offered.
I welcome the greater confidence and practical support that consumers will gain from this Directive. It ensures that repair options will be easier to find, reliable, and fairly priced; it also safeguards the use of compatible and 3D-printed parts and guarantees that earlier independent repairs will not diminish access to manufacturer assistance. Overall, this Directive represents important progress towards a more open, equitable, and consumer-focused repair ecosystem in Ireland and across the EU.