THE deputy leader of Fianna Fail Ms Mary O'Rourke, has received an award from the Consumers' Association of Ireland (CAI) for her work on the 1995 Consumer Credit Act.

The Act, which is scheduled for enforcement on May 1st, is the most comprehensive piece of consumer protection legislation enacted in recent years, according to the CAI.

The association said that, during her time as minister with responsibility for consumer affairs, Ms O'Rourke had been "a principal shaker and mover" in the formation of the Bill. She will be particularly remembered by consumers for bringing bank charges under the remit of the Director of Consumer Affairs, the CAI added.

Ms O'Rourke received the award, which is a commemorative statuette, from the chief executive of the CAI, Ms Caroline Gill.