asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the great concern caused to parents by the amount of high-priced, shoddy children's shoes now on sale, and if he will take steps to safeguard the public against them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Children's Shoes.
74.
I am not aware that there are significant numbers of high priced children's shoes of inferior quality on sale or that there is any general concern as suggested by the Deputy. My Department will, of course, arrange for the investigation of any complaints which may be made in specific cases.
This is a stock answer of the Minister. Is he aware of the fact that people do not know they can contact his Department? They are not aware they can make reports to the Department. Will he make the public so aware? Is the Minister aware that plastic shoes are being sold at very high prices and that people are not aware they can report this to the Department? Should the Minister not see to it that notices are put in the papers to ensure that people are made so aware?
On a number of occasions I have made it clear that this is one of the functions of my Department. I must confess it is not my experience on the basis of representations received that people are slow to make representations of any kind when they have complaints or when they think matters might have any bearing on my Department.
The Minister can be assured that the public will be notified by me of their rights in this matter. His Department will be inundated with complaints as a result.
If so, they will be dealt with.
I hope they will.