asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the National Prices Commission has received any request to examine the structure of charges made by undertaking establishments; and, if not, if he considers that there is a need for such an examination.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Undertaking Establishments.
19:
No request to examine the structure of charges made by undertaking establishments has been received by the National Prices Commission, and I have, at present, no evidence to suggest the need for such an examination. Under the Prices and Charges (Notification of Increases) Order, 1973, proprietors of undertaking establishments are required to give me one month's advance notice of any proposed increase in their existing scale of charges.
When would the Minister expect to receive such a request? It is a very live issue at the moment. I am not being funny when I say it is a live issue. It is an important matter for poor people who are insured with insurance companies because the present premium would not cover the cost of the funeral expenses. I should like to know from whom the request would come so that the National Prices Commission could consider it.
It is perfectly proper that a request of this kind should come from anyone who feels that the situation merits investigation. I would be happy to receive, and to pass on to the National Prices Commission, any request from Deputies or others to have this matter looked at.