asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the activities of a heating contracting company (details supplied) operating in the Greenhills Estate area and other areas of County Dublin which have carried out defective work in homes, secured payment and taken no further responsibility; and if he has any proposals, legislative or otherwise, to counteract such activities and to afford greater consumer protection in such areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Heating Company Activities.
6.
Two complaints about installations by this firm have been received and investigated by my Department. I have no power to intervene directly, as these are matters of contract, but departmental inspectors did locate the firm on behalf of complainants. There are remedies for breach of contract under existing law, but I am considering, in connection with forthcoming consumer protection legislation, strengthening the consumer's position in regard to warranties for services, on lines recommended by the National Consumer Advisory Council. In the meantime I suggest that those intending to have electric central heating installed should first consult their local ESB office.
Do I take it that no assistance can be given to this person?
Under existing law it appears that no action can be taken unless a complaint can be made about the safety of the installation in question, in which case it should be covered by a recent order.
I understand that the ESB are not anxious to connect this service.
Anybody who has purchased this from the firm in question who feels aggrieved have it open to them, under civil law, to take an action. There is need to improve the legislation in this regard and I hope to do so shortly.
I take it that no assistance can be given to this person?
Assistance has been given already. A departmental inspector located the firm responsible for the installation.