Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Nov 1991

Vol. 413 No. 6

Written Answers. - TV and Video Rentals.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

81 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain television and video rental companies are renting out television and video equipment for extended periods of years at charges that have more than recovered the initial capital cost related interest and profit requirements to the detriment of the income of the renter; if he has any proposals to require rental companies to (1) clearly indicate to customers the full cost over time of rental charges and (2) offer to their customers at a nominal charge the outright purchase of the rented equipment after a period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. O'Malley)

I am aware of the existence of arrangements of the type outlined in the Deputy's question. While arrangements of this type cannot be regarded as credit agreements because they do not make provision for the ownership of the goods to pass to the consumer, I am considering how best to deal with these questions in the context of the legislation on consumer credit which is currently being prepared in my Department.