Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 May 1993

Vol. 431 No. 1

Written Answers. - Sale of Electrical Goods.

Michael Noonan

Question:

118 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the claims made by the electrical trade that ESB shops enjoy an unfair advantage over other retailers in the sale of electrical goods; his views on these claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

I am aware of concern expressed by retailers about the operation of ESB's retailing activities.

Steps were taken last year to ensure that ESB's retailing business operates on a more arms length basis from the monopoly electricity business. Since the September/October 1992 billing period customers making instalment payments for goods bought in ESB shops receive a new style invoice. This new format distinguishes clearly between payments for electricity supply and instalment payments for electrical appliances and states that supplies will not be cut off for failure to make repayments.

I consider that the change to the billing system has addressed concerns about ESB's retailing business and in particular the allegation that ESB may have been abusing its monopoly position by threatening to cut off supplies to customers who fell behind in appliance repayments.