Vol. 446 No. 4
52 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment whether the ESB and Telecom Éireann are now willing to accept personal guarantees from persons proposing to establish new small businesses and no longer demand substantial up front deposits for connection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1369/94]
As a result of consultations between the Task Force on Small Business and representatives of both ESB and Telecom Éireann, both State bodies agreed to abolish deposits for small business start-ups.
Telecom Éireann agreed to waive the requirement for (1) deposits and (2) personal guarantees where the applicant is willing to complete a direct debit mandate. The ESB agreed to waive indemnity deposits for start-ups employing ten people or fewer, provided they pay by direct debit. Neither organisation has plans to change this situation in the near future. It should, however, be emphasised that this is subject to review.
I am satisfied that this flexibility represents an improvement and eases the burdens on small business start-ups.
