asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that E.S.B. accounts to domestic consumers now contain, on first presentation, a notice that, failing immediate payment, supply may be cut off, and, if so, whether he will introduce legislation to prevent the board from acting in this arbitrary manner.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - E.S.B. Notices to Domestic Consumers.
I would refer the Deputy to the statement made by the E.S.B. through the public Press.
This is a matter of day-to-day administration in which I have no function. I do not propose to promote amending legislation.
Does the Minister not agree that this new attitude of the board to consumers is very highhanded and objectionable?
The board tells me that they intend this notice to go out on this occasion only. They are, I think, perturbed by the fact that they have something like £500,000 outstanding in overdue accounts.
That is not like the E.S.B.; they use the pincers when you do not pay.