asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware of a recent newspaper report that a company previously prominent in pyramid selling campaigns (details supplied) has restarted operations in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on his intention, if any, to introduce protective consumer legislation to deal with this situation.
Written Answers. - Dublin Pyramid Selling.
357.
I am aware of the newspaper report mentioned and that the company referred to is active in the Dublin area.
The Government are concerned about the undesirable features of pyramid selling and exhorts those who might feel tempted to become involved in such arrangements not to. Such exhortations have too often gone un-heeded in the past and I have come to the conclusion that legislation is desirable. Deputies will recall from previous occasions when this matter was raised in the House that there was hesitation to introduce legislation lest it should unintentionally penalise perfectly legitimate forms of trading. I have recently reconsidered the matter and I believe that suitable legislation can be devised which would effectively outlaw pyramid selling without damaging other forms of trade and I shall be putting proposals to the Government in this regard shortly.