asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware of repeated complaints about a company (details supplied) in Dublin; if he will have such complaints investigated; the appropriate action he can take to curb the activities of this company; if there is any evidence on which Garda inquiries could be based; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers . - Company Complaints Investigation .
329.
: My Department have received two complaints regarding the activities of the company mentioned. One of these has been satisfactorily resolved and the nature of the other precludes direct action by the Department. In addition, I understand that the Director of Consumer Affairs has recently received a number of similar complaints and is considering what action to take in relation to them.
However, if the Deputy has information about any other complaints against the firm, I would be glad to have them considered. He may be assured that if there is any evidence to warrant Garda inquiries, appropriate action will be taken.
Finally, I would like to reiterate the statement which I made on 12 June last in reply to a similar question asked by the Deputy, arising from complaints which had been made against another firm in the same line of business. I said then that, "in this, as in many other commercial transactions, it is a matter primarily for the consumer himself to act with sufficient prudence to ensure that his own interests are adequately protected and to sign contracts only with people who have the competence to carry out their obligations properly. The need for this caution will remain even after the coming into operation of the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act, and despite any initiatives which may be taken by the Director of Consumer Affairs."