Vol. 491 No. 3
118 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures, if any, she is taking to protect the consumer against the practice of adjusting the mileage on car clocks; her estimate as to the extent of the problem particularly with regard to imported second hand cars; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11900/98]
The practice known as "car clocking", that is, mileage adjusting, to which the Deputy refers, is a criminal offence by virtue of section 2 of the Consumer Information Act, 1978. The enforcement of this provision rests with the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs.
I understand that the Director's office will investigate any complaint or allegation made to the Director in this area, irrespective of whether the complaint involves a second hand car already on the Irish market or an imported second hand car. The extent of the problem is difficult to quantify given that its disclosure is very much dependent on a complaint being made to the Director's office.
However, the Director of Consumer Affairs has advised me that a small number of complaints are received in his office each year and that he has in the past successfully prosecuted individuals for this offence.
