Róisín Shortall
Ceist:81 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are any plans to introduce legislation to compel retailers to include their business address on all receipts issued. [11278/01]
Written Answers - Consumer Affairs.
The Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act, 1980, provides that goods should be of merchantable quality, fit for the purpose for which they are intended and as described. The provider of services should have the skills necessary to do the service and it should be carried out with due care and diligence and any materials should be of merchantable quality, fit for the purpose intended and as described. This is an area of civil law and if goods or services purchased do not meet these criteria, the consumer is normally entitled to a repair, replacement or refund, whichever is agreed between the supplier and the consumer to be most appropriate.
It is my understanding that as proof of purchase is generally required in the event of a dispute, it is the practice of most retailers and service providers to provide receipts. Where this is not the case it is open to a consumer to request a receipt, and if told that this will not be available to take their custom elsewhere. However, receipts are not the only proof of purchase, for example, a cheque stub is one such proof. The buyer, however, should be advised at all times to follow the old adage caveat emptor– let the buyer beware. They should check in advance that they have a contact number to deal with aftercare if and when the need arises. While the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act sets out legal obligations and implied terms in every contract and this gives the buyer protection in law, there is an onus on buyers to check out in advance where contractors operate from and where they can be contacted after the event. This applies particularly if contractors move around a lot or even operate from a base abroad.
Neither my Department nor the Director of Consumer Affairs is aware of any significant level of difficulties being experienced by consumers in this area and from a practical point of view I do not see what purpose there would be in introducing a legal obligation of the type suggested by the Deputy.