Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Consumer Protection.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

118 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there was a commitment regarding future charges when the Government's interest in a company (details supplied) was sold; if there are consumer protection laws to protect consumers from companies which seek payment in advance rather than for a service provided; and if she will make a statement outlining the protection which the Government can provide for persons (details supplied). [2326/02]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt)

In early 1999 the proposed acquisition of Cablelink by NTL was notified to the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment under the Mergers and Takeovers (Control) Acts, 1978 to 1996. The proposal was cleared in May 1999 without conditions or commitments in regard to future charges.

The Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act, 1980, provides for certain implied terms in any contract between consumers and suppliers of goods and services. These are that the supplier has the skill to provide the service, he will carry out the service with due care and diligence and goods used will be of merchantable quality and fit for the purpose for which they are intended. Issues concerning the payment for such goods or services are a matter of contract law.