Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - Low Cost Retailing.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

190 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if, in view of her decision not to give exclusive use of the facility at Dublin Airport to any one airline, she will outline her views on the fact that the exclusive use of the ESB billing system for the credit sale of domestic appliances by ESB shops is an abuse of a national resource; her further views on whether this facility should be extended to low cost retailers and whether such a decision would reduce costs to consumers and offer greater choice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9043/02]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

While the operation of the ESB's retail service is a day to day matter for the com pany, I have been assured that its policy of confining access to its credit rating-billings system to its own retail division has been reviewed in the past by the Director of Consumer Affairs and other Government agencies and found to be unobjectionable. In the circumstances, I do not believe extending this facility to other low cost retailers would result in reduced costs and better choice for consumers.