Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)

I appreciate the Minister's extensive reply. The case to which I referred is one I hope will not be repeated throughout the country. I am glad the regulator conducted an audit of all service providers late last year and that quarterly reviews take place. It is important to reiterate to anybody in the country under payment pressure that these criteria are in place; this agreement has been reached; it happened because of a Government initiative; some of the companies not involved initially have come on board; and customers have armoury when dealing as individuals with service providers. Companies competing in this market make the switch from one service provider to another seem seamless, profitable and beneficial to customers experiencing serious financial strain. Customers may switch from a more traditional service provider to a new company on the market but before they know it, it appears to be the worst decision they ever made because the new service provider has found a glitch in the terms and conditions, which may have been glossed over by the customer, whereby the company can come down heavy with regard to payment. There is also an issue with regard to the payment plans which companies permit customers to enter.

I congratulate the Minister on his initial initiative. We would not be having this discussion unless the initial initiative had been initiated. I urge the Minister and the Department to be rigorous in this regard. The phone call I received last night was very distressing. I can only assume it is happening throughout the country. I do not trust the companies involved. The fear factor with regard to people having their services disconnected helps the companies to pressurise those in various communities to pay money they may not necessarily have. I make the point that the last thing we need is people accessing money - which they cannot pay back - from moneylenders or loan sharks in their communities who give simple answers. The problems are compounded.

Service providers have a huge responsibility. This is a health and safety issue. If people are legitimately trying to get their house in order, their bills regulated and their situation on a more sound financial footing they should be assisted. They should not be dealing with unscrupulous service companies trying to browbeat them into paying money they do not have.

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