Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 303: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [20658/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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While I have no direct function in relation to this matter, I understand that the case referred to by the Deputy relates to the practice of the company concerned imposing a charge on customers who pay their bills by means other than by direct debit.

I understand that the National Consumer Agency (NCA) has received a number of complaints on this matter from consumers. I am advised that the Agency met with the senior management of the company concerned on a number of occasions. Arising from these discussions, the company agreed that this charge would only apply to new customers of the company recruited after 27 November 2006 and that new customers would be made fully aware, before signing up for the company's services, that a charge would be imposed if they did not choose to pay their bill by direct debit.

Whilst the practice of imposing such a charge does not breach consumer legislation, I would be concerned that the imposition of charges of this nature should not impact unduly on consumers, particularly vulnerable consumers. In this regard, I understand that the National Consumer Agency continues to meet with the company concerned in relation to a range of issues.