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Dáil Éireann - Volume 266 - 26 June, 1973 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pyramid Selling. Mr. Lemass Mr. Lemass 36. Mr. Lemass asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give an undertaking similar to that given to the British House of Lords by Lord Drumalbyn that he would bring and keep under control the objectionable features of pyramid selling. Mr. Keating Mr. Keating Mr. Keating: I will certainly bring—and keep—under control the objectionable features of pyramid selling, should I find it necessary to do so. I have requested the Examiner of Restrictive Practices to investigate this practice, and I am awaiting a report. Dr. O'Connell Dr. O'Connell Dr. O'Connell: Is the Minister stating that pyramid selling is in operation in Ireland at the present time? Mr. Keating Mr. Keating Mr. Keating: I received some information that a small amount of pyramid selling has occurred in Ireland, and if it is on a sufficient scale and if it is continuing we shall certainly move against it. Dr. O'Connell Dr. O'Connell Dr. O'Connell: The Minister would not find it objectionable in its present form? Mr. Keating Mr. Keating 1079 [1079] Mr. Keating: I find any pyramid selling objectionable, but if the incidence of pyramid selling is a transient one and if sufficient power exists under restrictive practices legislation to deal with it, then I do not see the need for new legislation. However, I am having it monitored continuously and I am getting a report from the Examiner of Restrictive Practices on it, which I expect in the near future. Dr. O'Connell Dr. O'Connell Dr. O'Connell: Could I ask the Minister how many complaints he has had in his Department from people who have been conned by pyramid sellers? An Ceann Comhairle Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle: It seems to be a separate question. Mr. Keating Mr. Keating Mr. Keating: I do not know the number, but a significant number. Apart from the complaints received, on their own initiative my Department have been monitoring the activities of the pyramid sellers. Mr. Colley Mr. Colley Mr. Colley: Could I ask the Minister to elaborate a little further on how pyramid selling comes within the terms of restrictive practice legislation? Mr. Keating Mr. Keating Mr. Keating: I cannot give the Deputy a great deal of detail on that, but I asked in the Department if there was any existing legislation whereby we could control this practice. It was looked at and, while I did not get an answer, there was at least the possibility that sufficient powers existed under the Restrictive Practices Act, 1972, and this is one of the things on which the Examiner will report to me. Mr. Lemass Mr. Lemass Mr. Lemass: Is the Minister aware that ordinary housewives and, indeed, corporation tenants, have been out of pocket many thousands of pounds due to being conned through this type of selling? Mr. Keating Mr. Keating 1080 Mr. Keating: I am indeed aware of this. The situation is that from the time of the previous Government and the last time I was asked a question on this, strong disapproval of pyramid selling was expressed on all sides of the House, and expressed in [1080] the media also. The British have had the experience that they promised legislation and now they are in difficulties drafting it and may have to fall back to the situation in which we are. While it is extremely objectionable, in my view the distinction between pyramid selling, on the one hand, and what is a perfectly legitimate form of selling, on the other, is not a difficult one to draw in real life but it is very difficult to draft legislation which does not penalise people who ought to have a chance to go on making a little money as well. Mr. Lemass Mr. Lemass Mr. Lemass: May I ask one final supplementary? An Ceann Comhairle Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle: Very good. Let it be final. Mr. Lemass Mr. Lemass Mr. Lemass: Is the Minister aware that there is an extradition order being sought against “Mr. Pyramid Selling” by the English Government? Is this man involved in the Irish market? Mr. Keating Mr. Keating Mr. Keating: I do not know the answer to that. Dáil Éireann 266 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Pyramid Selling. Questions 19730626
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