• Sellers cannot make false or misleading claims about their goods/services.
• Sellers cannot put pressure on the consumer to buy.
For example, a car dealer cannot mislead the consumer into buying a car. They should inform the consumer and help them make the decision.
Advertisements:
• As with information and sellers, advertisements cannot mislead consumers or contain false information. This covers all advertisements such as TV, magazines and newspapers.
For example, if an advertisement online says a shop is having a closing down sale, then the shop must be closing down.
EXAM PREPARATION!
State each element which the law/act covers. Explain using examples. Apply it to another unit.
Shop must be closing as advertised.
p. 94
Go to page 94 in the activity book.
3. The Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014
The law protects the consumer by keeping them informed and regulating the market to ensure that there is competition.
Competition: • The Act makes sure that there is competition between businesses. Competition between businesses is good for the consumer as it encourages the business to keep their prices low.
• For example, when Aldi entered the Irish market, other Irish retailers such as Dunnes lowered their prices to try to hold on to their market share.
Consumer information:
• The Act established the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). The CCPC enforces competition and consumer protection law in Ireland and helps consumers make informed decisions. Check out CCPC.ie.
Product safety:
• Ireland’s membership of the EU (see Unit 22) means that producers and manufacturers have to make sure that they meet health and safety standards. These standards are designed to protect the consumer.
• For example, manufacturers of children’s toys might use lead paint, which is poisonous. Safety regulations ensure that these types of paints are not used.
Enforcement: • The CCPC has the power to fine or prosecute a business that breaks consumer law.
133 Examination Tip
Make sure to have competition and consumer in the right order! Remember ‘m’ comes before ‘n’ in the alphabet.