CHAPTER 16 CONSUMER STUDIES National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)
The NSAI works to set and enforce quality and safety standards for goods and services in Irish industry. It runs the ISO 9000 scheme, an internationally recognised award given to companies that achieve high-quality standards with their goods and services.
European Consumer Centre (ECC) Ireland
The ECC provides information and advice on consumer rights when buying goods or services in other European Union countries (including online purchases). It also provides assistance with settling disputes arising between consumers and traders based in different European Union countries.
Voluntary consumer protection agencies
Consumers’ Association of Ireland (CAI) The CAI aims to protect, promote and represent the interests of Irish consumers. Its roles include:
• publishing Consumer Choice magazine, which provides consumers with impartial information about their consumer rights and how to get value for money when buying goods and services
• representing consumers on various bodies and international organisations • lobbying the government for improvements in consumer legislation • carrying out research to produce reports with objective information for consumers on products and services.
Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland (ASAI)
The ASAI was established and financed by the advertising industry to promote the highest standards in advertising and marketing. It aims to ensure that all commercial advertisements are: • legal, decent, honest and truthful
• prepared with a sense of responsibility to the consumer, e.g. do not contain offensive content.
It also investigates complaints made by the public regarding advertisements, and has the authority to instruct the advertisement be modified or removed.
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Name one statutory body and one voluntary body/agency concerned with consumer protection. (6) OL
Outline two functions of the Citizens Information Board. (6) HL
Outline the role of each of the consumer organisations named below. • Consumer Association of Ireland (CAI) • Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland (ASAI). (6) HL
Name and outline the role of any one voluntary agency concerned with consumer protection. (11) HL
