The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s website (ccpc.ie) offers accessible information and advice to Irish consumers.
In groups, visit the website and research one of the following areas:
• What advice the CCPC offers on how to complain to a business.
• What a scam is (with an example). • An example of a recalled product. • What advice the CCPC offers on gift vouchers.
All groups should evaluate the website. Did you find it informative and user-friendly? Why or why not? Present your findings to the class.
4. The Small Claims procedure offers consumers a cheap and fast way to settle a dispute legally without the need for a solicitor. It costs €25 to make a claim. A District Court judge will listen to both sides of the dispute and make a decision.
Like the Office of the Ombudsman, it is important that the consumer has tried to solve the issue themselves before using the Small Claims procedure. The maximum amount of compensation awarded using the Small Claims procedure is €2,000.
5. The Consumers’ Association of Ireland (CAI) is a voluntary advice and information service for consumers. It also campaigns for improved consumer laws. It publishes a magazine for consumers called Consumer Choice.
Consumer advice magazine A
Go to page 66 of your Activities and Accounts Book to offer advice on consumer problems.
6. The Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland (ASAI) promotes good advertising standards in order to protect consumers from the dishonest and illegal marketing of products and services.
7. The European Consumer Centre (ECC) Ireland gives Irish consumers free information and advice on dealing with retailers and service providers from other EU member states.
Consumer protection agencies A
Go to page 69 of your Activities and Accounts Book to match the consumer problems with the agencies that can help.
