Major operation leads to 'unannounced inspections' across Ireland following complaints

Over 40 businesses across the south of Ireland have been inspected following complaints on potential breaches of consumer protection laws.

Following an increase in calls to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (CCPC) national helpline, 43 businesses across Munster were inspected to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws.

Last week, CCPC enforcement officers inspected a range of businesses across Munster, covering the hospitality, beauty, motor and retail sectors.

In Cork city and county, the CCPC carried out 15 inspections; while in Kerry, 14 inspections were carried out across Killarney and Tralee. In Limerick city, 5 inspections took place; and in Waterford city and county, a further 9 inspections were completed.

In Killarney, particular attention was given to businesses catering to the tourism industry, where several breaches of consumer protection law were identified. These included items on sale without clear or accurate price displays, and misleading information about the origin of certain products.

Elsewhere across Munster, inspections were carried out on many of the major car dealerships to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws. During the inspections, several potential breaches of consumer law were identified, particularly around pricing and faulty goods.

In a statement, the CCPC said one major concern was "a lack of understanding among businesses regarding their legal obligations to consumers when things go wrong with a product or service".

The businesses came to the attention of the CCPC following consumer complaints to its helpline. Complaints are a valuable source of information to the CCPC as they help identify sectors where consumers may be at risk.

Commenting on the inspections, CCPC Commission Member, Mr. Pat Kenny, said that the Commission is prepared to take action and prosecute traders and businesses who were found to be in breach of consumer law.

“The CCPC regularly carries out unannounced inspections to make sure businesses are abiding by consumer protection laws," Kenny explained.

"Our enforcement officers use our national helpline data to identify serious breaches and patterns of non-compliance. An informed consumer is an empowered consumer, and knowing your rights can make life easier when things go wrong.

"Traders who break the law can face fines and prosecution and our interventions are focused on the areas where we can make the greatest impact across a range of sectors.”

The CCPC have said that they are committed to using their full range of enforcement powers to protect consumers, which includes imposing fines, issuing compliance notices and pursuing criminal prosecutions.

The names of traders who have breached consumer protection law will also be published later this year in the CCPC’s Consumer Protection List.

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