Consumer Protection Agencies

Ireland has several consumer protection bodies, each with a distinct role:

1. Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)
2. Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)
3. Consumers' Association of Ireland (CAI)

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Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)

Key Functions:

1. Information and Education:

• Provides accurate and up-to-date information on consumer rights through its website and publications.
• Develops consumer education programmes, such as teaching young people about financial capability and consumer awareness.

1. Investigation and Enforcement:

• Investigates misleading or unfair commercial practices, product safety breaches, and competition law violations.
• Can prosecute businesses and issue compliance notices, undertakings, and penalties for breaches.

1. Advising Government:

• Advises policymakers and government departments on new and existing consumer legislation.
• Makes policy recommendations based on market trends and research.

1. Product Safety Oversight:

• Ensures that goods meet EU safety standards and that products are appropriately labelled (e.g. with the CE mark).
• Can remove unsafe products from the market and issue alerts to consumers.

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Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)

How It Works:

• A consumer must first complete the provider's internal complaints procedure. Only then can they contact the FSPO.
• The FSPO acts as a mediator or arbitrator between the two parties.
• It can demand evidence, conduct hearings, and issue a legally binding decision.

Examples of Cases:

• Disputes over insurance claims
• Unfair loan terms or mortgage conditions
• Pension scheme mismanagement or communication failures The FSPO offers a free and impartial service to consumers.

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Consumers' Association of Ireland (CAI)

Role and Activities:

• Protects, promotes, and represents the interests of Irish consumers
• Publishes "Consumer Choice" magazine, which provides product comparisons, reviews, and consumer news
• Provides advice on how to handle disputes with businesses
• Lobbies government on issues such as consumer protection legislation, digital rights, food safety, and product standards The CAI does not intervene in individual cases but plays a key role in shaping consumer awareness and policy in Ireland.

Summary Table

Agency	Role	Example
CCPC	Investigates business misconduct, educates consumers, enforces the law	Fines a business for false advertising
FSPO	Resolves disputes with financial/pension providers	Orders a bank to compensate a customer for unfair charges
CAI	Educates and lobbies on behalf of consumers	Publishes advice on new food labelling laws