The State consumer watchdog is calling for companies that breach consumer law to be hit with far bigger fines.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission CCPC this morning released its latest consumer helpline report – warning that queries and complaints increased by 18% between January and June.
"I think it is clear report that consumers are experiencing issues and I suppose for us, the big question that arises is, where do those consumers go next?" she said. “In Ireland, the main route for a lot of people is the small claims court but the cap there is €2,000 and that was set nearly 20 years ago in 2006.The companies topping the CCPC list for complaints and queries. Image: CCPC
“But for those traders that don't resolve issues when they arise, consumers need access to justice and we do think that the Small Claims Court urgently needs to be reformed.”Ms Griffen said the CCPC itself also needs to be empowered to hand out significant fines for “really serious breaches of consumer protection law”.
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