Chapter 2 - Resolving Conflict in the Marketplace [Notes 2]

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6. The Consumer Protection Act 2007

[DEFINITION] The Consumer Protection Act 2007: The law that protects consumers from unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices.The acts bans practices that are unfair, misleading, or aggressive towards consumers and are likely to impair a consumer's choice.

The Consumer Protection Act...

Prohibits false product descriptions.

Prohibits false prices.

Prohibits false or misleading advertising.

Prohibits businesses from engaging in aggressive practices.

Established the National Consumer Agency.

[DEFINITION] The National Consumer Agency: The State agency that promotes consumers' awareness of their legal rights and ensures that consumer legislation is obeyed by businesses.

The National Consumer Agency is responsible for...

Enforcing consumer laws.

Providing information and advice to the public on their rights as consumers.

Providing information and advice to businesses on their legal responsibilities to consumers.

Advising the government on how best to ensure that the welfare of consumers is protected.

Publishing a Consumer Protection List of businesses found breaching consumer law.

7. How Consumer Complaints Can be Resolved in a Non-legislative Manner

The non-legislative ways for customers to deal with issues arising from the way they have been treated by a business are to...

1. Talk to the Retailer

2. Seek Help from a Third Party

Organisations that can assist in resolving consumer conflict are...

National Consumer Agency

Industry trade associations

[DEFINITION] Consumers' Association Ireland: A non-commercial Organisation set up to protect and promote the interests of consumers.

Financial Services Ombudsman

Office of the Ombudsman for Public Service

8. How Consumer Complaints Can be Resolved in a Legislative Manner

[DEFINITION] Small Claims Court: This State conflict resolution agency provides a inexpensive, fast, and easy way or consumers to resolve disputes without the need to employ a solicitor.

The advantages of Small Claims Court are...

1. Fast

2. Inexpensive

The disadvantages of a Small Claims Court are...

1. Only deals with disputes of up to the value of €2000.00.

2. Recommendation is not legally binding.

3. Full court hearing in District or higher court if not happy with recommendation.

6. The Consumer Protection Act 2007

7. Resolving Consumer Complaints in a Non-legislative Manner

8. Resolving Consumer Complaints in a Legislative Manner