User:BenHoey

Consumer Protection in Ireland

This article focuses on existing protection available to consumers purchasing long term products such as mortgages for home purchase and pension funding. Consumer Protection for financial services in Ireland is the responsibility of the Central Bank of Ireland. This regulator is also responsible for bank prudential supervision.

In Ireland, the main laws that protect consumers and set out their rights include:

Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980: This act regulates the sale of goods and the supply of services to consumers. It provides that goods sold must be of merchantable quality, fit for their intended purpose, and as described.

Consumer Protection Act 2007: This act provides for the enforcement of consumer protection laws in Ireland. It covers a wide range of issues, including unfair commercial practices, misleading advertising, and product safety.

European Communities (Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts) Regulations 1995: These regulations provide that contract terms must be fair and transparent. They prohibit the use of unfair contract terms in consumer contracts.

Distance Selling Regulations 2001: These regulations provide protection to consumers who buy goods or services over the phone, online, or by mail order. They give consumers the right to cancel a contract within a certain period, usually 14 days.

Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003: These acts govern the collection, use, and storage of personal data by businesses. They provide consumers with the right to access their personal data and to have it corrected or deleted if necessary.

Competition and Consumer Protection Commission: This is the national consumer protection agency in Ireland. It has the power to investigate and prosecute businesses that breach consumer protection laws.