Unannounced Inspections Target Retail Sectors Across Ireland
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has conducted a series of unannounced inspections across various retail sectors in five counties, uncovering multiple violations of consumer protection laws. These inspections were aimed at ensuring that businesses comply with regulations regarding price transparency and fair trading practices.
A total of 55 inspections were carried out, focusing on different areas of the country. The targeted regions included County Dublin, where 22 checks were conducted in locations such as Swords, Dundrum, and Tallaght. Additional inspections took place in Leixlip, County Kildare, and Tullamore, County Offaly. In the Northwest, 12 inspections were completed in County Donegal, covering towns like Letterkenny, Bundoran, and Donegal town, while another 12 were carried out in County Sligo.
These checks were part of the CCPC’s ongoing efforts to monitor compliance with consumer protection laws and promote fair trading practices throughout Ireland. The commission emphasized that the law requires traders to display prices clearly, including selling prices, unit prices, and reduced prices. During the inspections, officers identified several instances of inadequate or inaccurate price displays on products for sale.
In addition to general retail sectors, the CCPC also inspected the retail motor fuel industry, including major service stations. These checks revealed breaches of the price display rules outlined in the Retail Prices (Diesel and Petrol) Display Order, 1997. The findings highlight the importance of clear pricing information for consumers, who rely on this data to make informed purchasing decisions.
Patrick Kenny, a member of the CCPC, explained that enforcement officers use data from the national helpline to identify patterns of consumer harm and potential areas for investigation. He stated that unannounced inspections are an essential tool for identifying and addressing violations of consumer protection laws. If breaches are found, the CCPC has the authority to issue fines and pursue legal action against offenders.
Traders were selected for inspection based on factors such as location, sector, and, in some cases, consumer complaints received through the CCPC’s helpline. These complaints serve as a valuable source of information, helping the commission identify sectors where consumers may be at risk.
Last year, over 44,000 consumers contacted the helpline, marking an increase compared to 2023. This rise in inquiries underscores the growing awareness among the public about their rights and the importance of reporting potential violations.
The CCPC has called for stronger penalties for companies that breach consumer protection laws. In March of this year, three businesses—Lifestyle Sports (Ireland), DID Electrical Appliances, and Rath-Wood Home & Garden World—pleaded guilty to breaking sales pricing legislation and were ordered to donate €1,000 each to charity. However, the commission argues that more substantial measures are needed, such as fines based on a percentage of a business’s turnover for serious offenses.
Consumers who suspect a trader is violating consumer laws are encouraged to report their concerns to the CCPC. They can contact the National Consumer Helpline by calling 01 402 5555 or by emailing [email protected].
Recently, the CCPC was asked by the government to update its analysis of the Irish grocery retail sector, which it completed in June 2023. The watchdog has also been urged to investigate the profitability of supermarkets and whether there are barriers preventing new retail chains from entering the market. Minister of State for Retail Alan Dillon has expressed interest in understanding if large international retailers, such as Asda or Carrefour, face obstacles to setting up operations in Ireland.
