New consumer agency to have power to close businesses

A new national consumer agency due to launched by the Government this week will reportedly have the power to close businesses that breach consumer protection legislation.

Reports this morning said the agency would have the power to issue on-the-spot fines to companies that engage in misleading advertising, pricing or food labelling.

If these breaches continue, the agency will reportedly have the power to issue closure orders on the businesses involved.

The new agency, which will replace the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, is being established by Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin in response to a report from the Government's Consumer Strategy Group.

The group has also called for the lifting of the Groceries Order banning below-cost selling, but Mr Martin has decided to initiate a two-month consultation period before deciding whether to implement this recommendation.