Faulty goods and services fuels 20% jump in calls to consumer watchdog

Nearly 9,000 consumers were referred to the Small Claims Court, including over 1,000 people who had issues with domestic appliances

Eir topped the list with with 546 contacts, Ryanair came in second place with 515 contacts, Currys concerned 258 contacts, 453 calls were made about Vodafone, while 423 people contacted the helpline in relation to Harvey Norman.

The competition watchdog reported a 20% increase in the number of consumers using its helpline annually, driven by consumer complaints concerning faulty goods and services.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said a total 39,172 consumers contacted the helpline last year to express discontentment, and five firms in particular were named by consumers when making complaints.