Rip-off businesses to be named and shamed in Seanad

SHOPS and businesses ripping off consumers will be named and shamed in the Seanad in an effort to bring down prices and encourage competition.

Equally, those charging the lowest prices for goods and services will be named by Fianna Fáil senator Terry Leyden.

Ireland is the rip-off capital of Europe, according to the recent Forfás Consumer Pricing Report. This country is set to become the most expensive country in the eurozone this year with consumer prices 12% higher than the EU average.

Prices here are the second highest in the eurozone after Finland, the Forfás report found. We are the most expensive country for pub prices, restaurants and residential rents.

Using parliamentary privilege - meaning he cannot be sued for libel - Senator Leyden, the Government Consumer Affairs spokesman in Seanad Éireann, will try to ensure that the voice of the consumer is heard.

“Consumers should now say enough is enough. I am hoping that this campaign will make consumers realise they have the power to make a difference,” Senator Leyden said.

The former minister for trade says the Name and Shame Consumer Price Busting Campaign is backed by the Consumers’ Association of Ireland and the director of Consumer Affairs.

Anyone who would like to participate in the Name and Shame Consumer Campaign should send an official receipt or photograph with a letter outlining their complaint to: The Consumers’ Association of Ireland, 45, Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2.