Consumer Agency happy with new window blind safety standards.

The National Consumers Agency has welcomed the announcement that new standards are being put in place to make window blinds safer.

Since 2005, 15 children have died in Ireland after becoming entangled in window blind cords in their own homes.

The National Standards Authority has today put new standards in place for consumers, manufacturers and suppliers - including cutting the loop in cords where possible, raising them so they cannot be reached by children, and devices that can be used to make cords safe.

However, these standards are voluntary and therefore CEO of National Standards Authority of Ireland Maurice Buckley, says it's up to consumers to ensure they're being implemented.

"Since 2009 every manufacturer must supply either their safety attachment or there must be some mechanism in the blind itself to make sure it is safe and a toddler can't get stuck in a cord.

"That is there and is in the current standards. It has been re-enforced by these new standards so it takes the consumer to be alert and make a complaint if they are suspicious something isn't good."