New consumer body 'will have real teeth', claims Minister

The National Consumer Agency and Competition Authority are to merge, it has been announced.

Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton says the merger will create a powerful consumer watchdog with real teeth.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission will come into effect on October 31.

Minister Bruton says it is part of a reform programme which will see the number of agencies under the Department of Jobs reduced by 41 by the end of this year.