Consumer protection - Urgent need for powerful watchdog

Consumer protection should undergo a radical change with the introduction next year of the new National Consumer Agency (NCA), which is due to have significant powers in line with a bill just published by Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin.

The NCA is currently operating as an interim body designed to be a beefed-up watchdog to replace the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, which is currently being wound down.

The outgoing agency was essentially a toothless body that could do little more than highlight or remonstrate about sharp practices and rip-offs. Its ineffectiveness became particularly apparent as a result of the Rip-off Ireland series of Eddie Hobbs.