Consumer Awareness Campaign

The Director of Consumer Affairs is committed to informing you of your rights as a consumer and to assist you with any consumer related problems you may encounter. In order to provide a personal point of contact for consumers' ODCA staff attends a number of Citizen Information Centres around the country. Contact Ennis CIC for details of the next clinic

Got A Complaint?

Following the Christmas and New Year shopping sprees many consumers find themselves lumbered with shoddy goods.

The Citizen’s Information Advice Centre has issued the following advice for those who complain about inadequate goods or services.

First be sure of your rights, refer to consumer legislation if possible. Secondly, act promptly. Go back to the retailer as soon as possible, clearly state your complaint and let them know what form of redress you are seeking. Thirdly, if the trader cannot or will not help, put your complaint in writing. Enclose a copy of the receipt and any other relevant paper work and send it to them by registered post. Give the trader a limited time in which to resolve the matter (e.g.14 days). State that if the matter is not resolved within the time limit, you will consider taking further action.

If the trader doesn’t reply to your letters, refuses to do anything, or makes a final offer you are unwilling to accept, you can consider going to the Small Claims Court. The Small Claims Court deals with consumer claims up to €1,269.74. It is designed to handle customer claims speedily, inexpensively and without the need for solicitors. The fee is € 7.62 and each party is responsible for their own costs and witness expenses.

A range of other agencies also exists to help to enforce consumer rights. The public will have an opportunity to meet an inspector from the Office of Director of Consumer Affairs at monthly clinics at Ennis Citizens Information Centre, Abbey Street Ennis . Contact the Office for details.

For more information on where and how to complain you can contact the Citizens Information Centre, 44 Abbey Street, Ennis, Tel: 065-6841221.

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