Consumers urged to tackle 'rip-off culture'

vinnyfitz

The Consumer Strategy Group launched earlier in the year seems to be looking for submissions.
Examiner article

Mr E

For those who don't have a login....

Consumers urged to tackle ‘rip-off culture’

By Niamh Nolan

CONSUMERS tired of complaining about ‘rip-off Ireland’ are invited to put words into action and take part in a public consultation process aimed at forcing businesses to become more competitive.

The Consumer Strategy Group (CSG) is asking Irish consumers to play an active role in advancing consumer policy to align it with countries like the US, Britain, and Denmark, where best practice exists.

The views of all interested parties individuals, representative organisations and businesses will be considered in the final report to inform Government on a national consumer policy.

Launching its website www.irishconsumer.ie yesterday, the CSG highlighted the need for consumers to feel empowered and play an active role in shaping policy in key areas such as access to goods, proper safeguards and rights of redress.

"Customers must move from being observers of the consumer policy process to being players," said chairperson of the CSG Ann Fitzgerald. Rather than continuing to complain about rip-off Ireland, Ms Fitzgerald urged consumers to consider their participation as a proactive way of protecting their interests.

Detailed research on consumer attitudes will also be carried out through face-to- face interviews and focus groups before the CSG finalise its report later in the year.

"This is the best opportunity to make their voices heard that consumers will have for years," Ms Fitzgerald said. "A strong national consumer policy will genuinely empower consumers and make the businesses they interact with more competitive in the international marketplace," she said.

The CSG was set up by Tánaiste Mary Harney in March to advise on the development of a national consumer policy.

Submissions to the public consultation process can be made up to July 9 by email to info@irishconsumer.ie or via the website.

star gazer

Well if there was one thing we needed it was another committee to sit on the problem for another few months.