Over 10,000 referred to Small Claims Court
Figures from the consumer-protection watchdog show that it referred more than 10,000 consumers to the Small Claims Court last year – up 5% compared with 2024.
The Small Claims Court allows consumers to resolve certain disputes with businesses through the District Court without having to use a solicitor. It deals with claims up to the value of €2,000.
The figure comes in a report from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) on calls to its helpline last year.
The report shows that faulty goods and services topped the list of concerns for Irish consumers for the fifth consecutive year.
Overall, its helpline received 42,791 consumer contacts last year. The average spend on a product or service of those contacting the helpline was €6,292.
The top businesses named by consumers contacting the helpline included Ryanair, Rathwood, and Currys.
Car issues top list
The number of people contacting CCPC about an online purchase rose by 14% compared with 2024, while issues with home building or improvements were up 12% to 2,838.
The biggest reason for calls was issues with cars, with 5,827 contacts about vehicles. This represented a 7% increase compared with the previous year.
There was a 24% jump in complaints about domestic appliances, but telecommunications complaints dropped by 16%.
“When shopping online in Ireland and the rest of the EU, consumers have strong rights, including the right to send goods back, as long as they inform the trader within 14 days,” said CCPC communications director Grainne Griffin.
Consumer rights
On faulty goods and services, Griffin said that it was important that consumers knew their rights.
“Regardless of whether you had a warranty or a guarantee, it’s up to the seller to resolve your issue; you shouldn’t have to go back to the manufacturer,” she stated.
The report shows that 1,261 consumers contacted the CCPC with product-safety concerns last year.
It notes that one report to the CCPC helpline from a concerned parent led to the recall of 1,564 baby socks due to injury concerns.