Competition and Consumer Protection Commission

• informs consumers of their rights by publishing rights cards and providing a phone service and raising awareness through various media campaigns
• investigates any breaches of consumer laws - if business breaks laws they can bring this to the attention of the Gardai and pursue the business through the court system
• ensures all businesses obey consumer laws - they have the power to give on the spot fines to offending businesses, and can name and shame offending businesses on the Consumer Protection list
• conducts research into consumer issues - finds out what is important to consumers and ensures that all relevant information is available and checks to see if laws need to be improved
• they are an advocate for consumers - it is a powerful agency hat has bargaining power when reporting to and advising the government
• new functions extended to - enforcing competition law, alternative dispute resolution service, assessing mergers, enforcing product safety regulations, personal finance information and education