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Irish Links

The following are some of the main organisations that deal with consumer issues in Ireland, from .regulators that handle particular complaints to handy "price comparison" websites.

Advertising, broadcasting

• Advertising Standards Authority - investigates complaints about advertisements. This body was set up and is financed by the advertising industry. If you are complaining as an individual or group of consumers, your identity remains confidential.
• Broadcasting Complaints Commission - handles broadcasting complaints about radio and TV broadcasters licensed within the Republic of Ireland. Deals with complaints about any broadcast content (programmes and commercials)

Car dealers

• Society of the Irish Motor Industry - membership organisation for the Irish motor industry

Competition

• Commission for Energy Regulation - regulates the electricity and gas markets
• Competition Authority - deals with complaints about uncompetitive practices in Ireland

Data protection, privacy, freedom of information

• Data Protection Commissioner - Protects your right to privacy under the Data Protection Acts
• Office of the Information Commissioner - monitors the operation of the Freedom of Information Act and reviews FOI decisions

Money, financial products, pensions

• Ask About Money - online discussion forums about financial matters
• Financial Services Ombudsman's Bureau - handles unresolved complaints from consumers about their dealings with financial service providers
• Health Insurance Authority - regulates private health insurance in Ireland, safeguarding the interests of health insurance consumers
• Irish Insurance Federation Consumer Information Centre - assists in resolving problems with insurance companies
• Itsyourmoney.ie - the Financial Regulator's personal finance website. Free, independent information on financial products in plain English and price comparisons of insurance and banking products
• Money Advice and Budgeting Service - free advice on debt and money management problems
• Pensions Board - regulates and provides information on occupational pension schemes and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs)
• Pensions Ombudsman - investigates and rules on complaints and disputes involving occupational pension schemes and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs)

Food safety

• Food Safety Authority of Ireland - protects consumers' health and consumers' interests by ensuring that food meets the highest standards of safety and hygiene
• Safefood - Food Safety Promotion Board site, includes FAQs, tips, a food shopping planner and a helpline

General

• Citizens Information - Government site for information on your social and civil rights
• Consumer Association of Ireland - independent, non-profit organisation working on behalf of Irish consumers
• European Consumer Centre Dublin - free and confidential information on consumer rights in the EU, helps consumers with cross-border disputes
• Office of the Ombudsman - examines complaints about the administrative actions of Government Departments, the Health Service Executive, local authorities and An Post

Legal

• Free Legal Advice Centres - independent organisation offering first-stop, basic free legal information and advice to those who cannot otherwise access legal resources
• Small Claims Court - deals with claims of up to €2,000 by consumers against businesses

Medicines

• Irish Medicines Board - regulates human and veterinary medical products. Includes updates on dangerous medicines

Phones, Internet, IT, electronics

• Askcomreg.ie - information and answers on the main issues which affect consumers in choosing and dealing with telephone operators, Internet providers, post and pay TV. A ComReg website
• Broadband Awareness campaign - Explains benefits of broadband. A cross-border government-funded initiative
• Broadband.gov.ie - lists broadband providers in your area, with price comparison charts
• Callcosts.ie - helps consumers to compare the cost of mobile phone, fixed line and broadband operators. A ComReg website
• ComReg - the Commission for Communications Regulation regulates the electronic communications sector (telecommunications, radio communications and broadcasting) and postal services.
• MakeITSecure - information on how to enjoy the benefits of the online world safely
• Regtel - regulates premium rate telecommunications services, and handles consumer complaints about them

Taxation, welfare

• Revenue.ie - Revenue Commissioners website. Includes information guides and online complaints forms
• Welfare.ie Department of Social and Family Affairs website

Tenants, housing

• Private Residential Tenancies Board - registers tenancies and mediates disputes between landlords and tenants
• Threshold - gives free advice for tenants
• National Property Services Regulatory Authority - a regulatory authority to underpin a new regulatory framework in the auctioneers / estate agents sector aimed at achieving uniformity and transparency in licensing, regulation and the provision of information for the public

Transport, travel

• Commission for Aviation Regulation - regulates certain aspects of the aviation and travel trades
• Irish Travel Agents Association - member organisation of Irish travel agents
• Taxi Regulator - regulates taxis, hackneys and limousines