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www.thecai.ie
THE TISSUE ISSUE
NOVEMBER 2017
Roll up for the Consumer Choice
survey of household paper products
MONEY LIFESTYLE PRODUCT TESTS
TAX GUIDE 2018 HOUSEHOLD PAPER PRODUCTS SMARTPHONES
LOCAL PROPERTY TAX POSTING PACKAGES
www.thecai.ie
The
Consumers'
November 2017
Association of
Ireland
Dear Member,
The Council is the
policy-making body We had outlined to you some of the detail of our campaign to be In tandem with this initiative we are rebooting our call – which we
of CAI. Members are launched mid-November with the banner of Credit Where It’s Due. have been requesting for many years – for Ireland to introduce
elected from within What we are trying to do is raise awareness of the poor level of a system for Collective Redress with the recognition that the
the CAI's membership consumer consideration from large businesses that issue credit Consumers’ Association of Ireland (CAI) would be the appropriate
at the Annual General notes and vouchers with, in most cases, a lifespan of a mere 12 body to initiate such actions on behalf of our citizens.
Meeting. months.
So, you will see that we are not easing ourselves in to 2018 but,
Council We have written to the main retail representative bodies outlining rather, focussing on much-needed change for the Irish consumer.
Members our call for a 6-year term to be introduced voluntarily and in the
run-up to the new year. We have had no official responses to our
Chairperson letters. This is not of immediate concern to us as our suggestion that
Raymond O'Rourke the change be ‘voluntarily’ adopted must make allowances for this to
Vice-Chairperson be seen as a ‘new approach’ from the sector.
Michael Kilcoyne
Hon Secretary
What we will be doing, however, is issuing press releases requesting
Elaine Bolger
Hon Treasurer that consumers tell us of their experiences and, hopefully, of their
Richard Donohue custom being rewarded with recognition that credit – as with
Council Members any legal tender document – hold its value for a reasonable and
Steen Bruun-Nielsen significantly more appropriate term.
James Wims
Our Reports Consumer Choice Published Material
Reports in Consumer Choice are based on Consumer Choice is published by No part of this publication may be reproduced,
market research, laboratory tests or user the Consumers' Association of Ireland stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
surveys, all of which are independently and (CAI) Limited, a wholly independent, non- form without obtaining prior permission from the
scientifically conducted. Free goods are government, non-profit making body. CAI Council by contacting the Consumer Choice office.
never accepted for testing – all samples was founded in 1966 to protect and promote It may not be used for any form of advertising, sales
are purchased. Occasionally items may be the interests of the consumers of goods and promotion or publicity.
borrowed for review purposes only. services, and to enhance the quality of life for © Consumers’ Association of Ireland 2017
The reports are produced in the main consumers. CAI is registered with charitable ISSN 0790-486X
by our own Editorial staff. Some material status: CHY 8559.
is occasionally drawn from other foreign Advertising is not accepted for publication.
independent consumer magazines. Consumer Choice is available on a subscription Staff
Because Consumer Choice carries no basis only. To facilitate banking requirements Policy and Council Advisor
commercial advertising it is not swayed by all cancellations must be advised, by letter or Dermott Jewell
bias or influence and can point out advantages email only, a full 30 days in advance. Where a
and flaws in goods and services that other bank applies a €24 chargeback fee for a Member/ Design/Typeset
customer advised cancellation we will deduct Denzil Lacey (Zava Media)
magazines may not be able to do.
same from any refund requests. To subscribe
Reports on any article relate only to the
please write to:
articles or goods mentioned, and not to any Managing Editor
other article of the same or similar description. Clodagh O'Donoghue
Consumer Choice,
We do not necessarily price or report on all
120/121 Baggot Street Lower,
brands or models within the class, and the
Dublin 2 Researchers
exclusion of any brand or model should not be Róisín Moloney Weekes
taken as a reflection on it. Shannon James
Tel (01) 659 9430
Email cai@thecai.ie Atousa Motameni
www.thecai.ie
Social Media:
1 www.thecai.ie November 2017
Contents
www.twitter.com/The_CAI
www.facebook.com/
ConsumersAssociationIreland
9
6 10
10
MONEY
15 12 LIFESTYLE PRODUCT TESTS
18
6 Money News 10 The Dos and Don’ts of 18 Smartphones
The latest developments and Posting Packages When it comes to buying a new
advice in money matters, Sending a present in the post this smartphone, which models are
including the new local property Christmas? Here’s what you will a good call? To find out, 24 new
tax clearance guidelines and how need to know before you start your smartphones have been sent to
to make an insurance claim for gift shopping. our independent labs, with 13
storm damage. models getting the Choice Buy
seal of approval.
12 The Tissue Issue
Whether you opt for the cheapest,
15 Tax Guide 2018 the strongest, or the softest, compar-
Consumer Choice considers the ing the quality and value of toilet
main tax changes introduced in and kitchen paper offerings is more
Budget 2018. difficult than ever. Roll up for the
Consumer Choice survey of house-
hold paper products.
2 www.thecai.ie November 2017
News Briefs by Dermott Jewell NEWS BRIEFS
Camel Lot Discovered
Professor David Kennedy of the University of Western It’s Not Us ...............
Australia has been using Google Earth in a, relatively, new We read how insurers in Ireland are investing in
manner. In doing so he has discovered that it is a powerful analytical tools to combat insurance fraud and many
have increased their efforts to combat fraud over
tool that has allowed him to discover ancient structures that
the past 12 months. A study has been carried out by
cannot be seen by the naked eye. In a paper published in the umbrella body for insurers in Ireland - Insurance
Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy he outlines how he has Ireland – together with services provider, Accenture
now identified over 400 previously undiscovered stone struc- and results released suggest that the rate of identifica-
tures in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. These structures have tion of potentially fraudulent claims has increased. Of
course, this is not a new finding and so it was no sur-
only now appeared following 40 years of research in which
prise to note that 82% of those who responded to the
no trace appeared or was found and it had been considered survey pointed to an increased use of analytical tools
that nothing had ever previously existed there. and with 74% placing a greater focus on investiga-
It is now considered that the region may tions. Again, unsurprisingly, fraud experts have seen
have been home to a significant number of populations. an increase in organised fraud, notably through fraud
rings. While it is heartening to see this level of invest-
The intention now is to change focus and engage in further
ment and the engagement with Government and the
detailed exploration, recording and mapping of the areas. Garda Siochána, it remains the reality that it is the con-
The structures found, while their purpose is a mystery, have sumer who is paying – both for the studies into and
been labelled ‘gates’ and it is considered that they would have the cost of the fraudulent activity. Deterrent, through
been built between 2,000 and 9,000 years ago, possibly by the effective legislation, efficient and well-resourced en-
forcement complemented by severe judicial penalties
ancestors of the Bedouin in the area.
are the answer. State investment, clearly, is required
– not increased premiums!
Life Is a Journey
New security measures have now become effective for all flights travel-
ling to the US. Irish travellers may not be too taken aback as some of
the checks had already been in place at check-in on certain US airlines
where staff carried out a short interview by ticket agents. In addition, we
have the pre-clearance facility which Irish consumers are now used to
when departing. What will be important is to ensure you arrive in plenty
of time in the knowledge that, as all passengers will be engaged in this
casual conversation, then there will be some delays.
There has been criticism that this is a form of profil-
ing of passengers but there is an insistence that this is focussed on be-
havioural analysis as, otherwise, the questions could have been posed in
a straightforward computerised questionnaire. Anyway, the important
thing is to relax, don’t panic, don’t get stressed or uneasy, don’t laugh for
no good reason, don’t fidget or appear concerned, don’t keep rubbing
your sweating palms on your clothing, don’t keep brushing back your
hair or biting your nails – just be yourself!
Novemberwww.thecai.ie
2017 www.thecai.ie 3
November 2017
A Prescriptive Remedy
A Private Members Bill has been proposed in place. It was outlined by the Minister for to ensuring that no unnecessary burden
– and it is reported that the Government Health that the Bill, to be effective, must be was placed on the Medical Council and how
is to support it - that will require medical clear in its definitions, in terms of what is Government had to explore if data protection
practitioners to declare any income or gift included, along with the logistics and costs. As restrictions could be overcome. We would
received, over the value of €600, from medical other countries have initiated such a register see these as negligible and how the focus –
suppliers or pharmaceutical companies to the then the legislation in those other jurisdictions especially from this profession - must be on
Medical Council. This will replace the voluntary should be examined. It was interesting to note transparency at the highest level of what is
guidelines and codes of practice currently the Minister of State’s cautioning with regard best practice and good governance..
Oh, Oh, Oh.
In the US, not for the first time, there is advance warning
that pre-cut Christmas trees will be more expensive. This
is mainly due to shortages from the two main growing
and producing areas of Oregon and North Carolina, where
rising labour and overall costs have been increasing for
some years. However, it is not all doom and gloom because
another side to the story is the growth (sorry!) in coast-
to-coast demand as well as increasing orders now coming
from abroad. Here at home it was not trees but advice, in
August, from the Danish dairy co-operative Arla Foods, that
an EU-wide shortage of milk posed a potential shortage of
fat, cream and butter by Christmas. Now, while that might
seem far-fetched for us here in Ireland (and it is!) it serves
only to highlight how there will be a myriad of excuses,
warnings, cautions, offers, unbelievable offers and never-
to-be-repeated offers coming your way in the coming days
and weeks – all with the intention to have you rush out and
spend, spend, spend. Ahh, Christmas!
Welcome - When Are You Going Back?
Céad Míle Fáilte is not the greeting of an increasingly, worrying number of
countries’ regions to its tourists. An anti-tourism sentiment is reported across
a number of well-known and loved areas within Europe. The affordability of
travel, especially by air, to the masses has created something of a frustration
amongst the inhabitants of certain, now often overcrowded, towns and cities.
Life for its citizens is disrupted and with increasing regularity. Of course, it is
good for business but it has come to the point where the mayor of Dubrovnik
will introduce restrictions on the number of tourists permitted to enter the
old town there. In the north of Spain, in San Sebastian, graffiti requesting that
‘tourists go home’ now reflects a concern and in Venice there have been pro-
tests at the increasing level of daily visitors to this small city – estimated to be
at over 60,000 every day. It is an interesting reflection of a changed Europe
and including Dublin where, for example, Temple Bar can quickly become a
gridlocked area – well, the pubs certainly can!
Novemberwww.thecai.ie
2017 4
November 2017
www.thecai.ie
FOOD & HEALTH/News by Clodagh O’Donoghue
Food & Health
Food safety advice for emergency situations from safefood
The widespread disruption caused by Storm the power cut lasts more than two hours, prepare food. You will need to use cooled
Ophelia in the middle of October left many the food in your fridge will need to be boiled water or bottled water for brushing
thousands of people without electricity thrown away. teeth, washing food, cooking and making
and water for extended periods of time If the power cut lasts less than ice. More stringent precautions naturally
and, unfortunately, there may be more 24 hours, you should leave the food in apply when preparing formula feed for
severe weather events ahead as the winter your freezer and avoid the temptation to babies.
takes hold. Flooding, interruption of water open the door to check as this will raise
supply, lack of electricity and frozen pipes the temperature. If the power cut lasts Flooding
all clearly cause massive inconvenience, longer than 24 hours, you will need to Those who are unlucky enough to
not to mention the financial implications inspect the food in the freezer individually experience flooding in their homes
of these events, but they can also generate as some things thaw more quickly than will need to take some precautions to
possible risks to health if proper hygiene others. Cooked foods and shellfish should avoid becoming ill as flood water can be
practices are not followed. As a result, all- be thrown out if they are showing signs of contaminated with sewage, animal waste
island organisation safefood is highlighting thawing or have been in a temperature of or overflow from drains and so can be full
its food safety advice for emergency more than 5°C for more than three hours. of harmful bacteria. If the inside of fridges
situations such as these to help avoid any Raw meat and poultry may be refrozen if or food cupboards have come into contact
nasty bouts of food-related illness making they contain ice crystals, and the same goes with flood water, these will need to be
an already unfortunate occurrence even for vegetables. Fruit is fine to refreeze but cleaned and disinfected before use, as will
worse. baked items with cream frosting or filling, all work surfaces, utensils, and crockery.
along with puddings and ice cream, will Any food that has been touched by flood
Power cuts need to be discarded. As ever, the golden water should be thrown out immediately.
When power cuts occur, timing is all rule is: When in doubt, throw it out. More advice and details may be
important. If the power is restored within found at http://www.safefood.eu/Food-
two hours, you need not worry and the Water supply Safety-Advice-in-Emergency-Situations.
food in your fridge and freezer will be still When it comes to your drinking water aspx.
safe to eat. While the power is off, keeping supply, if this has been interrupted or
the fridge and freezer doors closed helps if there are concerns that it may be
to prevent the cold air from escaping and contaminated, you will need to boil and
ensures that food stays cold for longer. If cool tap water before drinking or using to
Linking our genes to fitness and health
A new large-scale Irish study is under way how much of a contribution these factors administrative staff, and residents from
to examine the relationship between fitness makes to our health and disease risk, so the local community who visit the Belfield
and genetics. The GenoFit study will be the GenoFit study is aimed at gaining a campus for various sports and recreational
conducted by Irish life-sciences company more detailed understanding of individual activities.
Genomics Medicine Ireland (GMI) in risk factors and how much of a role they Volunteers who agree to take part
partnership with the Institute for Sport and play to help “develop and deliver more will receive the full results of a mini-health
Health at University College Dublin (UCD). personalised health management”. check, including a DEXA scan - which
According to Dr Sean Ennis, GMI’s The research will bring advanced evaluates bone and muscle health – and
co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer and scientific technology in genomics - the blood pressure and blood sugar readings.
Director of UCD’s Academic Centre on Rare study of all of a person’s genes - together Participation in the study will take around
Diseases, although it is well accepted that with detailed lifestyle information to an hour, during which time volunteers will
our health is influenced by wide-ranging generate a comprehensive view of the be asked to provide a blood sample, take a
factors such as age, nutrition, and fitness potential genetic factors contributing to short fitness test and complete a lifestyle
as well as psychological and environmental fitness and health. Participants must be questionnaire.
factors, our genetics also influence our 18 years or older and are sought from the Those interested and eligible
health, fitness and likelihood of developing broader UCD Belfield campus community, looking to obtain more information or book
certain diseases. However, as Dr Ennis which includes undergraduate and an appointment should visit www.genofit.ie.
notes, we do not currently fully understand postgraduate students, academic and
5 www.thecai.ie November 2017
MONEY NEWS
Money News Money News by Róisín Moloney Weekes
Recovery “After the recent Storm Ophelia, many
After the consumers find themselves for the
first time making a claim from their
Storm insurance.”
Weather events are becoming a far required to complete a report form and excess and this amount will be outlined
more frequent occurrence in Ireland supply them with evidence of damage in your policy. This sum is usually in
and, as our environment changes, that you have. Your insurer will inform the hundreds and a claim for less than
we must adapt. After the recent you of what options are available to the excess will not be covered by your
Storm Ophelia, many consumers find you. Insurers may cover the cost of a policy. This amount to be paid by
themselves for the first time making a replacement car or emergency repairs the consumer, coupled with fact that
claim from their insurance. Whether it to your home but ask that they confirm making a claim will lead to an increase
is house or car damage, you must first in writing what they are willing to cover in your premium on renewal, may deter
establish what you are covered for and before engaging services. Remember consumers from making smaller claims.
your full insurance policy will hold the to keep all related correspondence and Again, you will have to check your
answers. Policies differ so you will have receipts. policy for your no-claims bonus and
to read the detail to see exactly what ascertain if you have insured against
you are and are not covered for. You losing your no-claims bonus or if losing
may find a particular paragraph dealing it would have a very significant effect on
with storm cover and this may specify your premium.
whether garden furniture, landscaping, The Central Bank offers
fixtures and so on are included but consumers some protection in the form
policies differ greatly and so you may or of the Consumer Protection Code by
may not be covered for storm-related directing that insurance companies
damage. must have a written procedure in
place for dealing with claims and they
must help consumers with their claim
when required. Insurance companies
must inform consumers of any new
developments that affect their claim
within ten business days of knowing
about them. Insurance companies must
also inform consumers of their decision
on a claim within ten business days of
making the decision. When a claim is
not settled in the consumer’s favour, the
insurer should explain the reasons why
in writing and provide details of how to
appeal the decision.
Consumers must remember
Consumers also have the that they do not have to simply accept
option of engaging their own assessor. what they are offered in terms of a
Recording details at the time This will be at your own cost but for settlement of a claim. Consumers can
of damage or as soon after the fact substantial claims it may be worth negotiate and, in certain circumstances,
is important. With the popularity of having an expert in your corner who it may be worthwhile engaging
smartphones, photos are a valuable and can negotiate on your behalf. a solicitor to act on your behalf,
accessible method of recording damage When deciding to make a particularly in claims of significant
done. Reporting any damage to your claim through your insurance policy, value.
insurer is also important - you will be remember you will have to pay an
www.thecai.ie November 2017
6 www.thecai.ie
Local Property Tax
As of the 1st September 2017, the Revenue general clearance applies. If the property of the specified margin plus the enhancement
Commissioners have revised local property sells for €351,000, written clearance may be expenditure. The specified margin set out in
tax (LPT) clearance guidelines. The general required. condition 2 is 80% in the case of properties
clearance thresholds for LPT are to increase The second condition gives with a chargeable value exceeding €350,000
once more - the last time this was done was allowable valuation margins - meaning an situated in Dublin city and county and 50%
in November 2015, which was documented in allowable margin by which the sales price for all other properties. For the condition
the February 2016 issue of Consumer Choice. of a property exceeds the valuation band/ to apply, the vendor must be able to make
This becomes relevant for homeowners chargeable value that was declared for available (if requested by Revenue) receipts
wishing to sell their property. In the event the property in relation to the 1st May 2013 confirming the type of work undertaken and
of a sale, Revenue must give LPT clearance valuation date. Different allowable margins the cost of the work done.
in order for the sale of property to close/ apply in relation to properties located in Finally, you can argue that you
finalise. If the sale price is in excess of the Dublin city and county and those in the rest of based the original valuation on sales of
valuation band declared in 2013, when this Ireland. The sales price must not exceed the comparable properties. You must be able to
self-assessed tax was introduced, you may upper limit of the valuation band/chargeable show that you based the declared chargeable
need to get a further written clearance from value or, when it does, any such excess must value on the valuation date on known
Revenue. This can easily arise given the be within the allowable margin. The allowable and verifiable sale prices of comparable
particular circumstances and changes in the margins are where the sales price is not more properties in the area.
housing market over the last number of years. than 50% higher than the upper limit of the You will need to get written
When the LPT came into force in 2013, it was band declared in cases up to €1 million. In the clearance from Revenue if none of the
introduced as an annual self-assessed tax case of properties with a declared chargeable above conditions are met and your declared
charged on the market value of residential value of more than €1 million, the allowable valuation was made in good faith and in
properties in the state. Each property owner margin is where the sales price is not more line with Revenue guidelines. You apply
was tasked with choosing a bracket in which than 50% higher than the chargeable value. for written clearance by completing Form
to place their home based on its market This is up from 25%, as of 1st September 2017. LPT5 and including relevant supporting
value. The options included €0 to €100,000, This allowable margin was documentation. Revenue will review the basis
€100,001 to €150,000, rising in increments increased from 15% to 25% in October 2014 for your declared valuation and determine
of €50,000 to €1 million and each value had a and from 25% to 50% in November 2015 whether clearance should issue. Also you will
corresponding tax attached for homeowners and to a further 80% in September 2017 for note that if any of the above apply to you and
to pay. How home owners valued their properties in Dublin. you deliberately undervalued your property
property at that time may not reflect the If a property situated in Dublin that for the purposes of paying a smaller LPT, you
current value. was valued in the €550,001 to €600,000 could say you’ve gotten off scot free. If, for
If now selling your property, you band sells for up to €1,080,000, then general example, you valued your house at the lowest
may be seeking a price that is in excess of the clearance applies. If the property sells for valuation available and you have now sold
valuation for LPT you gave your property on €1,100,000, written clearance is required. If a that property for under €350,000, there is no
1st May 2013. You may wonder if you are liable property situated in Dublin that was valued in consequence or penalty. The thresholds have
to pay the outstanding LPT if you sell for the the €950,001 to €1,000,000 band sells for up been increased in recognition of the increase
asking price or more. When you are selling to €1,800,000, general clearance is sufficient. in property prices.
your house, your solicitor can use the LPT If the property sells for €1,950,000, written
online system to get clearance from Revenue clearance is required. If a property situated
to prove that there are no outstanding LPT in Dublin that was valued at €1,200,000 sells
issues with your property. This is known as for up to €2,160,000, then general clearance
general clearance. However, if the expected applies. If the property sells for €2,165,000,
or agreed sales price is greater than the written clearance is required.
valuation band or valuation declared on the General clearance given under
2013 Return, you may need to get written condition 3 involves expenditure on
clearance from Revenue in addition to general enhancements to a property. The condition
clearance. There are, however, a number relates to whether or not a vendor has
of situations when you will be exempt from enhanced the value of his or her property
getting written clearance. since the 1st May 2013 valuation date by
The first of these conditions carrying out construction or refurbishment
includes the sale of any property where the work. Where the sales price exceeds the
purchase price does not exceed €350,000 - valuation band/chargeable value declared,
this is up from €300,000 as of 1st September any such excess must be within the specified
2017. The chargeable value that was declared margins set out in condition 2, adjusted by
for the property is not taken into account. the amount of any verifiable expenditure
This is a condition that was inserted into on refurbishment or improvement incurred
this guidance note in November 2015. If a since 1st May 2013, i.e. the amount by which
property that was valued in the €100,001 the sales price exceeds the valuation band/
to €150,000 band sells for €349,000, the chargeable value must be less than the total
November
November2017
2017
7 www.thecai.ie
www.thecai.ie
PRODUCT/TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Product/Tech News
Tunnel vision to speed up
Getting to the heart of ID systems airport security
As a way of unlocking your technological device, the Talking of airport identification systems…
password may be well and truly on the way out, with the latest Dubai International Airport is looking to replace
development involving taking a look into your heart to see if security checkpoints with tunnels in order to
you should be given access. In our smartphones test in our speed things up for travellers. Rigorous security
current issue we note that rather than demanding a passcode in airports around the world is a necessary but
sequence of digits that need to be remembered and could frustrating fact of life, often involving long
relatively easily be compromised, growing numbers of high- queues and lengthy waits. The solution being
end devices are enabling fast and secure access through means developed by Dubai International seeks to avoid
of ever-improving fingerprint scanners. But other alternatives having passengers waiting in line and instead
are increasingly emerging, with facial recognition becoming allows them to walk through a tunnel in which
more commonplace and iris or retina scanning making an 80 cameras have been installed to capture their
appearance. These newest high-tech options have yet to iron faces. To get a full-face view, the sides of the
out a few wrinkles, with some facial recognition features capable tunnel incorporate a virtual aquarium to attract
of being fooled with a photo and iris scanning features often passengers’ attention and cause them to look
encountering difficulties in strong sunlight. Future iterations around, enabling the system to build up a better
will, no doubt, resolve these issues. In the meantime, work is picture of the whole face.
being done on the use of other unique biometric markers as a By the time the traveller reaches the
means of identification – with vein scanning, ‘brain prints’ and end of the tunnel the system will have its verdict
even body-odour based systems under examination. and the individual will be given a green light to
One option that has made headway recently is to go ahead or else a red light, in which case they
turn heart biometrics into a personalised passcode. Taking will be met with a member of staff to resolve the
advantage of the fact that no two people have identical hearts, issue.
researchers at the University of Buffalo in the US have developed For the system to work, travellers
a low-level Doppler radar to identify the unique shape, size need to have registered their face and associated
and movement of an individual’s heart. It works by bouncing details with the airport at kiosks provided for
a microwave signal off the heart and, currently, the system the purpose. Though there are some issues
takes eight seconds to record the organ’s unique contours of privacy to be considered, frequent flyers
and rhythm and then it can continuously monitor the person’s journeying through the airport may well find
presence with no kind of body contact required. To onlookers, the convenience and time-saving aspects of the
the phone or laptop or PC will seem to unlock without the system to be worth the trade-off.
user doing anything - and because every heart is different The current plan is to have the first
and unique, only the rightful owner will be able to access the ‘virtual border’ face-scanning tunnel installed
device. Moreover, the continuous authentication makes the and fully operational in Terminal 3 of Dubai
system much less vulnerable to being compromised. Because International by summer 2018 and by 2020 all
the system constantly monitors the user, if they walk away the airport’s terminals should have the system
from the device, the device will lock. For those concerned, the in place. If it proves successful, it could well
researchers are keen to point out that the radar system poses no become a familiar feature in airports around
health risks as it uses very little power and has a signal strength the world, particularly given the twin benefits
far lower than regular wi-fi. of greater convenience for passengers and
The next step for researchers is to reduce the size of the need for fewer security staff. Funding the
the current system so that it will fit into computer keyboards or tunnels may not be a problem with the myriad
smartphones. It would be ideal if the creators can also reduce opportunities for selling advertising along the
the eight-second authentication time. As it stands, the system sides to target a captive audience.
allows for monitoring an individual for up to a distance of 30
metres, and so the research team has suggested that the
technology could play a role in airport identification systems.
Product News by Clodagh O'Donoghue
The products featured on these pages have not been tested by the Consumers’ Association
of Ireland and their inclusion here is not, in any way, an endorsement of them.
8 www.thecai.ie November 2017
Power play
Thinking ahead to the festive season and purchasing presents for the youngsters in
our lives, a toy that will foster skills in construction and technology combined with an
appreciation of alternative energy sources seems like a worthwhile gift idea.
Construction toys always make for satisfying gifts, both for the giver and
receiver, with fun aspects combined with educational elements. A childhood playing
with Lego, Kinex or Meccano, involving many hours sitting on the floor following model
plans and instructions, lays a pretty good foundation for an adulthood spent putting
together flat-pack furniture with often sparse or frustratingly impenetrable guidelines.
And construction toys that take this one step further, adding electrical engineering or
computer programming elements to build a moving racecar or robot, for example,
are ideal for fostering an interest in future fruitful career pathways. POWERplus eco
energy toys, from a company based in the Netherlands, adds to these aspects by also
showing how alternative energy sources can be created and utilised.
For around €12, the Bob Cat Salt Water Powered Car is a buggy car kit that,
once assembled, will move rapidly across the floor without the aid of batteries. Instead,
a fuel cell is inserted, a few drops of salt water are added, and this powers the car. Those
eight years and older might like to try out the POWERplus Roadrunner, a solar toy car
kit retailing for around €17. Once the components are fitted together, you simply place
the Roadrunner in the sun or daylight and the solar cell generates sufficient energy to make the car move. A pricier option at €55 and aimed at
older children of ten years plus, the POWERplus Octopus is a do-it-yourself kit that allows you to create a robot arm that runs on water hydraulic
power. These products appear to be only available online currently so those interested will need to make sure they leave plenty of time for
delivery if they want them to arrive ahead of Christmas Eve.
Writing your life story
Everyone has a story… but not everyone with the subject, guiding
gets around to putting pen to paper to them through their life
ensure that story gets told. It may be a story, and then will use
question of time, or motivation, or focus, or this material to construct
a simple lack of confidence in your writing the written memoir. The
ability. Whatever the reason, a new service subject will receive a
is here to help – providing the structure and draft of the memoir for
skill to ensure that your precious memories editing, at which point
are recorded in written form for posterity. they can check that
My Irish Memoir is a new memoir all names and details
writing service that promises to tailor are correct and ensure
the experience to each individual and that they are pleased
enshrine their story in a hardback book with the overall result.
to be treasured by current and future Photos can be included
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the memories of every-day events, makes of the book are provided, with the option More details can be found on
for fascinating reading, especially if well of adding more if needed. An e-copy of myirishmemoir.com, including pricing and
told, and the creators of My Irish Memoir the document is also supplied that can be writing samples, and enquiries can be sent
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experience to help shape and refine your interested can choose between a mid- be possible to complete a memoir in time
story but in a way that remains true to your length (around 10,000 words) or a full- for this Christmas, but a voucher for a loved
voice and personality. length (around 20,000 words) memoir and one to spur them on to recording their past
The process involves a series of the whole process can take between one could make a great gift or it may be that your
face-to-face meetings during which the and four months, depending on the scale of New Year resolution is to have a memoir
writer will conduct recorded interviews the memoir and the interview schedule. ready to hand around next Christmas.
9 www.thecai.ie November 2017LIFESTYLE / Posting packages
The Dos and Don’ts of Posting
Packages
Sending a present in the post this Christmas? Here’s what you will need to know
before you start your gift shopping.
At a glance by law, items that could be harmful to would need to be removed before posting
• Sending gifts in the post employees or members of the public and the gift off.
• Prohibited items flammable, toxic or poisonous liquids. And The restrictions on items that
• Advice for consumers indeed, few of us would be intending to can be sent through the mail arise from
wrap up objects that fit those descriptions international aviation security regulations
Report by Clodagh O’Donoghue and send them off to our nearest and and individual (i.e. country-by-country)
dearest. customs rules and regulations. An Post must
Christmas is only around the corner for us all However, there are some other abide by these restrictions and prohibit all
but for those with relatives or friends living items on the prohibited list that consumers items deemed to be a security risk or that
abroad who will need to send presents by should be aware of before they hit the shops are not permitted for legal reasons. These
post, gift buying is likely to be well under way in search of the perfect present. When prohibitions have to do with outbound
already. As consumers start parcelling up stuck for a gift idea, a bottle of perfume or mail but other countries will have similar
their presents, Consumer Choice looks at cologne is often an ideal solution – but not restrictions under the same international
what they need to remember and what they if you are posting your present. Liquids rules and there may be further limitations
can – or, more importantly, what they cannot – are banned from postal packages, and imposed by the destination to which you
send in the post. this includes aftershaves and perfumes. It are sending the parcel. For example, those
also extends to alcohol as well as to gels posting a package to Australia will need
Prohibited items and creams of all sorts – so body lotions, to ensure it does not contain such items as
An Post provides a list of items that it is moisturisers and other such reliable gift potpourri, pine cones, toys that incorporate
prohibited to pop in the post and this stand-bys will need to be crossed off your seeds or sand, or products made from or
applies not only at Christmas time but all shopping list for posting purposes. containing bark or straw.
year round. This list is wide ranging and Or what about a fun toy for So what happens if you do send
not surprisingly includes such dangerous younger folk – a remote control car, say, or prohibited items in the post? An Post
items as firearms, explosives like fireworks an all-walking, all-talking doll or a seasonal notes that in such situations, the parcel
or ammunition, flammable substances singing snowman? You will just need to will be returned to the sender if there is
like matches and lighters and infectious make sure that batteries are not included an identifiable return address and if the
materials like biological or medical samples. in your gift or you will run into posting items are capable of being sent in the post.
None of these items may come to mind difficulties. This is likely to also encompass Otherwise, the parcel will be disposed of
when you are doing a spot of present technological devices like smartphones or or, in the case of illegal items found, the
buying and so do not constitute a problem laptops for those splashing out on pricier relevant authorities will be contacted. An
when wondering what you can send off in gifts for special friends and relations. All Post states that it will not accept liability for
your Christmas parcel. As An Post notes, battery types are included in the ban and any losses incurred or due to the seizure of
it cannot deliver items that are prohibited if the item does incorporate a battery, this items by customs authorities abroad should
10 www.thecai.ie November 2017any of the listed prohibited items be posted • Use an outer carton suitable for the weight • Strong tape should be used along the
through its service, whether inadvertently or of the contents. length of all openings and edges to increase
otherwise. A full list of prohibited items may the resilience of the package.
be found here. • All items inside the parcel will need to be
Having spent time, effort and secured within the package so that they do • The destination address should be clearly
money on choosing gifts to send off in the not tumble around. Fill all spaces so that the legible and placed in the centre on the top
post, registering your parcel may provide contents of the package don’t move. side of the parcel.
added peace of mind. You will pay an extra
charge for registration, and this fee will • Use plenty of protective packing material • You should also include a clear return
increase with the size of the parcel and the such as bubble wrap or crushed paper to address on the top left-hand corner so that
distance it is travelling, but in return you will protect the items as they make their journey. the package can be sent back if difficulties
receive a track-and-trace service. You will are encountered.
be able to track the progress of your parcel • Whenever possible, it is best to use the
online using the unique identification code original packaging the goods came in when Finally, if sending off packages to arrive
provided, though An Post points out that, purchased. by Christmas Eve, you will need to post in
once the parcel leaves Ireland, the quality of plenty of time to be sure they reach their
the tracking capability and the amount of • To minimise damage, arrange fragile items destination before the big day. The latest
information provided will be dependent on so that they do not touch each other or the posting dates to ensure delivery before
what is available in the destination country. sides of the package. Christmas 2017 are outlined in the table
If a registered package does go missing, below.
compensation may be available to replace • ‘Fragile’ and/or ‘Do Not Bend’ stickers may
LAST POSTING
the declared value of contents subject to the be used where appropriate but you should REGION DATE
relevant terms and conditions. not rely on them to safeguard contents that
Republic of Ireland
When inspiration fails, cash can have been inadequately packed.
represent a very acceptable and often Standard Post letters and parcels December 20, 2017
highly popular gift. An Post, however,
Registered Post December 20, 2017
strongly discourages sending money in
the post as cash and coin are not insurable Express Post December 21, 2017
to any destination. There are a number
of alternatives to popping a note in an Northern Ireland
envelope, however, for those who want
Standard Post letters and parcels December 19, 2017
to gift cash, including money transfer via
Western Union. Registered Post December 19, 2017
Wrapping up Express Post December 20, 2017
For consumers who are confused or Great Britain
concerned about what they can send in
the post and how to go about it, An Post Standard Post letters and parcels December 18, 2017
suggests that the best thing to do is to pop Registered Post December 18, 2017
into their local post office or go to the public
counter at the GPO and to have a chat with Express Post December 21, 2017
a staff member, stipulating what they want Europe
to send and where it will be going. An
Post staff will then be able to recommend Standard Post letters December 18, 2017
the best way to go about posting the item
Standard Post parcels December 13, 2017
and to offer advice on how to wrap the
parcel safely and securely, no matter what Registered Post December 18, 2017
awkward shapes or sizes are involved.
People put a great deal of thought Express Post December 20, 2017
into their presents, going to considerable
Letters to Santa
United States
effort and expense to purchase them but,
For those writing a letter to Santa
all too often, not quite enough thought Standard Post letters December 12, 2017
Claus this year and hoping for a
goes into how they are going to package
reply, An Post’s advice is to send Standard Post parcels December 7, 2017
the items for posting. The parcel may
the letter early and to include your
be travelling through many countries Registered Post December 7, 2017
name and address. Letters should
and several continents and needs to be
be sent to Santa Claus, North Pole,
sufficiently robust to make the journey, Express Post December 20, 2017
with a €1 stamp and Santa’s helpers
with the items inside packaged carefully
in An Post will make sure that the Rest of the World
to protect them as much as possible.
sender receives a personal reply from
The following are some general tips for Standard Post letters and parcels December 7, 2017
the great man himself in time for
wrapping and packing: Registered Post December 7, 2017
Christmas.
Express Post December 18, 2017
• Use padded envelopes for items that are
awkwardly shaped - for example, a set of An Post notes that international mail delivery times are
keys. estimates and are subject to local postal operator delays.
11 www.thecai.ie November 2017LIFESTYLE / Household paper products
The Tissue Issue
When it comes to household essentials like toilet
rolls and kitchen rolls - whether you opt for the
cheapest, the strongest, or the softest - comparing
the quality and value of paper products is more
difficult than ever.
comparisons tricky - whereas many products occurred in relation to Andrex’s standard roll
REPORT by Shannon James clearly indicate on the packaging the offerings. The Andrex White from 2010 had
number of sheets per roll, this information the same price of €2.79 as today’s Andrex
At a glance can be hard to find on other products. The Classic Clean. But, with 200 sheets per roll,
• Survey findings varying number of rolls per package also Andrex Classic Clean has 41 less sheets
• Environmental issues makes pricing difficult to accurately assess, per roll than its 2010 counterpart. Similar
with the required mental calculations findings were made in a recent study done
As there is no industry standard that involving dividing the total price by the by our UK colleagues at Which?, which
requires all paper products to have the number of rolls per package by the number compared their 2006 and 2008 archives
same amount of sheets per roll, or ply per of sheets per roll – and not all sheets have with their 2016 research and again found
sheet, calculating the best-value household the same dimensions, further complicating drops in sheet numbers for some Andrex
paper products is a daunting task. And the issue. Buying in bulk usually decreases toilet roll products. However, although
then there are products that promise the cost per roll spent and, of course, other there had been a significant reduction
greater softness, superior strength, or more considerations come into play, including in the sheets per roll, the price of £2 had
environmentally friendly credentials, further the number of ply in the product, texture, remained consistent for a standard four-roll
complicating the purchasing decision. To durability, colour and so on. pack. In response to the finding, Andrex
provide some insight into the tissue market, Consumer Choice last considered commented to Which? that the company
Consumer Choice compared 20 toilet the household paper topic in 2010 and there had “... invested significantly in improving
rolls and 15 kitchen rolls on supermarket are some instances in which the products our product strength and softness.
shelves and examines recent trends and key surveyed then can be directly compared Reducing the roll by a very small number
considerations. with products in our current research. of sheets (this equates to five to six wiping
Although it must be noted that product occasions) has helped make this multi-
Survey findings formulations may well have altered in the million pound investment possible.”
In our survey, we priced a number of popular intervening years, which may account for While we accept that formulation
toilet roll and kitchen roll brands both online any differences in pricing or quantity, there improvements may indeed have taken
and in-store, recording the number of rolls are some comparisons that may be made place in this product category, the general
per package, sheets per roll, and price per regarding toilet roll products between our practice of retaining the price charged
100 sheets. We took the lowest price we current survey findings and those from our while reducing the size of the product
could find and disregarded any temporary 2010 archive. makes it extremely difficult for consumers
discounts or promotions. We noted wide For example, the Tesco Value toilet to gauge the value of their purchase
variations in price among the different tissue product increased from €0.79 to €1.15 over time and may be viewed as a price
products in both the toilet roll and kitchen between 2010 and 2017 for a four-roll pack increase by stealth. It must be noted that
roll categories. With the toilet rolls surveyed, but there was also an increase of 20 sheets the household paper category is by no
unsurprisingly, the ‘luxury’, ‘quilted’ or per roll, going a fair way toward offsetting means alone in showing evidence of such
‘supersoft’ offerings came at a premium, the price differential. In contrast, Tesco’s product shrinkage.
ranging from almost double to more than Luxury Soft decreased significantly in price
three times the cost of more basic offerings. from €2.75 to €2.00 and although it also Environmental issues
With kitchen rolls, strength, size and claimed decreased in size by 21 sheets per roll, this The concern for environmental preservation
absorbency were the key factors pushing does not eliminate the overall price saving. and regulation has become more prevalent
up price, with, again, a big differential found Encouragingly, Regina Chamomile toilet in recent years, leading more individuals to
between the cheapest and dearest options. roll decreased €0.11 in price and Cushelle a opt for environmentally-friendly options
For details, see our table below. significant €0.47 per four-roll pack with no when doing the weekly shop. According
The chief issue we noted for change in the number of sheets per roll. to Nielsen’s Global Corporate Sustainability
consumers was a difficulty in gauging value. A comparison of our two studies Report, Millennials, in particular, have
Products may be labelled differently, making also revealed some changes that had continuously increased their support for
12 www.thecai.ie November 2017sustainable products and companies, our US colleagues at Consumer Reports so that one roll would last 1,700 uses - and
with findings showing that 72% of this tested four flushable wipes common to that they are machine washable. The other
population group are willing to pay more for the US market and came back with results company, Bambooee sells its introductory
sustainability. indicating that it is best to dispose of these pack, which contains three rolls, for $10 plus
According to the Sustainable wet wipes in the waste basket rather than $25 for shipping (approximately €32). Again,
Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), “Every the toilet regardless of whether they are this is a significant premium over the cost of
home in Ireland produces about a ton of advertised as flushable. It would appear paper rolls, although Bambooee claims that
waste a year. Over 70% of this domestic that the majority of wipes on the market each sheet can be washed 100 times and
waste comes from packaging.” Toilet and do not biodegrade quickly enough to the three-roll pack is equivalent to 42 paper
kitchen rolls have a degree of packaging that avoid clogging sewage pipes and causing towel rolls.
is recyclable but often gets thrown away plumbing issues, and the problem is a An added benefit is that once the
and contributes to the immense amount of growing one for local water authorities and bamboo roll has been used to the maximum
packaging in our landfill. Household paper sewer systems around the world. Adding amount, you can throw it in the compost
also contributes to a large amount of waste to the problem is the tendency of wipes to since bamboo is biodegradable.
by being a single-use product, meaning mix with fats and oil that have also been
the product can only be used once before improperly disposed of and that inevitably
being disposed of. Considering the amount solidify in cold water while clumping to
of resources that go into producing a toilet the wipes, creating what is known as a
roll and getting the product into your home, ‘fatberg’. This fatberg further clogs pipes
we as consumers can do more by ensuring on a personal and municipal level and
to always recycle the inner cardboard the clean-up is immensely costly. There
tube and, when possible, the plastic outer are environmental as well as financial
packaging and by choosing a toilet roll that implications, as the wipes are often washed
is environmentally friendly. Luckily, it is into the sea or end up on our beaches,
extremely common for household paper causing oceans and wildlife to suffer.
products on sale in Ireland to boast green
certifications. In response to consumer Toss in the towel
demand, companies have been broadening Some sturdy kitchen paper is often the
their products to contain recycled material answer when faced with the endless Another option could be to revert
and/or be recyclable. The best way to variety of spills and cleaning tasks that are back to older ways of cleaning around the
find environmentally friendly options is to an inevitable part of life. Similar to toilet kitchen. Using a cloth to scrub up messes
look on the package for the Mobius Loop, rolls, kitchen rolls are single-use products is easy and environmentally friendly but
RecycleNow, or the Forest Stewardship that are common staples in many people's a downside is the additional laundry that
Council symbols. (See our box below on homes. However, unlike their toilet paper comes with the change. A hygiene issue
Green Certification Programmes.) counterpart, kitchen towels do not have to is also worth noting given that a recent
be disposable and if you are someone who study conducted by the Global Hygiene
To flush or not to flush is looking to do their bit for the planet, there Council in the UK indicated that nine out of
Not all purchasing decisions focus on are numerous options on the market. every ten dishcloths in UK households were
identifying the cheapest option and in the For those who are not willing to heavily contaminated with bacteria. A way
toilet paper category, softness and strength give up on paper towels completely, there to avoid harbouring so many germs in your
can be key deciders. However, often, the are kitchen rolls that are made of recycled dishcloth is to wash it after every use in 60°C
higher luxury toilet paper products tend to materials. This will help lower your carbon water. Also when handling messes made
cause more plumbing problems than the footprint while still having the convenience from animal products, it may be best to opt
standard toilet roll. The extra layers of the and ease of paper towels. for a paper towel since the main source of
product add to its strength and mean that However, another option is to bacteria in the study was caused by meat.
it does not break down as easily but this can reach for a reusable towel when a paper
have a downside for your sewage system towel is not necessary. A new era of Paper summary
if they clog the pipes and cause plumbing reusable kitchen rolls, sometimes referred Thus, when it comes to choosing household
issues, potentially resulting in a big financial to as ‘unpaper towels’, have entered the paper products, consumers may be faced
outlay to sort the problem. market. Similar to a cloth towel, reusable with complex decisions involving hard-to-
Flushable wipes represent an even kitchen rolls require a wash so that is gauge value combined with whether to opt
greater cause of sewer blockages. Many something to think about when considering for environmentally friendly or recyclable
people have more recently gravitated this option. Although many of the reusable variants, to indulge in luxury products,
toward flushable wipes as an option not kitchen rolls are not available in Irish or to eschew single-use for multiple-use
only for babies but often for themselves. shops quite yet, there are a couple of offerings where possible. Undoubtedly,
However, an increased amount of sewer options available for purchase online. For this is a category where bulk buying pays
blockages has been the result and marine example, companies known as Eco Egg and off as a way of reducing unit price. With
life has suffered in consequence. There are Bambooee produce reusable kitchen rolls toilet rolls, it is hard to cut down usage but
two types of wet wipes commonly used, made from bamboo. Eco Egg sells one roll it may be worth remembering that softer
ones that are intended to be biodegradable of its product, which contains 20 sheets, for and stronger is not always the best option
and ones that are meant to be thrown away £9.99 (approximately €12) plus shipping. for your budget, plumbing system, or the
with solid waste, but there can be confusion Although this is quite a bit pricier than paper earth! With kitchen rolls, there is the option
in consumers’ minds about which product towel rolls, Eco Egg claims that each sheet of reusable cloths, which though they are a
types they are using. Moreover, in 2013, can be washed and reused up to 85 times - bigger hassle, are kinder to the environment.
13 www.thecai.ie November 2017You can also read
