WHERE THERE'S A WILL - Consumer Choice looks at why you should consider making a will and what happens to your assets if you don't ...
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www.thecai.ie
WHERE THERE'S A WILL....
APRIL 2018
Consumer Choice looks at why you
should consider making a will and what
happens to your assets if you don't.
MONEY LIFESTYLE PRODUCT TESTS
CAR RENTALS IODINE LEVELS WASHING MACHINES
AIRLINE PASSENGER RIGHTS SUNDAY TRADING FRIDGES
www.thecai.ie
The
Consumers'
April 2018
Association of Dear Member,
Ireland
We are pleased to note how both the Competition and Consumer Consumer Credit Act, 1995 and the CB’s Consumer Protection
The Council is the Protection Commission (CCPC) and the Central Bank of Ireland Code. This is not entirely illogical as these are the financial
policy-making body have outlined the very real concerns that consumers should have in instruments/‘vehicles’ upon which all PCP agreements are based.
of CAI. Members are consideration of Personal Contract Plans (PCPs) in our car finance The Central Bank has been clear in its warning that
elected from within market. The CAI had stated our concerns regarding these plans in early increased indebtedness and the banking system’s exposure is a
the CAI's membership 2016. Then, and now, we were concerned at the lack of understanding cause for significant concern. Their findings of how consumers were
at the Annual General by consumers of what, exactly, they were signing up to receive. taking loans to finance the final ‘balloon payment’ instalment of their
Meeting. A car is usually the second most expensive item you will agreement, in a market where they consider credit checks to be a
buy and asset you will own outside of a home or property. This, we matter of concern are startling. What was most illuminating was the
Council contended, always required a high degree of transparency from the statistic they provided of how, at the end of 2017, consumers (129,249 to
Members seller matched with a full understanding by the purchaser of all of be precise) were indebted to the sum of €1.5 billion on PCPs.
the terms and conditions attaching to a PCP agreement. Consumers With the two leading regulatory bodies in the State
Chairperson understand how the equity in their home is reflected in a simple declaring their concerns, but little else, the CAI is unclear as to what,
Michael Kilcoyne mathematical exercise of market value less borrowings. It is not simple when or by whom action is to be taken. More to the point, the CAI
Vice-Chairperson
when it comes to a car under a PCP agreement where it is necessary is unclear on the question of ‘if’ any action will be taken – and that
Raymond O'Rourke
to review the service history requirements and mileage accumulated is unacceptable. We will therefore write to the Minister for Finance
Hon Secretary
against what is a highly volatile and undependable market value base. to seek his and his Department’s view on how this issue should be
Elaine Bolger
Hon Treasurer Increasingly, the result is a loss to the consumer who traded in a car addressed, the timeframe in which it should be completed, the interim
Richard Donohue with equity and trade-in value or an excess payment now owing from a considerations for the protection of consumers in such agreements
Council Members first-time buyer who made an uninformed choice. and, critically, who will be responsible for the management of the
Steen Bruun-Nielsen Our expectation from the CCPC review, which commenced process.
James Wims in July 2017, was how we would see solutions and enhancements
proposed and acted upon in a market where, in 2016 - two years ago -
PSP agreements were signed that currently control over 33% of all new
car sales and a further 12% of second-hand car sales from that year.
However, the recommendations from the CCPC were to the
Central Bank (CB) to act upon – notably – through the provisions of the
Our Reports Consumer Choice Published Material
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We do not necessarily price or report on all
Consumer Choice,
Managing Editor
brands or models within the class, and the Clodagh O'Donoghue
120/121 Baggot Street Lower,
exclusion of any brand or model should not be
Dublin 2
taken as a reflection on it. Researchers
Tel (01) 659 9430 Róisín Moloney Weekes
Email cai@thecai.ie Atousa Motameni
Social Media:
www.thecai.ie
1 www.thecai.ie April 2018
Contents
www.twitter.com/The_CAI
www.facebook.com/
ConsumersAssociationIreland
10 16
6
10 21
MONEY
13 11 COUNSEL PRODUCT TESTS
6 Money News 10 Another Day, Another 16 Washing Machines
The latest developments in money Euro....The ‘rest’ is history Looking for a great washing
matters, including the potential Open all hours...a look at Sunday machine to take care of your
impact of Brexit on the cost of trading at home and away. laundry load? Consumer
living here and a reminder of your Choice reviews ten washday
consumer rights if you are jetting wonders.
away this summer.
13 Creating and Updating
FOOD & HEALTH
21 Fridges
Your Will 11 Iodine Levels Among Just chilling….our fridge tests
What you need to know about Teenage Girls in Ireland have uncovered eight cool
making a will and what happens if Consumer Choice considers the Choice Buys dedicated to
you don’t. findings of a new safefood study keeping your food fresh.
and examines why iodine is so
important to our health.
2 www.thecai.ie April 2018
News Briefs by Dermott Jewell NEWS BRIEFS
Flat Pack, Flat Rate,
Flat Out
While Irish consumers enjoy its relationship-sav- Get The Ore Out!
ing, sanity-maintaining benefits, together with You may recall how in 2012 there was a call for the State to initiate a probe
other EU member states, in the US Ikea has into the cash-for-gold sector in response to concerns it was potentially
only just announced its plan to roll out a fee- funding illegal activity. In that year, this was a very new and challenging
based home assembly service across the coun- concept and the number of outlets was growing at an astonishing rate - all
of them unregulated - and with public concern growing that certain of
try. The service was rolled out at locations in
these outlets were being used by criminals to offload stolen jewellery.
New York and San Francisco and is to become As we enter the second quarter of 2018, we remain without
available in most major cities throughout the regulation in the area and, if we are to focus upon recent exchanges in Dáil
coming year. There, the service will be provided Éireann, the Department of Justice is considering a further public consulta-
by employees (known as ‘taskers’) of a nation- tion. Of course, key to any intervention and binding legislative action must
be the underpinning focus that these will, in no manner, affect legitimate
wide labour marketplace provider, TaskRabbit.
traders. With that understanding, it nonetheless remains a reality that this
Customers book a tasker through TaskRabbit is an area for close-out without much further delay. It is included in the cur-
who comes and assembles the furniture for a rent programme for government (drawn up in 2016) and, while the number
flat fee depending on the size of the item. It of outlets has reduced, many remain - as does the potential and attraction
is this flat rate that has brought attention and for a resurgence. It is time to move on.
contention to the service there. Currently, for
example, assembly of a single wardrobe costs
$81 (€66) through Task Rabbit while the Ikea World Wide Woes
rate is $159 (€129) and the taskers believe the
flat rate is therefore undervaluing their time In terms of online shopping it is always prudent to research the status of the
and effort. This reflects the difficulties of what company so that you do not fall foul of trading problems. In the US, this has
been a major issue with some of the biggest and best known brand models
is known as the gig economy. It is little more
and stores filing for bankruptcy and other protections that can affect con-
than a revision of the piece-rate systems of old
sumers. A key issue in these circumstances is how the organisations begin
based upon informal agreements that offer work a sell-off of stock. This is the case with Toys R Us where there was a decision
at non-negotiable flat rates without any under- to liquidate on March 15th last. After 70 years of trading, this retailer will be
pinning benefits or ‘employee’ conditions. The closing 735 stores by the end of June. Knowing how many Irish travellers
overriding term would be independent. What love the store it is important to note that, if you have one, gift cards will only
is challenging here is the statistic from business be redeemed for 30 days from March 29th.
and finance software developers Intuit predict- A popular store amongst many young teens, which has a
ing that 40% of American workers would be in- significant presence here at home, is Claire’s. It too is struggling and recently
dependent contractors by 2020. Depends upon filed for bankruptcy protection in the US. Claire’s would have a presence in
your definition of ‘independent’, surely? 99% of all US malls. While there will be US closures as a part of its debt-
cutting plans now agreed with the court, with regard to the over 7,500 stores,
concessions and franchises in 45 countries, that has yet to be decided.
April 2018 www.thecai.ie 3
www.thecai.ieApril 2018
Brexit and RoI
I was reading recently how, on average, Fáilte Ireland’s soon-to-be-published
500 couples from Northern Ireland annual overseas visitors survey has
cross into the Republic to get married shown a significant decline in the
every year. However, Brexit, weaker number of visitors who say the country
sterling and the concerns of a hard offers good or very good value for
border have resulted in both a decline money. It suggests that half of almost
in bookings and inquiries. Hoteliers 2,000 people surveyed at exit ports
have voiced their deep concern. The last summer thought Ireland offered
detail provided suggested an average fair, poor or very poor value. The
spend of €24,000 and so the loss for eye-watering rates that young couples,
that area of ‘spend’ is understandable. tourists and consumers generally are
The answer? Well, it seems that the being charged in an ever-increasing
focus is to be upon seeking to attract majority of hotels, restaurants, bars
more business from North America and and venues is unsustainable. It is poor
Germany. Matched with a need for the value for money and reflects poorly on
industry to “ also wise up to changing Ireland and all that we boast of in our
consumer habits if it wants to hold to its welcoming invitations issued across
share of the weddings trade” is a “need the globe. How do you and I know this?
for the sector as a whole to improve its Because we live here and are bitterly
wedding offering”. disappointed – but not at all shocked –
These reflections are not that fewer tourists think Ireland offers
without validity but I think it is closer a good deal. We do not want a return
to the Fáilte Ireland findings where we to RoI - Rip off Ireland - and we are
will find the reality best reflected in the bordering on its return.
broader context. Preliminary data from
But NoBod-E Told Me It Would Be 15 Minutes Max…..
I was intrigued to read of the sushi delivery robot that can
progress already in action on carry enough for 60 people and
alternative methods for deliv- is currently operating office
ering takeaway orders to the parks and private areas only
doors of consumers across the pending legislative approval
world. For the last year, a fleet for wider activity. Robots also
of ten robots have been in con- deliver medicines and samples
stant use by JustEat in London. during the night shift at the
The Starship Technologies ro- Nagoya University Hospital.
bots use sensors and a camera In San Francisco, Zume is
to navigate the pavements; a an automated pizza delivery
text with a PIN number is sent restaurant with 19 human
when it gets to your location. employees and eight robots.
You go to the robot, enter your The pizzas are cooked en-route
pin, and it opens to give you in a van equipped with 56
your food. Last month, when GPS-equipped ovens! Self-
Storm Emma hit the UK, the drive cars and drones are being
robots continued to safely currently trialled. Drones have
deliver takeaways through- difficulties in terms of legal
out that bad weather. The monitoring requirements and,
Domino’s Robotic Unit (DRU) where trialled, can only deliver
delivery robot is operational in to dedicated collection points.
Germany and the Netherlands, That said, I somehow feel it
although it is currently lim- won’t be long before a pizza
ited to destinations within one appears in the fireplace – per-
mile of a number of dedicated haps a Beam Me Up Bento or
Domino’s outlets. Not surpris- a Domino’s Diagonally!
ingly, in Japan, CarriRo is a
April 2018
www.thecai.ie 4
www.thecai.ieApril 2018
FOOD & HEALTH/News by Clodagh O’Donoghue Food & Health EU-wide investigation into unauthorised food offered online The results of an EU-wide coordinated novel foods that are non-authorised in the national level - including inspections control programme looking at food offered the EU and food supplements that carry of traders’ premises, warnings and over the internet were published in March medicinal claims, specifically those that fines - and/or they were reported to other 2017. The report marks the first time that indicate that they help in the prevention, member states or third countries through national authorities have pooled their treatment or cure of bone and joint the European Commission. experience and resources in this area and diseases. FSAI Chief Executive Dr Pamela the coordinated action demonstrates their According to the recent report Byrne has commented that “the high willingness to respond to the challenges on the findings, the national authorities number of noncompliant offers is a clear of the online universe and to safeguard checked almost 1,100 websites and found sign that e-commerce control across citizens from unsafe and misleading food 428 offers of unauthorised novel foods Europe needs to be strengthened”. Dr products for sale online. A month-long and 351 food supplements with medicinal Byrne also pointed to publication by the investigation was carried out in September claims for a total of 779 products on FSAI of information and guidance for 2017 by 25 EU member states together sale that were clearly noncompliant food businesses selling or advertising with Switzerland and Norway in a plan with EU legislation. The Food Safety food online and the greater focus that orchestrated by the European Commission. Authority of Ireland (FSAI) took part in is being placed on the online activity of Each country’s food control authority the investigations and found 17 offers for food businesses by FSAI inspectors. As Dr searched the internet for websites that unauthorised novel foods and six offers Byrne notes, “whether purchasing from a offered in their respective language certain of food supplements making prohibited physical store or online, consumers have food products for sale within their borders. claims. All instances of noncompliance the right to buy safe food which does not The food products searched for were four were the subject of follow-up action at mislead”. Reaping health benefits is a walk in the park Walking is an excellent form of easily limits. to stop walking in urban streets because accessible exercise but, to fully reap the A walk in the park delivered the benefits for healthy people were benefits, it matters where you do your benefits to all the study’s participants, reduced but not completely eliminated walking, according to recent research. who experienced increased lung capacity and the benefits of any physical activity far The London-based study undertaken within an hour – and with some volunteers, outweigh any harm caused by air pollution by Imperial College London and Duke this effect lasted for 24 hours. However, a except in the most extreme air pollution University in the US compared the health walk along Oxford Street resulted in only concentrations. effects of walking for two hours in a busy a small increase in lung capacity for some The Get Ireland Walking Strategy shopping area on Oxford Street with taking volunteers and to a much lesser extent than and Action Plan 2017-2020 notes that a stroll for the same length of time in a quiet recorded in the park. Exercise improves walking is “flexible, fun, free and accessible section of Hyde Park. The participants were blood flow and can reduce stiffness in to all”. Moreover, findings from the Irish 119 volunteers over the age of 60 years, arteries and, again, noticeable benefits were Longitudinal Study on Ageing indicate that who were either healthy, had stable heart experienced among volunteers after a walk those aged 50 years and older who walk for disease or had stable chronic obstructive in Hyde Park but the effect was dramatically the recommended 150 minutes per week pulmonary disease – a lung condition. The reduced after taking a walk along Oxford had better wellbeing and were more socially levels of pollutants measured in Oxford Street. active. The message seems to be to get out Street, which sees high volumes of traffic, Scientists have taken a number and get active by going for a walk – and if regularly reach harmful levels whereas of lessons from these findings, including you can do it in a park or some other green even though Hyde Park is located within the the need to address pollution problems in area away from high-density traffic then city, air pollution is generally within healthy our cities. Experts would not advise people that’s all the better. 5 www.thecai.ie April 2018
MONEY NEWS
Money News Money News by Róisín Moloney Weekes
The health “An ESRI study has examined how
of the Irish Brexit will impact the cost of living in
economy our country.”
The Economic and Social Research the cost of living in our country. The scenario. Households in the highest-
Institute (ESRI) reports that, in 2017, study examines the shares of imported income group would face a 2.4% price
the Irish economy grew by 7.8% and, products from the UK in household increase.
in 2018, GDP is expected to grow spending and estimates the effects of The study used a number
by 4.8%. It is further expected that a hard Brexit scenario, incorporating of Brexit scenarios to examine the
GDP will grow by 3.9% in 2019 on the tariffs and other increases in costs of price increase of a range of imported
assumption that a European Economic trade between the EU and UK. goods. It found that if tariffs were
Agreement will come into force The report finds that trade introduced and other trade costs also
between the UK and the EU. While tariffs could lead to an increased increase following a hard Brexit, the
this indication of strong growth is cost of living of between €892 and price of bread and cereals could rise
encouraging and it is also reported €1,360 per household per annum. It by up to 30%, while the price of milk,
that unemployment is on the decrease is suggested that poorer households cheese and eggs could increase by
from an average of 6.7% in 2017 to will be most affected as they spend a 46%. However, these estimates do not
an estimated 4.5% in 2019 together greater share of their expenditure on take account of switching of products
with increased tax revenue leading to food products, many of which are likely or changes in expenditure patterns in
budget surpluses in 2018 and 2019, to be imported from the UK and could response to the cost increases. It is for
there remains the risk of Brexit and be subject to new tariffs. Households this reason that these estimates are
its effects on Ireland. An ESRI study with the lowest incomes would face a likely to reflect the maximum increase
has examined how Brexit will impact 4% price increase in the highest-impact in the cost of living.
Holiday Car Rental cancellation is included, what the fuel policy
is, and when extra charges could apply. Again,
- and the same applies for the drop-off point. Do
you require a car seat or a sat-nav system and
In preparation for this year’s summer holiday, if there is an intermediary you will probably will these extras cost much? To find more tips,
you may be considering a car rental but be have to read more than one set of terms and visit the ECC Ireland website www.eccireland.ie/
warned that the European Consumer Centre conditions but although this is a tedious and ultimate-cheat-sheet-booking-car-rental-online/.
(ECC) Ireland reports that this area is a frequent time-consuming process, it is very much
cause of consumer complaint. To help avoid recommended that you read them to know
the common areas of contention, the ECC where you stand.
recommends that consumers establish who Consumers should consider taking
they are contracting with. Like booking flights screenshots of the booking process for their
when you search car rental online you will records. Try to get a contact number of the
often be met with intermediary sites. You must company that you are contracting with in order
establish who the contract is with and who to to get answers to any questions that may arise,
turn to if something goes wrong. The answer particularly if you are unsure of what you will
to this will lie in the terms and conditions, which be charged in certain circumstances. The
unfortunately will have to be read. Next, it is total amount payable should be clear for the
important to establish what is included in the consumer regardless of when it has to be paid,
rental and are there any requirements such as whether on booking or on pick up. Question
deposit requirements. Other questions that will whether the pick-up spot is convenient for you
need to be considered include whether free and whether there is an extra cost to change this
www.thecai.ie April 2018
6 www.thecai.ie
Flying away in 2018? Know your rights
closures, security issues and medical Following a 2009 European
emergencies. Court ruling, consumers are now entitled
In the circumstances where to compensation if they arrive at their
you have chosen to be re-routed as soon destination three hours or more after the
as possible, then the air carrier must scheduled arrival time unless their air
provide you with care and assistance while carrier can prove that the delay was the
waiting for the alternative flight. This result of extraordinary circumstances.
consists of meals and refreshments, hotel The amount of compensation payable
accommodation where overnight stays depends on the distance of the flight. If the
are necessary, transport between airports flight is classed as short haul, the amount
and hotel transfers where necessary. It payable is €250 per person. If the flight is
is important that you keep receipts for classed as medium haul, then the amount
any expenditure arising from such an payable is €400 per person. If classed as
event when forced to make your own long haul, the amount payable is €600 per
arrangements as you may be entitled to person – however, in the case of long haul
reimbursement. outside the EU where you arrive at your
If you received between one and destination less than four hours after the
two weeks’ notice of the cancellation of scheduled arrival time, this compensation
Your rights as an airline passenger under your flight and you chose to be re-routed can be reduced by 50%.
EU regulations are monitored and enforced as soon as possible as above and you The law states that when
by the Commission for Aviation Regulation. get re-routed on a flight that departs no calculating the distance of a flight, you
The commission provides a website at more than two hours before the original must use the ‘Great Circle Method’. This
www.flightrights.ie, which offers a guide departure time and arrives no more than method is traditionally used across the
to your entitlements in the event that your four hours after the original arrival time, aviation sector to determine the distance
flight is delayed or cancelled. you are not entitled to compensation from between two airports. You can calculate
A number of common questions the air carrier. However, if you were given the distance of your own flight at www.
arise for consumers, one of which re-routing outside of those timeframes, you gcmap.com.
frequently is what rights they have when are entitled to compensation unless the If a dispute arises between you
their flight is cancelled. If your flight is air carrier can prove the cancellation was and your air carrier regarding the existence
cancelled, your air carrier must: caused by extraordinary circumstances. If of extraordinary circumstances and the
you received more than two weeks’ notice payment of compensation, the matter
1) offer a re-routing as close as possible to of the cancellation, you are not entitled to should be referred to the appropriate
the original departure time, compensation from the air carrier. enforcement body and will depend on
It may be the case that your whether the airline is based within the
2) offer a re-routing at a later date, or flight is not cancelled but is subject to a EU or not. To guide you in this regard,
long delay. If your flight is delayed beyond go to https://europa.eu/youreurope/
3) offer a refund of the cost of the unused certain timeframes, your air carrier should citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_
flight ticket. provide you with written information about en.htm#apr-problems for more information.
your entitlements and also with care and Alternatively, you can recover
This is the case regardless of when you assistance. If, for example, your flight some or all of the costs through your travel
are notified of the cancellation. In some is delayed by less than two hours and it insurance policy, if you have one. Each
circumstances, however, you may also be is a short haul flight then you would not individual policy will have to be checked for
entitled to compensation if, for example, be entitled to compensation. For flights allowances offered. If you booked using a
your re-routing was not within a certain considered medium haul - that is between credit card, you can contact the credit card
timeframe. Other entitlements will vary 1,500km and 3,500km - the delay must provider and check if you can make a claim.
depending on the amount of notice that be over three hours and for all long haul If the flight is part of a package holiday, you
you have been given. If you received flights - that is, more than 3,500km outside have stronger protection under package
less than seven days’ notice that your the EU - the delay must be greater than holiday laws. Operators must refund
flight would be cancelled and you chose four hours to seek compensation. If your customers for the whole holiday if trips are
the option of being rerouted as close as flight is delayed by more than five hours, cancelled or they cannot get you to your
possible to the original departure date and regardless of the length of the journey, and destination.
you are then given re-routing that departed you decide not to travel, you are entitled to More information on common
no more than one hour before the original a full refund. problems arising for holiday makers can be
departure time and arrived no more than Your air carrier should provide found at www.flightrights.ie.
two hours after the original arrival time, you with care and assistance, which should
you are not entitled to compensation from consist of meals and refreshments, hotel
your air carrier. However, if you were given accommodation where necessary and
re-routing outside of those timeframes, you transport where necessary. If the airline
are entitled to compensation unless the does not provide the above assistance
air carrier can prove the cancellation was to you and you are forced to make your
caused by extraordinary circumstances own arrangements, you should retain all
beyond its control, with examples including your receipts as you will be entitled to
adverse weather conditions, airport reimbursement of your expenses.
March
April2018
2018
7 www.thecai.ie
www.thecai.ie
Product/Tech News
Green Lego pieces
TV magic trick
Danish company Lego has stated its aim
of using sustainable materials in its core
Samsung’s latest TV innovation will products and packaging by 2030 and it
make the screen disappear when not in has made a start with the production of its
use. Only a couple of months back, we first bricks made from plant-based plastic.
discussed in these pages the Samsung Unlike traditional Lego blocks, which are
Frame TV and the LG Wallpaper TV made from oil-based plastic, the new Lego
that masquerade as a picture, painting pieces are produced using a polyethylene
or portrait on your wall when you are plastic made with ethanol sourced from
finished viewing. Samsung has taken sugarcane. Appropriately enough, these
this a step further again and seeks to eco-friendly pieces are botanically themed
have the TV do a vanishing act thanks and will include leaves, bushes and trees.
to its Ambient Mode setting. As TVs Despite being made with 100% plant-based
have grown larger, they take up more Samsung's 'invisible' TV screen plastic, Lego says that the new pieces are
and more space in our living areas and “technically identical to those produced
when they are switched off, that leaves a using conventional plastic” so that parents
large blank black rectangle dominating and children will not be able to tell the
the room. Samsung’s Ambient Mode is difference. And importantly, the new pieces
another design idea taking aim at this will be equally durable.
decidedly first-world problem. According to 2015 research by the
To perform the disappearing World Watch Institute, around 4% of global
trick, you simply take a picture of the annual consumption of petroleum is used
wall that is going to sit behind your new to make plastic and a further 4% is used
wall-mounted TV and then you set this to power plastic-making processes. Lego
image as the wallpaper of the TV. So is serious about its search for sustainable
once the TV is left idle, a low-power alternatives to its current products and
setting can be put into action that has invested 1 billion Danish Krone (€133
displays the wall image, helping the million) to create a dedicated Sustainable
appliance to blend into the background Materials Centre aimed at finding more
and become ‘invisible’...kind of. Having sustainable production methods for its
a tangle of cords hanging down from beloved plastic bricks that have given so
the TV would rather ruin the illusion so many hours of entertainment to successive
Samsung provides a transparent cable Lego's plant-based plastic pieces generations.
that it has dubbed the ‘One Invisible In other environmentally friendly
Connection’ into which all cords can be actions, Lego has made investments in
accommodated. The notion of turning wind power and has begun using paper-
your TV invisible may be something pulp trays for its advent calendars in a bid to
of a gimmick but it could help the reduce the amount of plastic waste bound
manufacturer to capture consumer for landfills.
attention in the highly competitive The first botanical plant-based
TV market. For a rundown of some of pieces will start appearing in boxes of
the many models currently available, Lego during 2018 so the Lego lover in your
including 12 Choice Buys, see our household can begin looking out for them
Televisions test starting on page 21 of later this year.
our March 2018 issue.
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 April 2018
Cutting the cord
cleaners run on battery power and ditch the sit in a straight line with the aim of improving
cable for the ultimate in convenience and suction efficiency. The dust container has also
manoeuvrability around the home. However, been enlarged and is now 40% bigger than
there typically is a trade-off with these machines, the container on the V8 version so this should
in that they offer smaller capacity and limited translate into fewer trips to the bin to empty the
battery life that can make them unsuitable for contents. It must be said, however, that this
larger homes. expanded capacity will still not rival that of most
Dyson has been making very traditional cylinder vacuum cleaners. Battery
creditable cordless vacuum cleaners for a while life is also said to be improved on the Cyclone
and with its latest offering, the Cyclone V10, the V10, with the manufacturer touting a whole
UK manufacturer believes it has reached the hour’s operation on a single charge when used in
point where it is now time to stop developing handheld mode.
full-sized corded models as cordless models Currently only available in Ireland from
Dyson prides itself on being at the forefront of are “the future”. The Cyclone V10 houses a new the Dyson website, the Cyclone V10 Absolute
innovation in the vacuum cleaner market and, V10 digital motor that is claimed to deliver 20% costs €500 while the Cyclone V10 Animal is
having done away with dust bags many years more suction power than its predecessor, the V8, priced at €450. Undoubtedly, these products
back to create the bagless vacuum cleaner, it but is almost half its weight for ease of pushing will make it into Irish shops over the next while
now looks set to eliminate the cord for good. around. On the inside, 14 cyclones are arranged but whether the corded vacuum cleaner is really
Cordless vacuum cleaners have been growing around a central axis and are reported to enable going the way of the dinosaur will have to be
in popularity over the last few years, offering a airflow of up to 190km/h. On the new model, seen.
lightweight alternative to traditional vacuum the company’s engineers have rotated the dust
cleaners. These slimline upright vacuum container and cyclones by 90° so that they
Plastic packaging reduction efforts
Plastic packaging on the products we buy • 100% of its own-label packaging will be additional loose options, bringing the total
has become a massive problem of which the recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2022 number of loose options to around 25% of its
world is becoming all too aware and German range.
discount supermarkets Aldi and Lidl are • a 50% reduction in all product packaging will Earlier in 2018, UK food retailer
making efforts to contribute to a much-needed be achieved by 2025 relative to 2015 levels Iceland pledged to eliminate plastic packaging
solution. As noted in our March 2018 article, from its own-brand products by the end of
Recycling Refresher – No time to waste, Ireland • and half of all own-label product packaging 2023 and it has voiced its support of proposals
has the dubious distinction of being the top will be made from recyclable material by 2025 in the UK to introduce a deposit return scheme
producer of plastic waste in the EU, with 61kg on plastic bottles to boost plastic recycling
of plastic waste per person per year and, Aldi has already eliminated all plastic stems rates and reduce ocean pollution.
alarmingly, almost 8 million tonnes of plastic from its cotton buds and banned microbeads Closer to home, a Recycling
end up in the world’s oceans annually. The and microplastics from its products. Ambassador Programme is being offered,
weekly supermarket shop is responsible for facilitated by environmental charity VOICE and
bringing huge amounts of packaging waste Meanwhile, Lidl has announced new targets aimed at improving recycling rates in Ireland
into the home and though we, as a nation, that will see: and reducing the levels of contamination in
have a good track record on recycling our household recycling bins through talks and
packaging, it would undoubtedly be better if • a 20% reduction in plastic packaging volumes workshops delivered to interested groups.
the overall volumes of packaging on products by 2022 As part of this initiative, a new grant fund
were significantly reduced. Moreover, vast of €42,500 has been made available to
amounts of the plastic packaging produced, • 100% of own-brand packaging to be community groups nationwide. Up to €500
primarily all soft plastics such as bags and recyclable, reusable, refillable or renewable per grant will be offered to support community
films, are not currently recyclable here. by 2025 groups to engage with their neighbours to
With that in mind, any and all efforts that can clear up confusion about what should go
help stem the plastic deluge that threatens • 50% of material used in own-brand packaging into recycling bins through face-to-face local
to engulf us are to be profoundly welcomed. coming from recyclable materials by 2025. discussions. The community groups will
Aldi and Lidl recently announced a series of also be asked to conduct a survey in their
commitments that they are making to reduce Lidl has also said that it would no longer be community that asks about current recycling
the amount of plastic in circulation through using microbeads in cosmetic and household behaviours and the barriers to recycling
their stores. products. Shoppers will see some in-store that may exist. More information on this
For its part, Aldi Ireland has pledged changes in coming weeks as Lidl is responding grant initiative may be obtained at http://
that: to growing demand for loose fruit and voiceireland.org/new-community-grant.
vegetables by trialling the introduction of 11
9 www.thecai.ie April 2018Counsel/Sunday trading discontent and rumoured inadequate – there have been no changes there. In 2016,
considerations, in the main, it would appear there was an attempt to relax the laws and
how service providers have come to terms allow local councils and mayors to determine
Another Day, Another with their employees and are paying rates the most appropriate structure for their area.
Euro....The ‘rest’ is history acceptable to the employees and their The opposition to the move was intense and,
representatives and, in addition, have amidst claims of the relaxation being ‘anti-
In 1999, the Consumers’ Association of acknowledged their rights to adequate leave family, anti-small business and anti-workers’,
Ireland (CAI) was invited to contribute toward and rest time. there was insufficient support for change.
a discussion regarding the positive and Much of the progress in this area Alternatively, a ban on Sunday
negative elements associated with Sunday came through the demands of globalisation trading, introduced in Hungary in March 2015
trading. At that time there had been stern and the ability of Irish business to engage was repealed in April 2016. It was not clear
opposition to Sunday trading specifically at the highest to meet ever-increasing initially why this change took place so soon
because: levels of demand and in all time zones. The following the introduction. It was sometime
introduction of international trading sectors afterwards that it was realised how, some
• It was perceived to be destroying what within our multinational business community few days before the reversal, the Hungarian
was seen as the tradition of Sunday being demanded how the system of employee Socialist Party (MSZP) had won High Court
observed as a day of rest and observance and support be fit for all purposes. The utilisation support for a referendum to determine the
a day for the family; of our market and geographical location by matter. Clearly, now, this is a space to be
providing a labour force to service world watched for new considerations on a national
• There were concerns in relation to the markets around the clock would otherwise scale.
adequacy of pay and rest days offered to fail. In 2018, we have now seen Poland
employees, and Beneficial to this, of course, was the take a very definitive decision to ban Sunday
move to take advantage of cheaper call rates trading. It can be argued that this entirely
•There were questions in relation to the rising and other charges outside of ‘normal business ignores the needs of all Polish citizens
of prices to compensate for higher staff wage hours’ and necessitating a comprehensive who labour beyond a Monday-to-Friday,
payments for Sunday work. restructuring of the working day to counter nine-to-five working week; that it sees no
the difficulties and losses encountered, for ‘need’ to keep in step with European and
On Sunday, March 11th of this year, example, through our increasing traffic global partners or to meet the expectations
a new law in Poland came into effect banning problems. Problems that are increasing, now, of international visitors. Could it not also be
almost all trade on Sundays. This ban will some 19 years later! argued that Poland has shown a preference,
come into full, nationwide effect in 2020. The Now, public opinion has clearly instead, to focus upon maintaining a national
change is creating intense debate as Poland signalled its attitude and its requirement and respectability?
is a country where liberalisation has raised demand for access to goods and services at a Very often the particulars of this
discontent amongst workers who feel they are time or day that is convenient to them. This debate focus, almost entirely, upon religious
being exploited while others see the freedom is why, as I have already outlined above, there preferences and/or business demands rather
to engage as consumers as a clear reflection is a clear and definite demand for Sunday than the approved and accepted preferences
of positive change and free market openness. trading. It is not simply that consumers want of the citizens as a whole and, as is potentially
In March 1999, we reflected how, to roam aimlessly across ‘malls’, but that, in a future concern for Hungary, in the majority
in the interest of all consumers, the CAI and a significantly high number of personal and through referendum.
other consumer organisations favoured family lives, Sunday is the only day free for There is a mood for change and this,
flexibility and liberalisation in relation to grocery, clothing and lifestyle shopping in a therefore, demands open debate of the needs
shopping and trading hours. Ireland had communal environment. It is the alternative driving change. It must be for the better.
become a mature market with over 50 years to online and it is a part of life. Determining what is ‘best’ is a moveable
experience of open trading with a retail For the consumer, standard prices feast. This Easter will see Ireland change its
industry susceptible to change in consumers’ are set and unaltered. There is a willingness approach to the opening of public houses
shopping habits and attitudes. Consumer to pay for service, always provided that it is on Good Friday. To whose benefit or interest
attitudes and demands had changed very of an acceptable standard and delivers a full was this determined to be ‘best’ for – the
considerably. range of quality produce. citizens or the visitors – the consumers or the
Demographic analysis indicated Of course, there must be breweries – the workers or the employers - the
then that the high level of married women consideration of the underlying growth and nation or the State? This has been a decision
in the workforce had increased demand how, if we are to be entirely honest about it, taken without referendum and without any
for convenience shopping with opening Sunday trading has become a reality because real engagement with the citizens. That being
hours to suit. Allied to this, the traditional the digital, manufacturing and trading the case, and it being a seismic change in Irish
family Sunday had altered to the degree demands of business have made it so. It is a cultural terms, should we now be preparing
that shopping was now viewed by many as a business creation that has spurred a public ourselves for a revisit to the consideration
leisure activity. This was what has led to the need. of on-street alcohol vending machines; or
enormous growth and popularity of the out of In 1994, Sunday trading in England perhaps 24-hour opening of public houses?
town shopping centres. and Wales was introduced restricting large In this specific area ‘Trading’,
In addition, the increased level of retailers to trading for a total of six hours currently, is the operative word at the heart
demand from the tourist sector had been between the hours of 10am and 6pm. The of any consideration. I think it is time to add
– and very much continues to be - met on a smaller retail outlet, with a floor space below some new words that will help us to better
nationwide scale and is providing funding and 3,000sq feet (278 sq. metres), can open as consider and determine what is our future
labour opportunities that for many years were normal. With one exception – during the and our enjoyment of it.
outside of our reach. London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games,
While there are pockets of when trading laws were relaxed to boost sales Dermott Jewell
www.thecai.ie April 2018
April 2018 www.thecai.ie 10FOOD & HEALTH / Iodine
Iodine Levels Among Teenage
Girls in Ireland
Consumer Choice considers a new safefood study REPORT by Clodagh O’Donoghue
that measured iodine levels of teenage girls in At a glance
• The importance of iodine
Ireland and looks at why iodine is so important for • Study findings
our health. • Recommendations
A recent safefood study has each day, and this is generally
found that teenage girls in achieved through a healthy
Table: Iodine content in micrograms per
Ireland currently have sufficient balanced diet. Indeed, we are
portion of food
levels of iodine in their bodies. fortunate in the Western world Iodine
Although this is very good that iodine deficiency is rare. (micrograms [µg])
news, there is no room for However, there are concerns Food Portion (g) per portion
complacency as the levels at a global level that some Dairy
found are at the low end of the population groups may not
recommended range. So why be consuming enough iodine Milk, whole 200 62
is iodine so important? Where and even mild deficiency can
can we get it? And how do we negatively affect health. Yoghurt, plain 125 79
ensure that we have adequate
levels of iodine in our systems? What foods contain Cheese, cheddar 40 12
iodine?
The importance of Given the importance of Fish and shellfish
iodine iodine to our health, it is worth
Haddock, cooked 120 421
Iodine is a mineral that plays considering if we are likely to
a key role in the creation of be obtaining sufficient levels Cod, cooked 120 161
thyroid hormones. These through our diets. Iodine is
hormones are, in turn, very contained in a range of foods, Salmon, cooked 100 14
important as they are involved but the best sources are dairy
in many body processes products and fish, with white Prawns, cooked 60 12
including growth and the fish being a richer source than
Eggs, meat, poultry and nuts
regulation of our metabolisms. oily fish. A number of factors
Although we all need iodine, will affect the actual amount of Eggs 50 25
it is particularly important for iodine contained in foodstuffs,
pregnant and breastfeeding including the iodine content of Meat, cooked 100 14
women because it is essential the soil, farming practices, fish
for the development of a baby’s species, and time of the year. Poultry, cooked 100 7
brain. Our bodies cannot make As a result, the information on
Nuts, mixed 25 4
iodine so we must get it from the table provided by safefood
our diets. The recommendation and featured here is for general
Iodine content of food sourced from The Composition of Foods, Seventh summary edition,
in Ireland is that adults should guidance only. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2015.
get 130 micrograms of iodine
11 www.thecai.ie April 2018is associated with better iodine status. women who are planning on becoming
Participants generally reported low pregnant or are pregnant or breastfeeding
consumption of fish and the iodine levels need higher levels of iodine, it is very
in the urine samples were not associated important that such women talk to their
with intake of fish or eggs. GP or trusted health professional first
In another aspect of the study, to find out how much they need. Some
results of tests on babies born in Northern multivitamin products may contain iodine
Ireland between 2000 and 2014 were but you should ALWAYS consult with your
also found to indicate sufficient levels of GP before taking a supplement while
iodine. pregnant or breastfeeding.
The very best way to get iodine
Milk matters is through a healthy, balanced diet.
As noted by the study’s principal Although you may find mention of iodised
investigator, Professor Jayne Woodside salt as an iodine source, safefood points
of Queen’s University Belfast, “milk is the out that less than 5% of the salt sold in
most important source of iodine in the Ireland contains iodine and that eating
diet”. For this reason, the research also foods like dairy, fish and eggs is the
examined iodine concentrations of milk recommended way to get sufficient levels
Study findings samples collected during various seasons of this essential mineral into your body.
As part of wide-ranging research of the year and found that there was no
commissioned by safeood and conducted difference between iodine concentrations For full details of the study and its
by Queen’s University Belfast into iodine of samples collected in spring and summer findings, go to www.safefood.eu to view
levels across both the Republic of Ireland months with those obtained in winter and the Iodine Status on the Island of Ireland
and Northern Ireland, a survey was autumn months. Similarly, no differences report.
conducted, through their schools, of were found in iodine concentrations
900 female pupils aged 14 to 15 years between organic and conventional milk
in Belfast, Cork, Derry, Dublin, Galway, samples, though the number of organic
Roscommon and Sligo. One reason that milk samples collected was small.
this population group was chosen as a Professor Woodside notes that the study’s
focus of the study is because those who focus on 14- and 15-year-old girls is
might proceed to pregnancy in the short- important given that there were concerns
to-medium term and their infants are the that this group was not getting sufficient
most susceptible to the adverse effects of iodine from their daily diet. Compared
iodine deficiency. with other population groups, teenage
Data was collected between girls and young women consume some of
March 2014 and October 2015 through the lowest amounts of milk. This would
a food frequency questionnaire that appear to partly arise from a perception
gathered information on how often that milk is “fattening”, according to a
participants consumed iodine-rich foods previous safefood study of the milk supply
and a demographic questionnaire that chain. However, whole milk contains 4g
looked for details of age, address and of fat per 100g, which is much lower than
ethnic background. Participants also the cut-off point of 20g of fat per 100g at
provided early morning urine samples that which a product is deemed to be ‘high fat’.
were used to assess iodine levels. In addition, there are fat-free/skimmed
The key finding of the study and low-fat/semi-skimmed versions
is that teenage girls living across available.
the island of Ireland currently have According to safefood’s Director
sufficient amounts of iodine in their of Human Health and Nutrition, Dr
bodies in accordance with World Health Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, it is important that
Organisation (WHO) guidelines. This was teenage girls and young women continue
found to be the case even in summer to consume foods such as milk and dairy
months, when iodine status is expected products both because of their iodine
to be at its lowest. Although this is a very content and also for their calcium content.
welcome result, the study also noted that
the amount of iodine measured was at Need for additional iodine?
the low end of the range identified as Too much as well as too little iodine in
adequate by the WHO, which recommends our bodies can have significant health
that population-level monitoring of iodine consequences. As noted by Dr Foley-
and intake of dietary sources of iodine be Nolan, “we get sufficient iodine in a varied
reviewed every five years. diet containing milk, dairy and fish and
The findings also showed that additional iodine should only be taken
higher consumption of dairy products under medical supervision”. Although
12 www.thecai.ie April 2018MONEY / Making a will
Creating and Updating
Your Will
REPORT by Róisín Moloney Weekes
Consumer Choice investigates why we
should make a will, what happens when we die At a glance
without a valid will, when we should change a • Rules of intestacy
• Changing your will
will, and how to tackle the issue of taxation. • Dealing with taxation
A will is a document that sets out how you who they want to look after their children the rules of intestacy apply. In this case, your
wish for your possessions to be distributed under the age of 18. A will enables parents to estate will be distributed in accordance with
after your death. A will can offer great peace appoint guardians in the event of something the law and this can sometimes mean that
of mind as it is the most effective way to make happening to both parents and also to appoint those who you wish to provide for are left out.
sure that your possessions are distributed trustees, which will remove uncertainty in Table 1 illustrates how the law will distribute
as you had wished, as opposed to if you die relation to who provides for children in those your estate if you die without a valid will,
without a will when your possessions will be circumstances. which is known as dying intestate. The rules
distributed according to the law. Keeping of intestacy do not take account of what the
control of your estate through the making Rules of intestacy deceased's wishes would have been and are
of a will means that you can provide for Many of us have a mistaken belief that those not flexible. After funeral expenses and debts
individuals who may need extra assistance, family and friends we leave behind can sort are discharged, the estate will be distributed in
such as a child with special needs. It also matters out between themselves, but if you accordance with Table 1.
offers parents the opportunity to set out do not have a will then the law kicks in and
13 www.thecai.ie April 2018Table 1: Rules of intestacy
If you are survived by Who benefits Who administers your estate
Spouse/civil partner with
Spouse /civil partner gets entire estate Spouse /civil partner
no children
Spouse/civil partner gets two thirds of your estate and the
Spouse /civil partner is entitled to administer the estate, if
Spouse/civil partner with remaining one third is divided equally among the children.
they do not want to administer the estate, then any of the
children If one of your children has died that share goes to his/her
children over 18 years are entitled to administer the estate
children
Children but no spouse/civil Estate is divided equally among the children or their chil- Each child over 18 years is entitled to apply to administer
partner dren if applicable the estate
Estate is divided equally between parents, and in the case
Parents but no spouse/civil Both or one of the parents is entitled to administer the
of only one parent surviving, he/she will get the entire
partner or children estate
estate
Estate is shared equally among them with the children of a One or more siblings are entitled to apply to administer the
Brothers and sisters only
deceased brother or sister taking his/her share estate
One or more nieces and/or nephews are entitled to apply to
Nieces and nephews only Estate is divided equally among those surviving
administer the estate
Estate is divided equally between the nearest equal
Other relatives One or all
relationship
No relatives Estate goes to the State
Making a will previous will. You may also wish to make a to a share of the estate.
When creating your will it is important to new will after the death of a spouse or the Other concerns may arise when
keep in mind that in order for your will to be birth of a child. Similarly, you may adjust your property is owned jointly. In the case where
valid and enforceable it must comply with will if your assets have altered significantly, a property is held jointly, as opposed to
certain rules as set out in the Succession Act either increasing or decreasing in number in separate shares, then it will pass to the
1965. The will must be in writing, you must or in value, and you may also wish to make a survivor where there is clear evidence that
be over 18 years of age or married and you change based on changes in tax law. that was what was intended. In the case of
must be of sound mind. Your will must be When it comes to making changes joint bank accounts, they are often opened
witnessed by at least two people and these to an existing will, this can be done by for convenience - if, for example, a relative
people cannot benefit under the will or be the way of a codicil (that is, an instruction that deals with bills or where the joint account was
husband or wife of someone who will benefit. is added to the will) and this will require opened for a specific purpose such as paying
The witnesses do not have to read your will or the same witnessing formalities as the will funeral expenses - and in such cases it is
know what it contains but you must sign the itself. Depending on the level of change important to specify in writing when opening
document in their presence. Generally, a will required, creating a new will may be more these accounts whether it is intended that the
appoints an executor and it is the duty of the straightforward. A will is revoked when a valid survivor is to keep the money or if the balance
executor to administer or manage the estate will is made at a later date. in the account is to form part of the estate.
in accordance with the will. Depending on Concerns may arise when you have
the size and scope of the estate, this can be Restrictions no cash assets and the only asset is a house or
quite an onerous task and so it is advisable Even in circumstances where you have a valid farm but you wish to make gifts to more than
to ask someone before you nominate them. will, the law imposes certain restrictions on one person. In such circumstances, you can
If no executor is appointed or the executor how you can deal with your estate and your leave that asset to one person on condition
predeceases you, the estate will have to spouse or civil partner has a legal right to a that he/she arranges for legacies to be paid to
be administered by a person known as an share of your estate depending on whether other people you choose.
administrator. there are children of the relationship. If you
It is advisable to seek professional are separated from your spouse, it does not
assistance with drafting or changing your mean that your spouse automatically loses
will. Solicitors often charge a relatively small the legal right share of your estate but it can
fee to draft a will - generally €100 plus VAT of be cancelled under the terms of a separation
23% for a basic will, though this cost can vary agreement or judicial separation or can be
across the country. If there are complicating cancelled by court order when there is a
issues such as trusts and specialised tax divorce and these provisions also apply to civil
advice is required, then this fee will increase partners. In the case of unmarried partners,
accordingly. a surviving partner will have no succession
Having a will drafted and executed right and will therefore be limited to whatever
is the first step but we must revisit our will if rights they can establish in contract or left
our circumstances change, such as following under a will. A cohabitant has the right to
a marriage or remarriage or entering a civil apply to court for provision from the deceased
partnership - all of which will revoke your cohabitant’s estate but has no automatic right
14 www.thecai.ie April 2018You can also read
