What are my consumer rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 in Ireland?
The Consumer Rights Act 2022 consolidated Irish consumer law and gives you the right to repair, replacement, or refund for goods that are faulty, not as described, or not fit for purpose. For services that are not provided with reasonable care and skill you are entitled to a repeat performance or a price reduction. These rights apply for two years from purchase.
What is the two-year statutory guarantee for goods in Ireland?
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 sellers are liable for faults that exist at the time of sale for a period of two years. If a fault appears within the first twelve months it is presumed to have existed at the time of sale. After twelve months you may need to show the fault existed at the time of sale.
Do I have consumer rights for digital content and services in Ireland?
Yes. The Consumer Rights Act 2022 introduced specific protections for digital content and digital services such as apps, streaming subscriptions, and downloaded software. You have the right to content that is as described, fit for purpose, and of satisfactory quality. Suppliers must keep digital services updated for the duration of the contract.
How do I complain to the CCPC about a consumer rights problem?
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) provides free guidance and information for consumers at ccpc.ie. You can contact the CCPC helpline or use their online complaint form to report a trader who is breaching consumer law. The CCPC does not resolve individual disputes but can take enforcement action against traders.
What can and cannot the CCPC do for consumers in Ireland?
The CCPC can investigate traders, issue compliance notices, and take prosecutions for breaches of consumer law. However, the CCPC cannot award compensation to individual consumers or order a trader to give you a refund. For individual dispute resolution you must use the Small Claims Court, your bank chargeback, or Alternative Dispute Resolution.
What is the European Consumer Centre and when should I use it?
The European Consumer Centre Ireland (ECC Ireland) at eccireland.ie helps Irish consumers with cross-border disputes involving traders based in another EU country. It is a free service that contacts the foreign trader on your behalf and can refer the dispute to an Alternative Dispute Resolution body in the relevant country.
Can I use a bank chargeback to get a refund in Ireland?
Yes. If you paid by credit or debit card you can request a chargeback from your bank or card provider. For credit cards, Section 41 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 gives you a right of action against the card provider for faulty goods or services over 50 euro. Contact your bank and explain what happened before the chargeback deadline, usually 120 days.
When should I take a consumer dispute to the Small Claims Court in Ireland?
If the CCPC guidance, your own complaint letter, and chargeback have all failed to resolve your dispute, the Small Claims Court at the District Court is your next step for claims up to 2,000 euro. The application fee is 25 euro and no solicitor is needed. For claims above 2,000 euro you would use the ordinary District Court or Circuit Court.
Do consumer complaints in Ireland require notarization?
No. Complaint letters, CCPC complaint forms, ECC referrals, and Small Claims Court applications do not require notarization. All are submitted under your own declaration. Sworn affidavits are only needed if you escalate to a full court hearing in the District Court or above.
How does uplaw.ai help with a consumer rights complaint in Ireland?
Tell uplaw.ai what you bought, what went wrong, and what the trader has said. uplaw.ai will draft a formal complaint letter citing the Consumer Rights Act 2022, help you prepare a chargeback request, and assist with your Small Claims application if the trader does not resolve the matter.
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