THE EU consumer affairs commissioner has said she is very impressed with the work of the National Consumer Agency (NCA) and the manner in which the complaints of unsatisfied shoppers are handled in Ireland.
Meglena Kuneva said Ireland is doing very well in taking care of consumer rights, which she believes are essentially "civil rights" in 21st century society.
Speaking on a visit to Dublin, during which she visited the NCA call centre where 90,000 consumers are expected to be assisted this year, Ms Kuneva said it is important consumers are empowered and informed of their rights.
"You have dedicated people and dedicated policy to tackle consumer complaints," she said.
"It was professional, it was good and it is one of the examples I would like to use [when discussing] best practices in Europe," Ms Kuneva said during a seminar at the European Commission office. "I am very much impressed by the work of your National Consumer Agency," she later added.
The comments will come as a boost to the agency, which is understood to be on a list of statutory bodies that may be abolished by the Government.
Ms Kuneva also discussed a new consumer rights directive which she has proposed, to make online shopping easier and safer for consumers. The new measures will be announced by the EU Commission next week.
The proposals include greater protection against late delivery and non-delivery of goods, more time for shoppers to change their minds post-purchase and a black list of unfair contract terms.
She has also proposed that a single set of remedies will apply in cases where a consumer buys a faulty product. The purchaser will be entitled in the first place to repair or replacement, followed by a reduction in price or reimbursement of money.
