BUGGY MANUFACTURER Maclaren said yesterday it will issue “safety kits” to Irish customers who are concerned over reports that some children’s fingertips have been cut off.
Reversing its previous stance, the UK manufacturer said customers could obtain hinge covers, which can be used to protect the buggy folding mechanism, free of charge. The company had made the same offer to US customers earlier in the week but had refused to extend this action to Europe.
Its U-turn was welcomed last night by the National Consumer Agency (NCA), which had been pressing Maclaren to provide Irish parents with the same level of protection offered in the US.
As Maclaren does not have an operation here, Irish customers who need advice or wish to obtain hinge covers should contact the Maclaren customer services team in the UK on 00 44 1327 841320. User instructions for safe operation of the buggies can be obtained online from www.maclarenbaby.com.
Earlier this week, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled one million Maclaren buggies manufactured over the past decade until safety devices have been attached. This followed reports that 12 children had their fingertips cut off when they got caught in the hinges.
All Maclaren single and double umbrella pushchairs, including the popular Volo and Techno models, were affected.
Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, Labour TD Joe Costello said the company’s original stance was ludicrous. “If the goods are faulty and recalled by the manufacturer in one country then it is discriminatory not to recall them in every country.”
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan said she had referred the matter to the NCA and would act urgently on its recommendations.