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Irland
Your rights in case of defect products
Directive 1999/44/EC on the sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees has been implemented by Ireland.In Ireland consumers have a right to a minimum guarantee of six years on products. In the first six months any lack of conformity shall be presumed to have existed at the time of delivery, unless proved otherwise. After the first six months it is up to the consumer to prove that the lack of conformity existed at the time of delivery.
In the first 2 years the consumer is entitled to have the goods brought into conformity free of charge. In the first place, the consumer may require the seller to repair the goods or he may require the seller to replace them, unless this is impossible or disproportionate.
Any repair or replacement shall be completed within a reasonable time and without any significant inconvenience to the consumer, taking account of the nature of the goods and the purpose for which the consumer required the goods. If this should not be possible the consumer is entitled to ask for a price reduction (smaller defects) or to have the contract rescinded.
After the first 2 years compensation can be claimed against the supplier of the goods only if the consumer can prove that it is reasonable for the goods to last that long. Clearly this does not cover wear and tear faults.
Voluntary guarantees given by a producer do not restrict the statutory rights of consumers.
In Ireland it is common to see voluntary guarantees offered with electrical items such as washing machines, cookers etc. The guarantee is usually for 12 months.
Exchange
Unless goods are faulty, a consumer does not have a legal right to an exchange. It is at the trader’s discretion. Therefore it is important to verify before buying, if the trader allows an exchange.Pricing
The Irish currency is the euro.A price must be displayed clearly on a product and it should be the total price (no hidden charges).
The consumer cannot insist on getting the item for the same price as indicated on the price tag. A price tag does not oblige the trader to sell at the price marked. Therefore it is advisable to ask at the cash point before paying.
VAT must be included in the price.
The trader is not obliged to issue a receipt to the consumer, except for taxi drivers who must do so.
The Consumer Information Act 1978 protects consumers against false or misleading claims about goods, services and prices.
Tax
On most goods a 21% value added tax -VAT is charged in Ireland. The VAT on services is 12%.In Ireland there is no VAT on children shoes or clothing or on books.
Methods of payment
The most common methods of payment in Ireland are cash, credit and debit cards. Cheques are used to a lesser extent.When paying by credit card, consumers do not have to show identity card.
The sales
There are two general periods of sales, the winter and summer sales. The biggest sales in Ireland occur immediately after Christmas. Summer sales take place in June/July.However, these are not subjected to Regulations and retailers are free to offer sales at any time of the year.
Opening hours
Shops’ general opening hours are:
Monday – Saturday: 09:30 - 18:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 18:00
Late night shopping takes place one night a week when shops stay open until 8pm. That is either on Thursdays or Fridays, depending on the city.
Banks’ general opening hours are:
Monday – Friday: 10:00 - 16:00Saturday & Sunday: closed
There is extended opening one day a week, which is usually Thursday.
Post Offices’ general opening hours are:
Monday – Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00.
Smaller post offices close for lunch and work from 9-12 p.m. on Saturdays.
Deposit
There is no deposit on bottles and cans.There is a tax on plastic bags of from 15c.
Tourist information
Tourist information can be found via the following link to the official website for tourism and travel:www.ireland.travel.ie
Status: August 2004
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