THE NATIONAL Consumer Agency has published a "name and shame" list of 33 companies which have failed to comply with consumer legislation. The NCA says it hopes the decision to publish the list will deter traders from failing to comply.
Of the 33 companies listed, seven were prosecuted for failing to display correct prices, four gave undertakings they would refrain from misleading consumers and eight were handed compliance notices for charging more for items than was indicated.
Some 14 on-the-spot fines were issued to traders for failing to display prices as required.
NCA chief executive Ann Fitzgerald said: "Publishing details recorded in the consumer protection list will send a message to traders that if they fail to comply with consumer legislation, enforcement actions will be taken by the agency."
Tesco's store at Dundrum shopping centre was one of the seven traders prosecuted for failing to display prices. It was fined €1,500.
The other stores prosecuted were Cecilia Stores Ltd, Dublin 1; a Gala store operated by Thomas Welby in Oughterard, Co Galway; Power's Londis supermarket, Dublin 5; and Pickardstown service station operated by Thomas Farrell & Sons, Tramore, Co Waterford.
Two licensed premises run by Eric McDonnell, trading as McDonnells, Newbridge, and Westgrove Hotel and Conference Centre, Clane, were prosecuted for failing to display price lists.
Arch Motors Ltd, Galway, and Orange Motors Ltd, Limerick, were found to have been engaged in misleading commercial practices by selling or offering for sale used clocked cars.
David Lam, Dundalk, gave the NCA an undertaking to refrain from engaging in misleading practices by advertising or promoting treated water as a cure for various ailments when it is not.
Allied Irish Windscreens gave an undertaking to refrain from giving consumers the impression that a windscreen repair service would be "free" when this applied only to customers whose insurance would cover the cost.
