Rights and Responsibilities (Junior Cert Home Economics): Revision Notes

Rights and Responsibilities

Consumer Rights

As a consumer in Ireland, you have five basic rights:

1. The Right to Choice

• Consumers can choose what goods and services to buy.
• Competition between companies improves quality and lowers prices.

2. The Right to Truthful Information

• Information on goods/services must be true.
• Example: If eggs are labelled "free-range," this must be accurate.

3. The Right to Quality

• Goods/services must be of merchantable quality.
• Example: Oven gloves should be thick enough to protect your hands.

4. The Right to Safety

• Products must be safe to use and free from hidden dangers.
• Electrical goods, toys, and dangerous items (e.g. bleach) must follow safety rules.

5. The Right to Redress

• If goods/services are faulty, you can get:
  • A repair, replacement, refund, or credit note.
• Compensation must be fair for both the consumer and the seller.

Consumer Responsibilities

Consumers have responsibilities to ensure fair and safe shopping:

• Be well-informed about products, services, and consumer laws.
• Check products for faults or defects before buying.
• Always keep receipts for returns or complaints.
• Read instructions and labels. Follow safety symbols (e.g., "keep out of reach of children").
• Use products only for their intended use.
• Be environmentally friendly, e.g., use reusable shopping bags.
• Shop around for value and compare costs.
• Understand the balance between cost and quality – you get what you pay for!