The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has published its helpline report for the first half of 2026, revealing that 22,724 consumers reached out for assistance. The report highlights the most pressing issues faced by consumers, with faulty goods, pricing, and contract performance topping the list.

The sectors most frequently reported include vehicles and transport, utilities and fuel, and homebuilding and improvements. Notably, Rathwood, Ryanair, Sky, Currys, and Harvey Norman were identified as the top five traders contacted by consumers.

Consumers reported an average expenditure of €6,473 on the products or services that prompted their calls to the CCPC. There was a notable 34% increase in contacts related to online purchases, with 4,577 inquiries specifically about faulty goods and services. The CCPC's website also saw over 1 million visits during this period.

CCPC Director of Communications and Consumer Information, Aoibhín de Búrca, emphasized the importance of consumer awareness regarding their rights, particularly in cases of faulty products. The CCPC has successfully resolved many issues, with 91% of consumers taking action after contacting the helpline, although nearly half had to reach out multiple times to resolve their concerns.

The report also indicates a significant number of consumers were referred to the Small Claims Court, with almost 6,000 referrals made in the first half of the year. However, many consumers face challenges due to the low claim threshold of €2,000, which excludes those with higher-value claims.

In response to these findings, the CCPC is advocating for an increase in the Small Claims Court limit to €8,000 to better serve consumers. Additionally, the CCPC has revamped its website to enhance user experience and provide better access to consumer rights information.