MOTORING ON - What consumers need to know to stay on the road - LIFESTYLE - Consumers' Association of Ireland
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www.thecai.ie
SEPTEMBER 2020
MOTORING ON
– What consumers need to know to stay on the road
MONEY LIFESTYLE PRODUCT TESTS
REMOTE WORKING DRIVING SERVICES INDUCTION HOBS
MORTGAGE BREAKS U/5 HEALTH GUIDELINES WIRELESS HOME SPEAKERS
www.thecai.ie
The
Consumers'
September 2020
Association of Dear Member,
Ireland
The much wished for return to normality is becoming a reality but logically that, in the absence of price control, we at least consider
The Council is the not necessarily in the context or the order of appearance that Irish the need for a moratorium on price increases for certain services?
policy-making body consumers would have preferred. The serious matter of Covid-19 Borrowing, in every manner, is strictly stress tested. The
of CAI. Members are has dictated the degree of limitation and curtailment to so much of borrower must show the ability to afford to borrow and to repay
elected from within what we know, practice, love and enjoy and the manner in which the sum provided.
the CAI's membership we do it. The impact of Covid-19 demands a stress test for
at the Annual As I write this short comment this month, schools are affordable living for a great number of seriously affected citizens
General Meeting. reopening but the restrictions on movement, travel, business and who do not borrow, cannot borrow and are facing future bill
our lifestyles mean that doors and opportunities remain closed to shocks. To date, the usual advice has been to switch provider and
Council us for fear and protection of our health and the health of the nation. save on outlay. This is still a valid option, but not in all cases. With
Members However, in doing so, our livelihood is affected and continuing increases in essential services and legally required
the state and health of the family budget is a challenge for all, insurances, as well as the plethora of indirect taxes that we pay
Chairperson regardless of which side of the counter they inhabit. It is therefore across the range of all of those services, does it not logically follow
Michael Kilcoyne a new challenge to have to deal with the news of the introduction that there must be a point at which ‘taking’ must stop – at least
Vice-Chairperson of increased costs in banking fees and charges, health and related temporarily – if we are all to emerge with any degree of financial
Raymond O'Rourke
insurance costs and electricty and energy rates and tariffs. These, resilience and well-being?
Hon Secretary
for many, will add new and personally challenging hurdles in an
Elaine Bolger
Hon Treasurer already lonely, disconcerting and very demanding crisis in their
Richard Donohue lives.
Council Members We need to hear more messages of positivity, planning,
Steen Bruun-Nielsen relief, help and facilitation from our Government. However, in the
James Wims clear understanding that, as taxpayers, we will pay back what is
extended to us now over the years ahead, does it not follow
Our Reports Consumer Choice Published Material
Reports in Consumer Choice are based on Consumer Choice is published by No part of this publication may be reproduced,
market research, laboratory tests or user the Consumers' Association of Ireland stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in
surveys, all of which are independently and (CAI) Limited, a wholly independent, non- any form without obtaining prior permission
scientifically conducted. Free goods are government, non-profit making body. CAI from the Council by contacting the Consumer
never accepted for testing – all samples was founded in 1966 to protect and promote Choice office. It may not be used for any form of
are purchased. Occasionally items may be the interests of the consumers of goods and advertising, sales promotion or publicity.
borrowed for review purposes only. services, and to enhance the quality of life for
The reports are produced in the main consumers. CAI is registered with charitable © Consumers’ Association of Ireland 2020
by our own Editorial staff. Some material status: CHY 8559. ISSN 0790-486X
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Because Consumer Choice carries no basis only. To facilitate banking requirements Staff
commercial advertising it is not swayed by all cancellations must be advised, by letter or Policy and Council Advisor
bias or influence and can point out advantages email only, a full 30 days in advance. Where Dermott Jewell
and flaws in goods and services that other a bank applies a €24 chargeback fee for a
Member/customer advised cancellation we Design/Typeset
magazines may not be able to do.
will deduct same from any refund requests. To
Reports on any article relate only to the Denzil Lacey (Zava Media)
subscribe please write to:
articles or goods mentioned, and not to any
other article of the same or similar description.
Consumer Choice,
Managing Editor
We do not necessarily price or report on all Clodagh O'Donoghue
120/121 Baggot Street Lower,
brands or models within the class, and the
Dublin 2
exclusion of any brand or model should not be Researchers
taken as a reflection on it. Róisín Moloney Weekes
Tel (01) 659 9430
Email cai@thecai.ie Atousa Motameni
Social Media: www.thecai.ie
1 www.thecai.ie September 2020
Contents www.twitter.com/The_CAI
www.facebook.com/
ConsumersAssociationIreland
15 Remote Working and Your
Personal Finances 17 Induction Hobs
MONEY FOOD & HEALTH PRODUCT TESTS
6 Money News 10 Healthy Eating For The 17 Induction Hobs
The latest developments in Under-Fives When the heat is on, which
money matters, including the The FSAI has published the first induction hobs perform best?
high number of mortgage healthy eating guidelines for Consumer Choice has some
payment breaks taken as a children aged one to five years. hot tips for 10 Choice Buys.
result of Covid-19. What is the advice for parents
and guardians?
22 Wireless Home Speakers
Turn up the volume on your
LIFESTYLE listening experience at home
15 Remote Working with five great wireless
and Your Personal speakers.
Finances 12 Motoring On
As many continue to work With the resumption of driving-
from home, Consumer related services, Consumer
Choice investigates the Choice updates motorists on
impact of remote working on what they need to know about
employees and, in particular, driving licences, tests and NCTs
on their personal finances. to stay on the road.
22 Wireless Home Speakers
2 www.thecai.ie September 2020
News Briefs by Dermott Jewell NEWS BRIEFS
A Driving Force
Amazon has paid $1.2 billion (€1.1 billion) to acquire Zoox,
To Your Stations Everyone!
Sony Interactive is especially focussed toward making
a robotics company focusing on autonomous mobility. This
sure that the PS4 and PlayStation Network are fully secure
brings Amazon very significantly into the self-driving car before the launch of the PS5 later this year. To this end,
business as it gives them instant access to start-up, a team of it has established a public Bug Bounty Programme. The
almost 1,000 experts that have designed a prototype vehicle lowest bounty available is $100 (€84) for anyone who can
to transport passengers in urban areas. Zoox had tested its find a low vulnerability in the wider PlayStation Network.
That increases to a payment in excess of $3,000 (€2,520)
technology in cities and on motorways; it has demonstrated
for critical vulnerabilities discovered in the network.
how the technology can yield to pedestrians and pass However, the real money comes with the focus upon
double-parked vehicles; and it is in the process of designing the PS4 console. Here the bounties start at $500 (€420)
a vehicle that is symmetrical and bidirectional that can for low vulnerabilities and a Sony promise to pay more
travel in either direction without disorientating passengers. than $50,000 (€42,000) to anyone who can spot critical
vulnerabilities in the PS4. HackerOne is a group that will
However, that testing was severely cut back due to the
host the Bug Bounty Programme for Sony. It advises that
Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in layoff of most workers. the reward amount will depend on the severity of the
This led to the interest and timing appropriate acquisition flaw as well as the quality of the report. Up to this point,
for Amazon - which is by no means new to the self-drive PlayStation’s bug bounty programme has been held
technology. The company owns Aurora Innovation, which privately among researchers and it is the last of the big
names in gaming consoles to launch a public offer. To
is led by the former head of Google’s self-driving car
date, it has paid almost $174,000 (€146,000) in bounties,
project, as well as electric vehicle start-up Rivian. with the average payout being $400 (€340) and the top so
far being $40,000 (€33,600).
WHO IS IN CHARGE?
The Covid-19 crisis has had the effect of closing consumer concerns to what are important changes. ESB Ecars had announced
that standard public electric vehicle (EV) charging points in cities, towns and villages would no longer be free to use from August
10th. Following ten years of free availability, the owners of EVs in Ireland now pay to avail of standard 22kW public charging points.
These charging points have two price plans. The ‘pay-as-you-go’ model will pay 26.8 cent per kWh. Meanwhile, those who pay a
monthly subscription of €4.60 will receive a reduced charge of 23 cent per kWh. While charging was initially free on these points
to encourage the uptake of EVs, ESB Ecars said that this new pricing structure will help to fund the planned €20 million investment
in the national public charging network. These include fast-charging points installed across the country, all of which have their
own pricing structure. With a 50kW capacity, approximately 150 of these charging points were installed along major roadways to
recharge an EV faster than the more commonly available standard charging points. Since then, more than 150 additional standard
charging points have been installed across the country. The introduction of pricing will likely encourage EV owners to install home
charging points, with the roadside charging points used for top-ups rather than as part of a daily full charge. Think of it in terms
of leaving on the immersion!
Septemberwww.thecai.ie
2020 www.thecai.ie 3
September 2020
We’re Doing This For Our Own Good……………
Changes are also coming in the form of with mobile and smartphones. The result is that
environmental e-waste considerations – or at least many of us have several universal power adapters
that is what Apple is advising to be behind the and leads that more than meet our needs. This,
suggestion that it will no longer provide ear buds of course, must raise the long-outstanding
or power adaptors with upcoming iPhones. These problem of the lack of a universal charger, lead
will instead be sold separately as accessories as and accessory kit – and the opposition to that
a cost-cutting measure to offset the cost of 5G concept by these same manufacturers. A key
networking components and upgrading. Samsung factor in this will be how consumers view the
has now come forward with the advice that it too is removal of these accessories in the context of
considering excluding a charger from their future their personal loss versus the monetary gain and
smartphone sales. Both companies sell millions of benefits smartphone manufacturers will not pass
units every year and so these decisions will result back to them. Key also will be the consideration
in significant savings, as well as an increase in of a scheme either for extended warranty or no-
profits from products bought separately. quibble replacement of faulty leads and chargers.
Charging cables and power adapters Well, you can’t blame me for having a moment of
have always been included as a basic accessory madness.
This Time Next Year We Could Be……………………..
The changes in lifestyle as a direct result of Covid-19-related for kerb-side pickup and/or delivery ahead of that holiday
measures keep coming and are requiring decisions and plan- period. As the concerns here at home continue, we will need to
ning with new approaches to sustain businesses and jobs and see similar considerations from businesses as our own major
to meet consumer needs and demands. If we look to the US, December event comes closer. Crowds are to be avoided and
there, two of the largest retailing entities, Walmart and Target, so alternatives will be essential. Closer to home though, red
have already announced changes to practice of their 30-year- suits may become a focus of demand from parents eager to
plus business strategies and are closing all of their stores keep the magic alive for little people. This, of course may lead
on Thanksgiving. They are focussing, obviously, on an earlier to demanding roles for grandparents, uncles, aunts and any-
start to shopping in October and are both also making more one who can carry off a convincing ho, ho, ho. Start practising.
than 20,000 items, including fresh and frozen food, available
More Than Hot Air
Dyson has issued a warning to counterfeit Supersonic hairdryers
consumers about counterfeit in Shenzhen. The court held that
versions of its products sold on they seriously infringed the Dyson
online marketplaces. Specifically, the trademark and that the products
company issued the advice following also had quality issues that could put
its successful prosecution of 35 consumers at risk of personal injury
people involved in the manufacturing or property loss. Dyson’s Supersonic
and selling of counterfeit Dyson hairdryer is one of the most expensive
hairdryers in Shanghai. The Chinese ones to buy and so a cheaper price
authorities gave the 35 accused is tempting, especially when the
significant custodial sentences and fake design is difficult to tell from
heavy fines. This followed raids on the the real thing. In addition, the sites
fraudsters’ premises where in excess they established used misleading
of 19,000 counterfeit hairdryers were terms and phrases such as ‘suitable
found that had been manufactured for Dyson’ were used to confuse
by the group. The fraudsters had customers and associate counterfeit
established a factory to manufacture products with the branded ones.
Septemberwww.thecai.ie
2020 September 2020
www.thecai.ie 4
FOOD & HEALTH/News by Clodagh O’Donoghue
Food &
Health
New guidance on safe levels of nutrients in food supplements
Guidance for food businesses was published health at high intakes – vitamin A, vitamin FSAI CEO Dr Pamela Byrne notes
in August 2020 aimed at safeguarding B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, beta carotene, that the new guidance, which comes at a
consumers from potentially harmful levels folic acid, and magnesium. Although EU time when an ever-increasing number of
of certain vitamins and minerals in food law already sets maximum safe levels of food supplements are coming onto the
supplements. With the growing popularity vitamins and minerals in food supplements, Irish market, will support food businesses
of food supplements across the country, the precise levels for Ireland had not been to manufacture products with nutrient
the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) established before now. The FSAI guidance levels that are safe for consumers and will
has sought to issue guidance for food also highlights that maximum safe levels ensure that consumers are protected from
businesses that provides clarity on the vary depending on the population sub- potentially harmful doses. The message
upper intake level and maximum safe group and their dietary intake, given that the to consumers is that “more is not always
level for vitamins and minerals in food likelihood of negative health impacts at high better” when it comes to vitamins and
supplements for different population groups intakes may differ according to life stage minerals and Dr Byrne highlights that the
in Ireland. – for example, children, teenagers, adults, FSAI recommends a well-balanced diet with
Maximum safe levels are provided pregnant or menopausal women and older plenty of fruit and vegetables and exercise
for seven nutrients that may adversely affect people. as part of a healthy eating plan.
Game plan
Parents who could do with a little inspiration Balloons left over from a party or Fitness Alphabet, workout exercises
for keeping their children active and moving can provide endless entertainment, with that raise your heartbeat and improve
can look to all-island organisation safefood ideas including a balloon waddle race strength and flexibility – such as jumping
for some fun ideas for simple games that where a balloon (or ball) is placed between jacks, squats, lunges and push-ups – can be
can be played indoors or outside. Becoming each player’s knees and everyone makes a incorporated into game formats.
more active does not necessarily mean dash for the finish line. Or a form of ‘keepy For parents who are perhaps
getting involved in organised sports – any uppies’ can be played, either solo or in pairs running out of steam in terms of coming up
activity that gets the heart to beat faster will or groups, where the aim is to not let the with fresh ways of entertaining their small
have beneficial effects. With this in mind, balloon touch the floor. The whole family folk and who are keen that physical activity
safefood has compiled 20 active play and can get involved with a game of musical levels can be maintained whatever the
game ideas for all ages, many of which are statues where you put on some boppy tunes challenges over coming months, safefood’s
suitable for inside the house if the weather and have to freeze instantly when the music creative suggestions may be just the
is not playing nice. No special equipment suddenly stops. Or you can organise a family resource they need. For all game ideas and
is required beyond, in some cases, a ball, sports day with traditional events including how to play, see https://www.safefood.net/
balloon or everyday items that you can find an egg-and-spoon race, wheelbarrow Healthy-Eating/Family-health/Active-play-
around the home. Some of the games are race, three-legged race, sprint, hula-hoop and-games-ideas.
old favourites that should bring back some and more. Another fun suggestion is
nostalgic memories for the adults, such as to assemble an obstacle course from
Simon Says and Hopscotch, while others are household items – with cushions as stepping
new variations on familiar themes that find stones, masking tape creating a tightrope,
innovative ways of incorporating physical large cardboard boxes forming a tunnel
exercise into play. All should have the – and races can be held between parents
desired effects of keeping boredom at bay and children to find out who can complete
and being lots of fun while getting children the course in the fastest time. With some
physically active. of the play ideas, such as Fitness Monopoly
5 www.thecai.ie September 2020
MONEY NEWS
Money News Money News by Clodagh O’Donoghue
“In terms of value, mortgages account for
Covid-19 mortgage over 90% of household payment breaks at
€14.5 billion.”
payment breaks
Data from the Central Bank of Ireland on the banks (92%) but also from credit unions assistance for those who need it, it comes
scale of applications for Covid-19 payment (1%) and retail credit and credit servicing at an additional cost on the mortgage. As
breaks reveal the extent of the economic firms (7%). Another 68,574 payment breaks a result, MABS advises consumers to apply
shock triggered by the coronavirus pandemic amounting to €7 billion in loans were for a payment break only as a last resort
that has left thousands of households and approved for non-Irish borrowers. In terms and, instead, where possible, to engage with
businesses across the country on reduced of the value of loans, business borrowers lenders and pay whatever they can to prevent
incomes. In March 2020, financial services account for 40% of payment breaks while the build-up of future larger repayments.
firms made payment breaks initially for three- households account for 60%. Of the Deferred payments are generally spread over
month periods available to household and household loans, almost all are either the term of a loan but will increase the cost of
business customers across all major types mortgages or consumer loans, with the credit on the loan so that, when repayments
of loans, including mortgages, personal and number of household payment breaks split start again, they may be higher than they
business loans. These three-month breaks evenly between the two loan types. However, were before as the lender may add the
were later extended to six months where in terms of value, mortgages account for deferred payments to the overall loan balance
required. A payment break is a freeze on over 90% of household payment breaks at but keep the term the same. Repayment
payments for a set period that provides cash €14.5 billion, representing more than 10% terms are agreed with the lender on a case-by-
flow relief and frees up financial resources, of all outstanding mortgages. In contrast, case basis but the payment break will need to
allowing households to pay essential bills, consumer loans account for less than 10% of be paid for at some point and, depending on
for example. Importantly, consumers who the value of approved household payment the size of your outstanding loan, the interest
agree a payment break with their lender will breaks at €1.3 billion. rate you are paying and the time left on the
not have their credit history or credit rating There has clearly been a huge mortgage term, you could end up paying
affected. need among many mortgage holders for a several thousands of euro extra over the
As of late June 2020, almost respite from mortgage repayments amid the lifetime of the loan. The table below from
160,000 payment breaks representing effects of the pandemic but, as highlighted bonkers.ie offers examples of how much extra
€20.1 billion were approved on loans to Irish by the Money Advice and Budgeting Service you could end up paying on your loan.
borrowers, predominantly from Irish retail (MABS), although a payment break may offer
Table: Samples showing the potential impact of three-month and six-month payment breaks and how much extra the borrower
may have to pay towards their mortgage over time, based on an interest rate of 3.2% for the lifetime of the mortgage.
Terms remaining in years 10 20 30
Mortgage balance €100,000 €100,000 €100,000
Extra repayable (three-month break) €493 €600 €721
Extra repayable (six-month break) €987 €1,201 €1,445
Mortgage balance €200,000 €200,000 €200,000
Extra repayable (three-month break) €986 €1,199 €1,442
Extra repayable (six-month break) €1,974 €2,402 €2,889
Mortgage balance €300,000 €300,000 €300,000
Extra repayable (three-month break) €1,479 €1,799 €2,163
Extra repayable (six-month break) €2,962 €3,603 €4,334
Source: Figures provided as samples by bonkers.ie in May 2020. These sample figures are for illustrative purposes only and bonkers.ie notes that the effect of applying a payment break on
your mortgage might be different and so the cost could vary from the example above.
The Central Bank notes that the on ensuring that all financial services firms Moreover, MABS urges consumers who
position on payment breaks is an evolving appropriately support borrowers in distress, are concerned about their future financial
situation dependent on how the public including treating them fairly and engaging stability to speak with one of their expert
health response develops and the timing effectively to find solutions that will help advisors to get independent, confidential
of the economic recovery. However, the as many borrowers as possible to return to and non-judgmental advice by calling the
Central Bank has also stated that it is focused repaying their debt in a sustainable way. MABS helpline on 076 1072000.
www.thecai.ie September 2020
6 www.thecai.ie
Driving licences and Brexit
Although Brexit and the challenges it presents who are residents of Ireland will no longer NI licences living in Ireland who had yet to
may have slipped to the back of our minds in be eligible to drive here and so will need to make the swap to an Irish licence.
recent months, for some motorists in Ireland exchange these licences for an Irish one. To The NDLS notes that the
it may be time to refocus their attention. The exchange your driving licence, you must Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
National Driving Licence Service (NDLS) is complete a licence application form and plans to establish appropriate arrangements
encouraging anyone with a UK driving licence present this, along with an exchange fee of that will allow for the exchange of a UK/NI
who is resident in Ireland to take steps to €55 and your UK driving licence, at any NDLS driving licence for an Irish driving licence
exchange it for an Irish licence well before it centre. Due to Covid-19 measures, no walk-in following Brexit but that the timeline for this
becomes invalid at the end of the year. Since service is available and appointments must bilateral agreement cannot be confirmed
the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement be booked online at ndls.ie. The NDLS is and, in the meantime, these driving licences
on 31st January 2020, the UK, including urging all UK licence holders to apply early will not be valid. Moreover, the Road Safety
Northern Ireland, is no longer a member of for exchange instead of leaving it until the Authority points out that, in the absence of
the EU but a transition period runs until 31st final days of the year, which could result in alternative arrangements with the UK, you
December and under the arrangements in lengthy delays in NDLS centres, unsustainable may have to apply for a learner permit if you
place, UK/NI driving licences held by residents demand and longer processing times for wish to continue to drive in Ireland and there
of Ireland will continue to be valid. However, applications. As of September last year, there may also be implications for your insurance
from December 31st, holders of a UK licence were still an estimated 40,000 holders of UK/ cover after the December 31st end-date.
Move to contactless payments
The second quarter of 2020 saw Unsurprisingly, cash
contactless payments hit a new usage has fallen as contactless
high of almost €1.9 billion, or 26.6% payments have grown in recent
higher than the same period last months. Although euro notes and
year, according to latest figures coins have legal tender status in
from the Banking & Payments Ireland, under the law a retailer
Federation Ireland (BPFI). This does not have to accept cash as a
increase in the value of contactless form of payment when the retailer
payments comes despite the has specified in advance that it
volume of payments dropping to will only accept other payment
123 million, the lowest level since types, such as debit or credit cards.
first-quarter 2019. So, consumers According to the Central Bank of
are engaging in fewer transactions Ireland, if a retailer does not specify
but spending more each time they clearly in advance the type of
make a payment. payment accepted, then the retailer
The average contactless must accept cash. Amid the
payment value jumped from current pandemic, some retailers
€12.51 in March to €15.57 in June, are opting to no longer accept cash
with such growth attributed at payments but this must be clearly
least partly to the increase in the indicated to consumers in advance.
contactless limit from €30 to €50 In relation to cash safety and the
in April in response to the Covid-19 impact of Covid-19, the Central Bank
public health emergency. Having notes that it has been advised the
fallen as low as €15.7 million in April, risk of infection with banknotes
daily contactless spend hit a new is no greater than other kinds of
monthly high of €27.7 million in surfaces with which people come
June, as spending in the retail and into contact in the course of their
hospitality sectors recovered. daily activities.
September
September2020
2020
7 www.thecai.ie
www.thecai.ie
Product/Tech News
Going back to the past
So many events have had to migrate from in-person gatherings to Irish people who went to Scotland in the last 200 years through
online occasions in recent months and another example comes with the Glasgow City Archives. Other sessions will consider genetic
the Back to our Past genealogy and family/social history experience. genealogy and how DNA can be used to further family history
Commuted to a virtual event for 2020, it will take place from the research and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission will
18th to the 20th of September, with a fee of €10 covering a three-day advise on accessing military records to trace ancestors involved in
online schedule aimed at helping you to trace your Irish family various conflicts. Talks by National Archives experts will consider
history. the Irish workhouse system and what records are available relating
Those looking for assistance in tracking down their both to workhouses and to convicts who served sentences in Ireland
ancestors can access online presentations, podcasts and question- or further afield in Australia.
and-answer sessions that will cover such topics as finding free As we struggle with our own once-in-a-century event in
online records, navigating civil and church records and census the coronavirus pandemic, now might be a good time to explore the
returns, and constructing your family tree. If your ancestors left challenges faced by our ancestors – and this virtual event means
the country, willingly or otherwise, there is advice on searching Irish that, this year, we can get some insights to help start or further our
passenger lists and how to find Irish emigrants in US and British research, all from the comfort of our homes. Details can be found at
records. There is a particular focus in this year’s event on potential backtothepast.ie or you can call 01 4969028 or email info@slp.ie for
Scottish connections with three online presentations looking at additional information.
Volume control
Recent years have seen the rise of personalised listening and greatly increased use of headphones and earphones as we spend more and
more time connected to our devices. But despite the unquestionable convenience and utility provided, consumers need to be aware that
their headphones can deliver sound at a volume that is potentially unsafe and could cause irreparable damage to their hearing.
Inside the ear are thousands of little hair-like structures, known as hair cells, that are responsible for transmitting sound
to the brain, where it is processed. Excess noise can cause permanent damage to these cells, interrupting the mechanism of sound
transmission. It has been well documented that the combination of excess level of sound and duration of exposure contributes to
potential hearing problems. So how loud is too loud and how long is too long?
In a recent report, the Harvard Medical School notes that sound less than 70dB is unlikely to cause any significant damage to
the ears, while exposure to sound levels above 85dB (equal to a lawnmower or leaf blower) for more than two hours can cause possible
ear damage and it only takes five minutes for exposure to sound of 105dB to 110dB to be harmful to ears. These figures are important as
personal listening devices are often tuned to a maximum volume of around 105dB to 110dB – above the threshold at which damage occurs
in a very short time in both children and adults. It is interesting to note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the
US requires employers to offer hearing protection for employees with averaged exposure of 85dB for greater than eight hours. However,
headphone use at only slightly higher sound levels can cause damage in less than one hour and users might easily spend several hours
listening to content at a level that could cause hearing loss.
It is important to recognise the need for healthy headphone use and to make sure to keep the sound at a comfortable level, to
be aware of how long you have been listening and to take breaks after prolonged listening sessions. Investing in a pair of noise-cancelling
headphones can also help, as these can block background sounds so that you don’t have to keep turning up the volume to drown out
external noise.
The products featured on these pages have not been tested by the Consumers’
Product News by Clodagh O'Donoghue
Association of Ireland and their inclusion here is not, in any way, an endorsement of them.
8 www.thecai.ie September 2020
A little light cleaning
For obvious reasons, we have all become once, it can be used to disinfect everything allow the items to be retrieved.
obsessed with cleaning and hygiene in from small toys to razor blades, from keys Available in black or white, the
recent months, so it is timely for a new to headphones, and from credit cards to ACESO can sit on a table or be mounted
UV sanitisation device for the home to toothbrushes. The specially designed on a wall. It has certainly captured the
be making an appearance. Frequently reflective interior provides 360-degree hygiene-conscious imagination of many
handled everyday items have long been coverage that significantly reduces consumers, with recent crowdfunding
known to harbour all kinds of bacteria and the number of blindspots to ensure raising more than ten times the initial
repeated studies from across the globe disinfection of any nooks and crannies that funding goal. The retail price is $199 (€168
have come to the alarming conclusion that might otherwise be missed. Moreover, approx.) with shipping to anywhere in the
our phones are home to ten times as many when items are placed in the device, the world due to begin next month.
germs as the average toilet seat. Other compartment is sealed tight by a lid that is
much-used items – such as keys, wallets, TV locked before the UV disinfection process
remote controls and more – are likely to be starts in order to protect users from UV-C
similarly germ-ridden and so are in need of light, which can be harmful to the skin and
a regular thorough clean. This is where the eyes. To prevent cross-contamination,
new ACESO can come in. contact-free operation is provided, so that
The ACESO is a stylish sanitisation the lid is closed by simply a wave of the
device that cleans items using UV-C light to hand. Once cleaning is complete, the UV
kill germs on surfaces. With a compartment light automatically switches off before the
large enough to hold multiple items at lock is released and the lid slides open to
Recycled cycles
In an excellent example of true ‘recycling’, An Post staff who are making the transition to electric vehicles are donating their trusty
delivery bicycles to frontline workers in homeless charities around Ireland. It is hoped that the purpose-built work bikes will assist
frontline support workers as they navigate through cities and towns, collecting and delivering food parcels and additional supplies to
homeless shelters, hostels and other locations. An Post’s fleet of Pashley Pronto bikes are hard-wearing and sturdy, designed for heavy
use over all terrains in all weathers. Crucially, they are able to carry up to 40kg of goods in total, 20kg on the front and 20kg on the rear.
The first donations were made in August to Dublin Simon and the Capuchin Centre and bikes will also be provided over coming months to
other Irish charities that support people who are homeless or living in temporary accommodation such as Good Shepherd in Cork, COPE
in Galway, Focus Ireland and the Peter McVerry Trust.
Meanwhile, An Post staff who had been relying on their hard-working bicycles will be moving to the latest zero-emission
electric trucks, vans and trikes, which will be better suited to carrying the growing volume of parcels and packages around delivery
routes. An Post deliveries in Dublin city centre are already made by zero-emission vehicles and the company will phase out its diesel
vans with plans to provide emission-free deliveries by the end of 2020 to the cities of Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Kilkenny and Galway as
well as many larger towns and suburbs across the country.
Fresh thinking
Over the last few weeks, Aldi Ireland has vegetables in-store, with 27 lines now available, that its stores have seen an almost 8% increase
been trialling reusable bags for fresh fruit and representing an increase of 29% since 2017. in unit sales of fresh fruit and vegetables since
vegetables made entirely from recycled plastic The reusable bags have been displayed next to the national lockdown in response to the
bottles at ten participating stores across the loose produce on 100%-recyclable cardboard coronavirus public health crisis.
country. For four weeks from August 10th, stands that have been made from 30% recycled This latest project forms part of Aldi’s
consumers have been able to purchase the material. Participating Aldi stores are located in overall plastic reduction programme, which
reusable mesh drawstring bags for €0.49 each Ardkeen, Carrick-on-Suir, Castlebar, Castleisland, sets 2025 as the date by which 50% of plastic
in selected stores. Aldi touts the bags as being Dungarvan, Dunmanway, Castletroy, Nenagh, packaging will be made of recycled content
sturdy, breathable and washable and as having Portumna and Wilton. and plastic packaging overall will be reduced
tangible environmental benefits, as each bag The timing of this trial coincides with by 50%. Other measures already taken include
purchased helps to keep more plastic bottles increased customer demand for fresh produce, the introduction of compostable and recyclable
out of landfill and further reduces the need as consumers transition to healthier lifestyles packaging for fresh herbs and renewable and
for single-use plastic bags. Aldi has sought and, in particular over the last few months, have plant-based packaging for one-litre milk cartons.
to provide a larger range of loose fruit and been rediscovering home cooking. Aldi notes
9 www.thecai.ie September 2020
FOOD & HEALTH / Healthy eating guidelines Healthy Eating For The Under-Fives The FSAI has published the first healthy eating guidelines for children aged one to five years. REPORT by Clodagh O'Donodghue What do parents and guardians need to know? Most of us are at least somewhat in Ireland. The FSAI’s Scientific Committee can last a lifetime. As Dr Byrne notes, familiar with the food pyramid and developed the new guidelines based on the many children in the under-five age group health guidelines on what we should be latest Irish research on the dietary habits unfortunately develop a preference for eating and in what quantities on a daily of this age group, healthy eating principles sweet, salty and energy-dense foods that basis but these guidelines apply from and international best practice on young can prove difficult for parents to manage. five years of age and, up until now, there child feeding, with reference to a wide It is hoped that the FSAI’s new guidelines were no specific recommendations range of healthy body sizes for children will help to empower parents and for the under-fives. The Food Safety aged one to five years. guardians, along with health professionals, Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has sought to From a child’s first birthday, when to best support this vital stage in a child’s address the gap in Irish scientific dietary they start to move from a predominantly development. recommendations for the post-infancy milk-based diet, the exciting transition to a As Ms Ita Saul, Chair of the FSAI period, from one year old to the age of five new world of foods opens up. According to Working Group that compiled the report, when the general population healthy eating FSAI CEO Dr Pamela Byrne, children in this highlights, “toddlers and preschoolers recommendations begin to apply. As a age group are at a developmental stage have very high nutritional requirements result, in June 2020, the FSAI published where they increasingly want to make their relative to their size, so there is a real need a report outlining food-based dietary own decisions about what they eat and the to focus on the quality of food rather than guidelines for one- to five-year-olds living dietary habits formed at this critical phase quantity”. Thus, the food choices made for 10 www.thecai.ie September 2020
the portion size equivalent to what would
fit into the child’s hand, so bigger children
get more and smaller children get less.
• Around 30g of lean red meat is
recommended three times a week to
supply iron, protein and essential minerals.
On other days, poultry, fish, eggs, beans or
lentils can replace red meat as a source of
iron and protein.
• A mix of white and wholemeal breads,
cereals, potatoes, pasta and rice are
important sources of calories and will also
provide fibre.
• There is very little room for foods that
are high in fat, sugar or salt in a one- to
five-year-old’s diet. Thus, cakes, sweets,
crisps, biscuits and sugary cereals
are not recommended as these foods
can overwhelm a child’s capacity for
nutritious foods or provide additional
calories that lead to overweight and
obesity problems.
• As with adults, fats, spreads and oils
should be kept to a minimum.
this age group are of critical importance. • Between November and March,
children aged one to five require a Useful contact
Key recommendations low-dose vitamin D-only supplement to
The following are some of the key compensate for the lack of this vitamin The Food Safety Authority
recommendations for parents and being synthesised through sunlight. of Ireland
guardians of children in the one-to-five age fsai.ie
group: • Children aged one to three years who email: info@fsai.ie
are naturally small require extra iron,
• Water and milk are the only drinks which can be provided through drinking
recommended for children of this age, iron-fortified full-fat milk or via a low-
while any sugary or acidic drinks should dose iron supplement.
be strictly limited and only consumed at
mealtimes, if at all. • It is important to foster acceptance
when children are young of the wide range
• Milk remains a key food, with a of flavours and textures associated with
recommended daily intake of 550ml of healthy foods and so children need to be
cow’s milk or equivalent quantities of encouraged to try an expanding variety
cheese or yoghurt. of vegetables, salads, fruits, fish, and
wholemeal cereals to help them develop
• Milk substitutes, such as almond ‘milk’ or a taste for nutritious foods. It may
coconut ‘milk’, are nutritionally inadequate help to add small amounts of sugar to
and should not be given to under-fives. stewed fruit or milk puddings or jam on
Where a plant-based milk is required to wholemeal bread.
replace cow’s milk, then a soya ‘milk’ can
be used once it is fortified with nutrients, • Excluding a key food group from a child’s
particularly calcium. diet because a food allergy is suspected
without appropriate professional medical
• Main meals should always include a advice being sought is not recommended,
portion of vegetables. The number of as the growth and development of the
small portions of salad, vegetables or fruit child can be compromised.
should match the age of the child – for
example, two portions for a two-year-old
and four portions for a four-year-old, with
11 www.thecai.ie September 2020Lifestyle/Driving-related services
Motoring On
With the resumption of driving-related services following the months-long
suspension earlier in the year, Consumer Choice updates motorists on
staying on the road.
of business amid ongoing public health issued to you but the Gardaí have been
REPORT by Clodagh O'Donoghue challenges. advised of the change in legislation on both
driving licences and learner permits and
Driving licences Insurance Ireland, the body representing
The national lockdown earlier this year Earlier in 2020, amid the national lockdown, the insurance industry, has indicated that it
in response to the coronavirus pandemic driving licences that were due to expire will recognise the extensions provided. The
halted many essential services, including from March 1st to June 30th were extended NDLS advises motorists to contact their
those to do with driving and vehicles. Given initially for a four-month period from their insurer or broker for further details.
the various travel restrictions and advice expiry date. Then, on August 7th, the When it comes to renewing your
to stay at home and avoid social contact, a National Driving Licence Service (NDLS) driving licence, you can only do so within
number of extensions were applied to take announced that these licences were to be three months of its expiry date. Thus, the
account of suspended operations and to further extended by three months. The automatic extension of driving licences
provide breathing space for motorists who seven-month-in-total extension applies to has an impact on renewal dates. The
found that, for example, their NCT was due, all driving licences that expired between NDLS gives as an example someone whose
their driving licence was up for renewal or March 1st and August 31st. The expiry date driving licence expired from 5th July 2020.
their learner permit was about to expire. can be found in the column opposite the This licence is automatically extended to
Now, as we endeavour to move forward with vehicle category on your driving licence 5th February 2021, so that it can only be
all aspects of life, Consumer Choice looks and you do not need to do anything to avail renewed from 6th November 2020 onwards.
at how these services are resuming, the of the extension as your driver record will Table 1 below gives further examples
impact of any extensions applied and new be automatically updated. No new driving relating to the extension and earliest
procedures and protocols for safe conduct licence to reflect the extension will be renewal dates for driving licences.
12 www.thecai.ie September 2020TABLE 1: EXAMPLES RELATING TO THE EXTENSION AND EARLIEST RENEWAL DATES FOR DRIVING LICENCES
Expiry date as shown on driving Expiry date following initial four- New expiry date following further Earliest renewal date for these
licence month extension period (covering extension (covering licences driving licences
licences expiring 1st March – 30th expiring 1st March – 31st August)
June)
20th March 2020 20th July 2020 20th October 2020 21st July 2020
8th May 2020 8th September 2020 8th December 2020 9th September 2020
10th July 2020 N/A 10th February 2021 11th November 2020
15th August 2020 N/A 15th March 2021 16th December 2020
1st September 2020 onwards N/A No extension will apply 2nd June 2020
Source: ndls.ie
A similar situation arises with been announced. Thus, a learner permit extension period works. Again, holders of
learner permits. Initially, learner permits that expired on March 5th was extended by learner permits do not need to do anything
that were due to expire from 1st March to four months to July 5th, and its expiry date to avail of the extension of the expiry date
30th June 2020 were extended for four is now further extended by another four as your driver record will be automatically
months from their expiry date. A further months to November 5th. Table 2 below updated and no new learner permit will be
four-month automatic extension has since provides further examples as to how the issued.
TABLE 2: EXAMPLES RELATING TO THE EXTENSION AND EARLIEST RENEWAL DATES FOR LEARNER PERMITS
Expiry date as shown on learner Expiry date following initial four- New expiry date following further Earliest renewal date for these
permit month extension period (covering extension (covering permits learner permits
permits expiring 1st March – 30th expiring 1st March – 31st October)
June)
20th March 2020 20th July 2020 20th November 2020 21st August 2020
8th May 2020 8th September 2020 8th January 2021 9th October 2020
10th July 2020 N/A 10th November 2020 11th August 2020
15th August 2020 N/A 15th December 2020 16th September 2020
12th September 2020 N/A 12th January 2021 13th October 2020
26th October 2020 N/A 26th February 2021 27th November 2020
1st November 2020 onwards N/A No extension will apply 2nd August 2020
Source: ndls.ie
Anyone applying for a first do not have a truck or bus category on be booked online. Due to new Covid-19
driving licence or first learner permit their driving licence/learner permit, and measures, a walk-in service is no longer
will not be able to make their application who have no medical condition. To make available and the NDLS is unable to
online but, in many cases, you may an online application, you must have a accept cash, cheques or postal orders so
be able to renew a driving licence or Public Services Card (PSC) and verified all payments must be made by debit or
learner permit through the NDLS online MyGovID. Those who are not eligible for credit card or GooglePay/Apple Pay. The
system. Online applications are open online renewal must attend their local fees for the driving licence are set out on
to those who are under 70 years, who NDLS office and all appointments must Table 3 below.
TABLE 3: DRIVING LICENCE FEES
Type of licence Cost
Ten-year licence (or period greater than three years) €55
Three-year licence (issued on age and medical grounds) €35
One-year licence (issued on medical grounds) €25
Adding a new licence category to an existing licence €35
To exchange a foreign licence €55
Replacement lost/stolen/damaged licence €35
Change of personal details No fee
Licence for over 70s No fee
Source: ndls.ie
13 www.thecai.ie September 2020Those over 70 years of age have to provide a medical report, but this four-month extension and it reminds
applying for a driving licence/learner situation will be kept under review and customers that if they book a test that
permit normally need to submit a medical may be subject to change. is more than 90 days earlier than the
report but, as a temporary measure test due date, the test will be deemed
arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, National Car Testing Service to be a voluntary early test and the NCT
up to 31st December 2020, persons (NCTS) certificate issued will be valid for one or
over 70 can apply to renew a licence Following the closure of all NCT centres two years (depending on the age of the
without providing a medical report as in March, a four-month extension period vehicle) from the date of the successful
long as they do not have an identified was announced in April for all vehicles test. Thus, consumers should take note
or specified illness, with details of the with a test due date of 28th March of their extended due date and should
conditions stipulated provided on the 2020 or later. From early June, testing check when their vehicle needs its next
NDLS website. The driving licence will be centres began to reopen on a phased NCT by entering their registration number
issued for a period of three years, while a basis, with the NCTS stating that its full on the Check NCT Due Date section on
learner permit will last two years. After network of centres has now reopened. the NCTS website at https://www.ncts.
31st December 2020, it is expected that The NCTS has updated its records for ie/1096 before booking their test. Some
all persons aged 70 and over will again all customers who qualified for the examples of extended NCT due dates are
TABLE 4: EXTENDED NCT DUE DATES
Original NCT expiry date New NCT due date
28th March 2020 28th July 2020
10th May 2020 10th September 2020
15th October 2020* 15th February 2021
*Cars first registered on or after 1st August 2016 are not eligible for the four-month extension. Source: ncts.ie
provided on Table 4 above. Appointments on a gradual basis, with initial priority that those who wear glasses can mitigate
and payment for tests must now be made given to those who had tests scheduled against them fogging up by driving with
online and priority was initially given to when the driver testing service was the windows open and keeping the mask
customers with a test due date prior to suspended and to those in emergency tight to their face. Those attending
March 28th and those affected by the services seeking urgent tests. Prior to for a motorcycle test will now need
issue with the vehicle lift equipment suspension of driver testing, the national to bring their own earpiece with them
earlier in the year, which meant that average waiting time for a driving test was for communicating with the tester.
centres were unable to complete tests by around five to six weeks. Given that there Specifications for suitable earpieces are
examining the underside of the vehicle. is now a significant backlog alongside provided on the RSA website and those
As with all services now, strict reduced capacity to deliver tests due to who arrive with an incompatible device
Covid-19 safety measures are in place the practical realities of adhering to the will have to reapply and pay again for a
and, from the customer perspective, public health guidelines, longer waiting new appointment.
these include presenting their vehicle times are expected. Learner permits Driver theory test certificates
in a hygienic state and free from used have received an extension period of eight and driver test certificates both last for
tissues, gloves and wipes; showing driver months in total and even though the new a period of two years, during which time
identification but not handing it to staff; expiry date will not appear on the permit, you can apply for a learner permit or a
staying in the car or outside the building driver testers will be aware that your driving licence, respectively. For those
once checked in; and leaving windows licence has been extended on your driver with certificates that expired between
slightly open to allow for ventilation. A record and the learner permit validity 1st March and 30th June 2020, the expiry
full list of new stipulations as well as check will take this into account. date has automatically been extended by
staff protocols in place is available on Although the driving test four months to give you a little extra time
ncts.ie. Currently, the NCTS is not able itself has not changed, there are some to apply for the permit/licence.
to provide dedicated times for elderly elements that will be different due to
or vulnerable customers so it is asking safety precautions. The Road Safety Useful websites
vulnerable drivers and those with an Authority (RSA) provides details of
underlying illness not to attend and to all changes on its website at rsa.ie. National Driving Licence Service
organise for someone else to present These include preparing your vehicle ndls.ie
their vehicle where possible. by ensuring it is clean and free from all
personal items and opening the front National Car Testing Service
Driving tests windows slightly, pre-test introductions ncts.ie
All driver testing was suspended from done over the phone, sanitising the
March 13th and began resumption learner permit before handing it to the Road Safety Authority
in June, starting with driver theory driver tester and wearing a face covering rsa.ie
testing and moving on to bus, truck and for the duration of the test. The RSA
motorcycle tests by the end of the month. suggests that you might like to practice
Driver tests for cars resumed on July 20th driving while wearing a face covering and
14 www.thecai.ie September 2020MONEY / Remote working
Remote Working
and Your Personal Finances
REPORT by Róisín Moloney Weekes
Consumer Choice investigates the impact At a glance
of remote working on employees and, in • Covid-19 impact
• Tax relief
particular, on their personal finances. • Challenges and opportunities
The world has, in so many ways, been for the use of such equipment as well needs if remote working offers
turned on its head by the Covid-19 as the safe storage of data in whatever flexibility for dropping and collecting
pandemic and this includes in no small form it exists that may be kept on such children from school.
way the world of work. It necessitated devices or in hard copy away from
employers and employees to implement the usual place of work. Employers Financial aspects
remote working at very short notice must consider how existing legal One aspect of remote working that
during the lockdown. While public health requirements placed upon them, such needs consideration for employees is
concerns dictated this measure and as providing a safe place to work for the effect this form of working has on
society reacted to prevent the spread of their staff, are met when an employee their personal finances. Areas that may
Covid-19, it appears we may have gained works from home. Of course, questions be affected include transport costs,
valuable insights into the advantages of of access and productivity will be parking costs and, in some cases,
remote working for both employers and reviewed from each employer’s and childcare costs – each to be assessed
employees, resulting in remote working business’s point of view. Employers on a case-by-case basis.
becoming far more common in the could possibly make significant savings Employees who now find
many areas of work that allow for it. It on overheads, such as requiring less themselves working remotely may be
is predicted that this altered process of office space, and as a result generate entitled to claim eWorker tax relief.
working and doing business means that savings on rent, rates, electricity, This is a tax relief on expenses that
how work is organised may never return heating and various other costs employees incur while working from
to how it was pre-Covid-19. depending on the business in question. home. To qualify for such relief, you
From the employee’s point of must meet certain criteria that defines
Implications for employers and view, there is much to consider – some your work as eWorking. You cannot, for
employees find it difficult to work from home due example, claim this relief if you simply
The widespread shift to remote working to isolation issues, while others report bring work home after your regular
has far-reaching implications both for increased productivity from the lack working hours but you may qualify if
employees and for businesses. The of interaction with colleagues. From a you work for substantial amounts of
employer will be expected to supply time-management perspective, remote time outside your normal place of work,
employees with the technology and all working cuts commute times, which for such as splitting your time between
other equipment the employee requires many in certain parts of the country your home and the office.
to carry out their role from a location represent a significant portion of the For employees who qualify
other than the office. Employers day that can be more productively as eWorking, their employers can
will have the added responsibility of spent. For those with families, perhaps pay them €3.20 tax free per day. This
establishing a regulatory framework savings can be made on childcare amount is to pay the additional costs
15 www.thecai.ie September 2020You can also read
