The only way is up As the cost of living rises, the CAI's Supermarket Basket Survey reflects the reality for prices at the till - Consumers' ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
www.thecai.ie
APRIL 2022
The only way is up…
As the cost of living rises, the CAI’s Supermarket Basket Survey
reflects the reality for prices at the till.
MONEY LIFESTYLE PRODUCT TESTS
SUPERMARKET BASKET SURVEY TRAVEL INSURANCE STEAM IRONS
CRYPTO-ASSET RISKS QUITTING SMOKING PUSHCHAIRS
www.thecai.ie
The April 2022
Consumers'
Association of Dear Member,
Ireland
It is a fair statement to declare, again, that the Consumers’ It can be stated that the calls for action are already being
The Council is the Association of Ireland - the CAI - is in a continuing position of heralded from the rooftops by those parties in opposition.
policy-making body being seriously under-resourced to meet many of the challenges However, lest it be forgotten, that is the cut and thrust of the
of CAI. Members are affecting consumers in Ireland today. politics of the State while we - the CAI - remain to fight for a life
elected from within with standards, values, quality of life, education and, believe it or
the CAI's membership What is most frustrating is that this seems to be an accepted, not, an entitlement to affordability.
at the Annual General acceptable situation. It is not! Ireland needs our independent
Meeting. voice to call out the inadequacies of Government, regulators, To do so requires capacity and support - oh, and the
retailers and the ruthless rogues that dominate our daily lives, acknowledgement that independence holds value - but comes
Council notably, through the format of online platforms and digital at a cost!
Members media.
Chairperson We have inflation at eye-watering rates; energy and fuels' costs
Michael Kilcoyne that have increased to the point where consumers cannot even
Vice-Chairperson comprehend what is their outlay from month to month; food and
Raymond O'Rourke
beverage prices are rising; rents too. Yet, from the perspective
Hon Secretary
of actions to mitigate, we are almost expected to accept this as
Elaine Bolger
Hon Treasurer another example of the ‘new normal’ - an already repugnant
Richard Donohue term for what is, for too many, added misery.
Council Members
Steen Bruun-Nielsen
James Wims
Dermott Jewell
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 2021
by our own Editorial staff. Some material status: CHY 8559. ISSN 0790-486X
is occasionally drawn from other foreign Advertising is not accepted for publication.
independent consumer magazines. Consumer Choice is available on a subscription
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
magazines may not be able to do. Member/customer advised cancellation we Design/Typeset
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
Consumer Choice,
other article of the same or similar description. Managing Editor
120/121 Baggot Street Lower,
We do not necessarily price or report on all Clodagh O'Donoghue
Dublin 2
brands or models within the class, and the
exclusion of any brand or model should not be
Tel (01) 659 9430
taken as a reflection on it.
Email cai@thecai.ie
www.thecai.ie
Social Media:
1 www.thecai.ie April 2022
Contents www.twitter.com/The_CAI
www.facebook.com/
ConsumersAssociationIreland
13 Supermarket Basket Survey 2022 19 Steam Irons
MONEY FOOD & HEALTH PRODUCT TESTS
6 Money News 5 Food & Health News 19 Steam Irons
The latest developments in Consumer Choice considers how Time to get the iron out again?
money matters, including advice from pharmacists and Our six hardworking Choice Buy
the Central Bank of Ireland’s the use of Nicotine Replacement steam irons will power through
renewed warning to consum- Therapy can help smokers kick creases for a perfectly pressed
ers on the risks of investing in the habit. finish.
crypto-assets.
LIFESTYLE
23 Pushchairs
13 Supermarket Basket 10 Travel Insurance One great pushchair may be all
Survey 2022 Complaints - How to avoid you need to take your child from
It will come as no surprise to tripping up birth through to five years old.
anyone who has been in a su- Travel insurance complaints Our independent test results can
permarket recently that prices dealt with by the Financial Ser- help you make a wise investment
have risen - the only question vices and Pensions Ombudsman from day one.
is by how much. Consumer highlight how issues can arise
Choice revisits its supermarket and how they could have been
basket survey of branded prevented.
goods tracked since the year
2000.
10 Travel Insurance Complaints 23 Pushchairs
2 www.thecai.ie April 2022
News Briefs by Dermott Jewell
NEWS BRIEFS
When Stop Means OR ELSE….
In recent weeks, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) welcomed
the outcome of High Court proceedings in relation to a food business
Would You Like Chips With That
operator’s failure to comply with a Closure Order served under the American instant delivery start-up Gopuff recently announced its
European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) partnership in the UK with the Morrisons chain through which they will
Regulations, 2020. The Closure Order, which the food business operator deliver groceries to consumers’ doors in a matter of minutes. Gopuff
failed to comply with, was served for non-compliance with food legisla- does not have any similar service offerings in the US and so it is seen
tion. However, this was not a simple or minor breach as it came as a as a significant initiative with long-term focus for expansion. This is a
consequence of joint inspections by environmental health officers of the multi-year agreement providing for Gopuff to sell products from Morri-
sons through its app in over 20 cities across the UK. This is not new and
HSE and officers of the FSAI, with support from members of An Garda
has been a significant growth area across the US and EU for some years
Síochána, which were carried out in April 2021 and in August 2021. It
now and notably in the context of Covid demands and facilitation. It is a
was found that the food business, trading as Hempture and Hempland
competitive business with most offering blistering delivery promises –
on Abbey Street in Dublin, was placing unsafe food and unauthorised some as little as within ten minutes of ordering. The key is warehous-
novel food on the market. While the vast majority of Closure Orders are ing at centralised locations to meet the demands. In 2021, Morrisons
complied with, it was not the case here. The result was action to and a contracted with Deliveroo to make rapid grocery deliveries through
ruling from the High Court. The Court issued an Order directing the an initiative called Hop but solely in the London area. This is a space to
food business operator to cease, with immediate effect, all activities of the watch closely as current competitive offerings are a focus of organisa-
food business operated by him and his establishments and all holdings or tions such as Gopuff, which see expansion and brand dominance as a
other premises, including internet sites and social media sites. Good to clear goal for investors who – to date – have provided $3.4 billion (€3
billion) in funding toward that goal. There is no mention of the cost for
see effective enforcement from a regulator with the public interest and
delivery. Surprise!
safety to the fore.
NEITHER PORK NOR PORKIES
It is a simple fact that, for reasons unknown, normal mail will occasionally be
put directly into your spam box. Advice, for a number of years now, has been to
look at that box to be sure you are not missing something of importance or actual
relevance to you. At the very same time, consumers are advised to ignore emails
regarding prizes etc. as they are scams – unless, of course, you have actually
entered that particular draw online. This is borne out by the reaction of Laura
Spears in Michigan who bought a Mega Millions Multiplier ticket there for a
draw on New Years’ Eve 2021. In the course of searching for a missing email
from a friend – in her junk folder – she found an email advising her of her win in
the draw of $1 million (€901,000), which, as it was a multiplier ticket, was now
times three. She has now claimed and collected her $3 million (€2.7 million) win-
nings. She plans to share the money with her family and take early retirement.
She also plans to watch her spam folder more closely with just a smidgeon of
trust in its content.
April 2022 www.thecai.ie 3
www.thecai.ieApril 2022
Air We Go Again
In the US, Southwest Airline has introduced a new fare class that it has
referred to as a second-cheapest and flexible option to attract travelling
consumers post Covid. The ‘Wanna Get Away Plus’ fare ups the offerings of
the ‘Wanna Get Away’ fare and allows consumers to make same-day changes
to their tickets without paying the difference in fare that the lowest tier
requires. This is an interesting and somewhat ground-breaking initiative in
circumstances where domestic and holiday air travel demand and higher
fuel prices are already attracting price increases. We have yet to see such
significant initiatives here at home to match those of Southwest, which, as
a matter of course, allows consumers to easily earn frequent traveller miles
and award schemes while also maintaining the offer of two free bags in their
fares. Simply put, there are measures of competitive engagement here that
are impressive and in somewhat stark contrast to those offered by the ‘local’
providers whose services we enjoy here in Ireland.
DEPLETED AIRPORT AUTHORITY
Nearer to home and staying with air travel, we are reflecting the very clear and focussed demands of our Chairman, Michael Kilcoyne,
regarding the unacceptable delays experienced by hundreds of consumers at Dublin Airport in the last week of March. Long queues were
reported with stories of passengers missing flights due to the duration spent waiting at security. Some reports detail waits of 90 minutes at
security clearance.
Describing the scenes at Dublin Airport as “simply not good enough”, our Chairman added that the authorities appeared to be
“incapable of running the airport”. He called upon the Minister for Transport to step in as a matter of urgency to help resolve the serious
security delays.
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) advised consumers of delays at security due to staff shortages for the coming weeks as they seek
to ramp up workforce levels post-pandemic. Highlighting the inadequacy of this advice, in further context, Mr. Kilcoyne reflected how - “This
is the same Authority that is introducing a charge to drop people off at the airport, yet they can’t find the staff to get people through security
on time. It’s just not acceptable what’s happening. The DAA, as I understand it, made a lot of people redundant over the last two years. It’s
a semi-state company that reports to the State. It’s down to a shortage of staff. If we can’t even arrange to get people through security at our
airports it doesn’t speak volumes for the country and says very little for the Department of Transport, which is ultimately responsible. Quite
simply, it’s not good enough for the Minister for Transport to allow this to continue. I’m calling on the minister to take immediate action”.
Wish You Were Here?
Following an agreement with the European Council, the European
Parliament officially renewed, on March 24th, the ‘roam like at
home’ scheme for another ten years. Consumers across the EU
will now continue to enjoy free mobile roaming in all member
states until 2032. This was never an easy provision to attain and
it took years of focussed debate and demand from consumer
associations such as the CAI, along with exceptionally focussed
engagement by the European Commission, to bring this to a real-
ity. The result – a scheme that ensures consumers get their mobile
services at the same price, quality and speed wherever they may
be in the EU, at no additional cost. The legislation obliges telecoms
operators to ensure quality is consistent when customers are in
another EU country, provided the same network conditions are
available in countries visited by their users. This includes rules
that prohibit practices that would reduce the quality of roaming
services, such as switching from a 4G to a 3G connection. The
price that operators can charge others for using their network will
be capped at €2 per gigabyte from 2022. This will be progressively
reduced to reach a cap of €1 per gigabyte by 2027.
April 2022www.thecai.ie 4
www.thecai.ieApril 2022
FOOD & HEALTH/News by Clodagh O’Donoghue
Food & Health
News
The role of pharmacists and NRT in quitting smoking
National No Smoking Day took place in as well as reducing the risk of coronary
March and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) heart disease”. Given the significant health
used the opportunity to encourage smokers effects of quitting, smokers should visit
to take the first step towards quitting by their local pharmacist to discuss what
asking their local pharmacist for advice. method will work best for them and to
In addition, the IPU called for the removal receive advice on supports such as NRT to
of unnecessary barriers for people trying help manage cravings.
to quit by ensuring that medical card
holders no longer have to visit a GP prior to
Advice for quitting
being supplied with Nicotine Replacement
Therapy (NRT) at their pharmacy. Nicotine
is the ingredient in cigarettes that makes The IPU has published the following list of pharmacists’ tips to quit smoking:
them addictive and NRT is a medication
that delivers a low level of nicotine without 1. Make a plan: You won’t quit by accident; planning in advance for when and
the other poisonous chemicals present in how you will quit can really help. You should pick your quit date and stick to it no
tobacco smoke. According to the Health matter what. In advance of that date, plan the supports you will need as well as
Service Executive (HSE), the use of NRT some activities to keep busy.
doubles your chances of quitting smoking
by reducing associated physical symptoms. 2. Avoid temptation: All smokers have their triggers, the things that make
NRT in its different forms - which them crave a cigarette. Particularly in the early days it is best to avoid these
include patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, situations; trips to the pub can be particularly perilous. Remember a craving
and mouth sprays - has been available in lasts about five minutes, so make plans on how you will deal with them when
pharmacies nationwide since 2014, but they hit.
medical card holders who cannot afford
to pay the cost of NRT products are still 3. Get moving: Exercise is proven to be a great way to minimise cravings. With
unable to access treatment directly from the health benefits you get from quitting, you should have more energy to
their pharmacists. Instead, they must first engage in activities such as walking or running.
visit a GP to obtain a GMS prescription that
will entitle them to source the treatment 4. Consider NRT: There is no need to give up ‘cold turkey’. Nicotine withdrawal
from their local pharmacy. The IPU can be very difficult and create physical symptoms as well as psychological.
maintains that this creates an unnecessary There are a number of options for nicotine replacement therapy and every
barrier for would-be quitters, especially person will have their own preferences. Consult your pharmacist for advice. If
at a time where GP shortages across the one method has not worked for you in the past, your pharmacist can recommend
country have made it increasingly difficult an alternate approach.
to get an appointment. According to IPU
President Dermot Twomey, “there is no 5. Keep busy: Making plans to keep your mind and hands from being idle is really
reason why a medical card patient should important. Plan a reward for yourself using some of the money you have saved
require a prescription to access NRT by quitting.
and this arbitrary rule is preventing Ireland
from lowering its smoking rates”. Although 6. Make a list of why you’re quitting: If you are struggling for motivation, having
the rate of smoking has fallen steadily a list of why you quit can help you recover it. From health reasons to the social
over the past five years in Ireland, 18% and financial benefits, there are plenty of reasons to quit. Keep the list close
of the Irish population are still smokers, and read it whenever you are struggling.
as revealed in the Healthy Ireland Survey
2021, which further found that 44% of all 7. Keep trying: It is hard to quit smoking; many people will fail their first time or
those who had smoked in the previous 12 even multiple times. Don’t be too hard on yourself but review your plan, reset
months had tried to quit. Mr Twomey notes and start again.
that “a smoker who quits will experience
almost immediate health benefits such Source: ipu.ie
as improved breathing and energy levels
5 www.thecai.ie April 2022
MONEY NEWS
Money News Money News by Clodagh O'Donoghue
Renewed warning “As crypto-assets are highly risky and
speculative, they may not be suitable
on cryptocurrencies for retail customers.”
In March, the Central Bank of Ireland services, consumers should carefully
again highlighted to consumers the risks weigh up whether these risks are
of investing in crypto-assets as part of a acceptable taking into account their own
Europe-wide campaign by the European preferences and financial situation.
Supervisory Authorities (ESAs), which These include the risk that:
have noted growing consumer activity
and interest in these products, such • you may lose all the money you invest;
as virtual currencies and non-fungible
tokens (NFTs). As crypto-assets are • prices can fall and rise quickly over
highly risky and speculative, they may short periods;
not be suitable for retail customers.
Consumers need to be particularly • you may fall victim to scams, fraud,
aware of the risks of misleading operational errors or cyberattacks; and
advertisements, especially on social
media where influencers are being paid • you are unlikely to have any rights to
to promote crypto-assets. The Central also exist. Unlike ‘paper currencies’, protection or compensation if things go
Bank’s Director General, Financial such as the euro, cryptocurrencies wrong.
Conduct, Derville Rowland points to do not have legal tender status, so
the growing levels of advertising and there is no legal obligation for them If you are thinking about buying
aggressive promotion of crypto-asset to be accepted as payment of a crypto-assets or related products and
investments and how consumers may be debt. Moreover, cryptocurrencies services, the ESAs recommend that you
attracted by the high returns promised. and paper currencies are structured ask yourself the following questions:
However, before purchasing these differently. Whereas official currencies
products, Ms Rowland urges consumers are centralised and guaranteed by a • can you afford to lose all the money you
to consider if they can afford to lose all central bank that controls their supply, invest?
of the money invested and to be aware cryptocurrencies are unregulated and
that, if things go wrong, they will not be decentralised, with no central bank • are you ready to take on high risks to
able avail of the protections that attach guaranteeing them or controlling their earn the advertised returns?
to investing in a regulated financial supply. Instead, cryptocurrencies are
product. controlled using a technology known • do you understand the features of the
Crypto-assets and as ’blockchain’ or ‘distributed ledger crypto-asset or related products and
cryptocurrencies tend to be poorly technology’. The Central Bank concludes services?
understood and the Central Bank has that, in general, cryptocurrencies like
provided a plain English explainer for bitcoin are more like very high-risk, • are the firms/parties you are dealing
consumers on its website at https:// speculative assets than a standard with reputable?
www.centralbank.ie/consumer-hub/ currency. The ESAs further note that
explainers/what-are-cryptocurrencies- many crypto-assets are subject to • are the firms/parties you are dealing
like-bitcoin. In brief, cryptocurrencies sudden and extreme price movements with blacklisted by the relevant national
- also called digital currencies or and are speculative because their price authorities? (Although not being
virtual currencies - are a form of digital often relies solely on consumer demand blacklisted is no guarantee that a firm or
money that allow payments to be made - i.e., there may be no backing assets or party is safe to engage with.)
electronically and function in a similar other tangible value. Moreover, given
way to standard currencies that use the extreme price movements, many • are you able to protect effectively the
physical cash. However, unlike standard crypto-assets are unsuitable as a store devices you use for buying, storing or
currencies that can be exchanged of value and as a means of exchange or transferring crypto-assets, including
physically using notes and coins, payment - two key elements in a well- your private keys?
cryptocurrencies are only exchanged functioning currency.
electronically using lines of computer According to the ESAs, given For more information on
code. Well-known examples include the specific risks involved in investing in crypto-assets and digital currencies,
bitcoin and ethereum but many others crypto-assets and related products and visit centralbank.ie.
www.thecai.ie April 2022
6 www.thecai.ie
Energy price comparison websites
A recent audit of Ireland’s three energy to compare energy suppliers with
price comparison websites shows an assurance that the information
that they all continue to demonstrate is provided in an "accurate, reliable,
high levels of compliance with transparent and impartial manner”. With
accreditation standards and can help up to 14 energy suppliers listed on these
consumers to search for the best deal sites, there is plenty of competition in
possible. At this time of rising energy the market and, although this can only
bills and announcements of alarming do so much in the face of rising prices
increases ahead, consumers should globally due to geopolitical and market
make sure that they are getting the factors, you may be able to reduce the
best available value and the three energy tariffs you are currently paying
accredited sites - bonkers.ie, switcher. by doing your homework and making a
ie and powertoswitch.ie - provide online switch.
comparison tools that enable consumers As part of the audit, the CRU
to quickly and easily research their used different test case scenarios to
options and make a switch when they simulate a consumer’s interaction with
find a cheaper deal. the price comparison tools. According
The Commission for to CRU data, customers who switched
Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which supplier or renegotiated with their
regulates the energy and water existing supplier every year over the
sector in Ireland, conducts an annual past four years could have saved €704
independent audit of the three energy on gas, €1,097 on electricity or €1,696 on
price comparison websites to ensure their dual fuel costs. Such savings could
that consumers are protected when make a big difference for consumers
engaging in the market and to promote worried about higher energy bills. The
greater competition within the retail three websites let you compare your
marketplace. The CRU notes that current deal with other options on the
independent price comparison services market and can even look after the
are an important tool for customers switching process for you.
EHIC online renewal
With so little opportunity for travel over the last two years, you may With the EHIC, you may receive healthcare for free or you
have let your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) lapse as it lay may have to make some payment towards the cost of the services
forgotten in a drawer. The good news is that, if you have not changed provided as other people in that country do. You will not be refunded
address in the interim, you will be able to renew your card online quickly for this or for private healthcare. If you are visiting the UK and are
and easily. The EHIC enables you to get healthcare in another EU or an Irish citizen, you will have access to healthcare there under the
European Economic Area (EEA) country for free or at a reduced cost. Common Travel Area. Other EU citizens will be able to continue to use
So, if you are planning a trip within the EU or to Iceland, Liechtenstein, the EHIC in the UK where it is still accepted. It is important to remember
Norway or Switzerland, you should make sure to pack your EHIC, which that the EHIC only covers medical costs and is not an alternative to
covers you on holiday or for a short-term stay, generally up to three travel insurance, which can also offer cover for holiday cancellations,
months. Exceptions may be made for students who may be deemed to lost or stolen luggage, additional accommodation or replacement
be a visitor on a short-term stay up to a full academic year. return flights.
The EHIC is completely free of charge and you will need
one for each member of your family. The EHIC lasts for four years and
you can apply for it in person, by post or alternatively - if you have a
medical card or a drugs payment scheme card - online. For those
who already have an EHIC, the card is not reissued automatically when
it expires so you should check the date to see if you need to renew it.
Renewing your EHIC is also free and can be done online if you are still
at the same address and you are living in Ireland. You will need your
old EHIC number and your PPS number to renew. If your address or
name has changed you will need to apply to your local health office
and you should do so in plenty of time before travelling. If you cannot
get a EHIC in time, you may be able to get a Temporary Replacement
Certificate, which gives you the same entitlements but for a shorter
period. Applications again may be made online, in-person or by post to
your local health office.
April
April2022
2022
7 www.thecai.ie
www.thecai.ie
Product/Tech News
Product News by Clodagh O'Donoghue
Recall of smartwatches
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) recently highlighted product recalls for a
number of wearable devices that may have been purchased by Irish consumers. The Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch
is the subject of a voluntary recall by the US manufacturer due to the risk of the batteries overheating
and burning wearers. The recall follows more than 100 reports to the US Consumer Product Safety
Commission of Ionic wearers being burned by the device, with some burns reported to be second- or
third-degree. Around 1.7 million Fitbit Ionics have been sold globally, with 693,000 purchased outside the
US. The smartwatches were produced between 2017 and 2020 and were sold in Ireland up to 2020 when
manufacturing ceased. Fitbit urges Ionic owners to stop using the device immediately, even if it appears
to be working fine currently. The company will be making contact with known Ionic owners and it directs
customers to its consumer notice at https://help.fitbit.com/en/ionic.htm for details on the risk and how to
register for a refund for the product.
ComReg is also drawing Irish consumers’ attention to a recall by French-owned sporting goods
retailer Decathlon Sports Ireland of two of its sports watches. Decathlon is recalling its KIPRUN GPS 500
Model and KIPRUN GPS 550 Model due to a safety issue that has been identified with the battery in these
products, which may overheat during charging and/or while in use and may cause burns and/or present a
fire risk. Reportedly, 140 of these devices have been sold to consumers in Ireland, who are urged to stop
using the product immediately. Again, the company will make contact with known users of this product and
it invites customers with one of these products to return it to the store for a full refund. Questions may be
directed to the Decathlon customer relations centre at help.ireland@decathlon.com.
Carbon-counted menu
The takeaway industry faces some challenges in terms of its sustainability credentials but Camille Thai has taken a step forward with its latest move
to be kinder to the planet. The restaurant claims that it is the first in Ireland to introduce carbon emissions information on its menus to help climate-
conscious customers make a more informed choice. Camille Thai has long included nutritional information on its menus, with each item featuring
a calorie count beside it so those watching their waistline can compare their options and make their selection accordingly. The innovative move to
also display carbon ratings is another way of empowering customers with information and of encouraging change on an individual level, and CEO and
founder Brody Sweeney says that he hopes to see other restaurants in Ireland following suit.
The carbon footprint of a dish is comprised of multiple factors, including water consumption, storage and transport. Camille Thai worked
with My Emissions, a company specialising in providing food carbon labels, to create a clear and concise way to communicate carbon emissions values
for customers. The result is a simple, colour-coded, A to E rating scale based on the carbon intensity of each menu item, with a dark green A indicating
low impact, while a red E indicates very high impact. A look at the new carbon-counted menu reveals, not surprisingly, that beef dishes tend to garner
an E rating, while tofu and plant-based dishes achieve an A rating. However, other menu items vary in terms of their carbon ratings and the carbon
count may prove elucidating for consumers who want to be clear on the impact of their dish selection on the planet. The carbon ratings will be added to
menus in Ireland and the UK over the coming months and are available on the company website.
A major environmental impact of the fast-food industry is single-use takeaway packaging and Camille has sought to reduce the damage to
some extent by ensuring that all packaging is compostable. The company notes that you can toss its cartons straight into the brown bin or even use
them in home composting, though it recommends tearing them up first to speed up the rate at which they will break down.
The products featured on these pages have not been tested by the Consumers’ Association of
Ireland and their inclusion here is not, in any way, an endorsement of them.
8 www.thecai.ie April 2022
Bringing old photos to life
Following its move last year to bring the photos of deceased
ancestors to life using deepfake technology, online
genealogy company MyHeritage is now adding words to
pictures. Deepfakes typically refer to images or videos
that have been altered to swap in the face of someone
else and the technology has been put to many nefarious
uses, including contributing to fake news and hoaxes.
However, a more innocent utilisation is to add life to old
photos of ancestors. In 2021, MyHeritage launched its Deep
Nostalgia system, which animates uploaded photographs
of long-deceased loved ones, turning the still portraits into
smiling, blinking videos. The company acknowledges that
the result could be unsettling for some and it will not appeal
to everyone. However, reportedly, over one million photos
were animated using the system within the first 48 hours
after launch.
This year, the company has added it LiveStory
feature, which uses AI technology and deep-learning
algorithms to turn a still photo into a speaking portrait.
The service offers over 140 voices in 31 languages that
users can choose from and the text can highlight life events automatically generated from information on the user’s family tree
on MyHeritage or the script in the first person can be entered manually along with additional images to help tell the story. The
tool then combines all the elements, converting the text into an audio track and applying video re-enactment to animate and lip
sync the ancestor’s face and mouth to add a voice to the life story. The company notes that LiveStory can work equally well with
black-and-white, colour or colourised photos and the resulting video can be played as is or edited further to be shared with family
and friends. Users will be able to create a few biography videos free of charge online or through the mobile app but then will have to
pay a subscription fee.
Hug it out
There is a lot to be anxious about in today’s world and a levels before and after the test and findings revealed that the
team at the University of Bristol in the UK might have an cushion-hugging and meditation groups became considerably
idea that could go a small way towards alleviating feelings of less anxious than the group that did nothing. A further
stress. When feeling anxious, many people may choose to study involving 21 participants who held the cushion as their
hug a squishy object, such as a cushion, and the new study breathing rate was measured found that, in most cases, the
suggests that the act of doing so can have a tangible effect on breathing rate of participants slowed down to match that of
anxiety levels, particularly if the cushion ‘breathes’. the cushion they were holding. This may explain the cushion’s
The study began with a robotics team at the calming effect, as slow breathing has been shown to affect
university creating five puffy-pancake-shaped electronically the nervous system and reduce symptoms of anxiety. The
augmented cushions that were partially designed to team is currently working on refining the cushion further for
mimic the feeling of touching pets or interacting with other testing over longer periods in people's homes.
people. Four of the small devices each simulated different
sensations - breathing, purring, a combination of breathing
and purring, and a heartbeat - while the fifth emitted diffused
rainbow-coloured light. A test with a group of 24 students
found that the breathing-only cushion was deemed to be the
most pleasant to touch and hold. Based on that feedback,
the team made a larger version of the device with a soft
micro-fibre outer layer, polyester stuffing and an airbladder
inside that rhythmically and silently inflated and deflated via a
hose-linked external pump.
In the next phase of the study, the researchers
told 129 volunteers, as a means of inducing feelings of
anxiety, that they would need to verbally solve a series of
maths problems in front of each other. Prior to the maths
test, 44 participants sat and did nothing for eight minutes,
while 40 others were guided through a meditation-based
exercise and the remaining 45 hugged the breathing cushion.
Questionnaires were used to assess the volunteers’ anxiety
9 www.thecai.ie April 2022
Lifestyle / Travel insurance complaints
Travel Insurance Complaints
- How to avoid tripping up
Travel insurance As countries took decisive steps to move on
from a global pandemic, many consumers
Services and Pensions Ombudsman
(FSPO) has highlighted situations in which
complaints dealt grabbed the opportunity to make travel a consumer believed themselves to be
plans that had perhaps been long put covered for an event only to have their
with by the Financial on hold. Covid-19 is not the only grim claim refused. Details of a number of these
Services and Pensions reality for today’s world, which is a serious, cases that were ultimately referred to the
uncertain and unpredictable place at the Office of the FSPO are outlined in its recent
Ombudsman highlight moment. All the more reason, then, that Digest of Legally Binding Decisions - Travel
how issues can arise and consumers making travel plans take steps
to protect themselves financially against
Insurance. The FSPO regularly publishes
Digests of Decisions, which summarise the
how you may be able to potential cancellations and medical and Office’s legally binding decisions in order
other unexpected events that can arise to make the details accessible to both
avoid tripping up. while they are away. consumers and financial service providers
An important element of planning and to highlight the type of complaints the
a trip abroad is arranging travel insurance Office receives, how they are dealt with
to provide peace of mind that you will and how they could have been prevented.
REPORT by Clodagh O'Donoghue be covered if things go wrong. Having The recent Digest is the first to focus
adequate travel insurance in place can exclusively on travel insurance and outlines
At a glance help to alleviate at least some of the stress FSPO decisions issued between 2018 and
• FSPO decisions of unfortunate incidents - from injuries to 2021 in relation to complaints arising from
• Policy wording illnesses and from lost luggage to theft - by claims made on a travel insurance policy.
• Medical issues reducing the financial impact. However, Consumer Choice considers a number of
with so much small print to wade through these complaints and how they were viewed
in any insurance policy, consumers may be by the Ombudsman to provide lessons for
unclear about the level of coverage they can consumers as they seek out cover for their
expect. A recent report by the Financial trips away.
10 www.thecai.ie April 2022Covid-19-related complaints that if Sebastian’s trip had not yet begun, policy, the Ombudsman concluded that it
Two complaints discussed in the Digest he would have been entitled to make a was unreasonable for the insurer to reject
stem from travel difficulties experienced claim under the cancellation provisions Tara’s claim. The Ombudsman partially
due to Covid-19. We all fervently hope of the policy but, because he had already upheld Tara’s complaint and directed the
that pandemic-related scenarios are departed on his trip, that entitlement insurance company to pay Tara €600 in
essentially behind us, but in the event ceased. This was unfortunate timing for compensation.
of a resurgence of Covid-19 or a similar Sebastian, but the specific circumstances
crisis, it may be instructive to know how of his claim were not covered by the Case study 5
these complaints were viewed both by the provisions of his policy. Seamus’s flight was cancelled due to an
insurer and the FSPO. air traffic control strike in France and
Wording matters he booked an alternative flight home to
Case study 1 In a number of decisions contained in Ireland for the next day. Seamus’s claim
Bethany and Luke boarded a cruise in the Digest, it is clear that the clarity of for the cost of the alternative flight was
February 2020, which was scheduled to the wording of policy provisions could refused by the insurer on the basis that
make a number of stops. However, due to be improved to remove confusion he had prior knowledge of the possible
Covid-19 restrictions, all crew and staff and ambiguity. When investigating disruption of his travel plans, due to air
had to remain on board for more than a complaints, the FSPO considers the policy traffic control disputes in France. The
month until its final destination in April documentation and any definitions relied Ombudsman concluded that even if the
2020. Bethany and Luke said that their trip upon by a policy holder or insurer in their policy holder had been aware of reports of
was “curtailed” due to these restrictions submissions. Three complaints outlined disruptions, he would have had difficulty
and that, as well as the cruise not making below illustrate the importance of wording knowing whether or not his particular flight
the scheduled stops, they were not in policy documents. would be cancelled on the date in question.
allowed to socialise and were essentially The decision also noted that the insurance
in quarantine for 33 days. The insurance Case study 3 company’s submissions made reference
company refused the claim noting that Liam missed his flight by five minutes as to strike action being “announced” rather
the policy clearly set out a limited number his rental car would not start when he than “forecast”, as set out in the policy
of curtailment situations that would be went to leave for the airport. Liam had to and that as neither word was defined in
covered but that the claim fell outside of purchase a replacement flight and made a the policy, it was unclear how the insurer
the policy’s terms and conditions. The claim for the price of the new flight under would establish if a strike has been
Ombudsman noted that while it was his travel insurance policy. In refusing the “forecast”. The Ombudsman directed that
disappointing that the definitions within claim, the insurance company argued that the insurance company pay the claim of
the policy did not include a definition Liam had failed to allow sufficient time to just over €600.
of “quarantine”, there was no evidence account for “possible delays”. However,
to suggest that Bethany and Luke were the policy wording did not refer to “possible Pre-existing symptoms and
required to stay in strict isolation within delays” and instead referred to “delays medical investigations
their cabin. Although this undoubtedly which are expected”. The Ombudsman’s Most consumers will be aware of the need
reduced Bethany and Luke’s enjoyment decision noted the significant distinction to disclose pre-existing medical conditions
of the trip, the insurance policy offered between the two definitions and that there when buying travel insurance as failure to
no cover for what was essentially a loss was no evidence that the delay in this notify the insurer of relevant information
of enjoyment and the complaint was not instance should have been expected. The of this kind could lead to the denial of
upheld. insurer was directed to pay Liam’s claim. any claim arising from the condition. In
addition, some FSPO decisions in the last
Case study 2 Case study 4 couple of years highlight the impact on
In March 2020, Sebastian cut a trip abroad Tara’s backpack containing her personal coverage of medical symptoms or medical
short due to the Covid-19 outbreak and items was stolen from an overhead investigations that pre-date the purchase
advice from the Department of Foreign locker in the aircraft cabin during a of a policy and how cancellations arising
Affairs that all Irish citizens should return flight. The insurance company rejected from medical symptoms experienced
home. Sebastian submitted a claim for Tara’s claim on the grounds that her before the policy was taken out may not be
over €1,000 to recover the cost of unused personal possessions were not kept “on covered.
accommodation and additional travel her person” but there was no definition
expenses as a result of curtailing his trip. of “one’s person” in the policy itself. The Case study 6
The insurance company argued that under Ombudsman’s decision noted that the Maeve and John had to cancel a holiday
the “cutting your trip short’’ section of clauses in the insurance company’s policy due to Maeve suffering severe pain when
Sebastian’s policy, he was insured against were potentially confusing and, while there walking. The insurance company rejected
specified events but the circumstances was no obligation to exhaustively set out all their claim on their travel insurance
leading to his claim did not come within of the circumstances where a claim would policy because of the existence of a
those specified events. Sebastian had be declined, a consumer may reasonably pre-existing medical condition, namely,
not suggested that his circumstances fell expect the most relevant circumstances osteoarthritis. Maeve and John said
under any of the specified events outlined to be included and explained. The that, although Maeve had undergone
in the “cutting your trip short’’ section of Ombudsman accepted that it was investigations and x-rays before taking
his policy and instead contended that his reasonable for the insurance company to out travel insurance to identify the cause
claim would have been successful if it fell ask Tara to supply proof of ownership for of her pain, she was only diagnosed with
within the “cancellation” provisions of the items held in her backpack, but given the osteoarthritis afterwards. The insurer
policy. The Ombudsman’s decision noted lack of definition of “on your person” in the noted that, although Maeve had not
11 www.thecai.ie April 2022received a diagnosis, the policy had been it has any effect on the policy cover. For their part, insurers need
purchased in the knowledge that Maeve Moreover, Ms McGovern notes that “in to ensure that the wording of the
had symptoms for which a diagnosis had order to ensure that you have cover for terms and conditions of a policy is
not been given and that it was reasonable cancellation in certain circumstances, you clear, comprehensible and as easy as
to expect on the date of purchase of the should take out your policy as soon as you possible for their customers to negotiate,
policy that the symptoms could give rise book your holiday. Buying insurance just according to Ms McGovern, as “better
to a claim. The Ombudsman concluded before you go may give you cover for events clarity would serve policy holders well
that Maeve’s investigations the month and circumstances while abroad, but may and potentially lead to fewer complaints
before the policy was bought should not provide you with any protection if you arising from claims not being admitted, or
have been disclosed to the insurance need to cancel your holiday plans”. a misunderstanding of the policy cover”.
company at the time of purchasing cover.
Moreover, the Ombudsman was satisfied
that the policy document clearly set out The work of the FSPO
that the insurance policy would not cover
undiagnosed symptoms and that the If a consumer has tried and failed to resolve a complaint with a financial service provider, such as an
insurance company was entitled to decline insurance firm, then they can make a complaint to the FSPO. The FSPO deals with complaints informally
the claim. at first, by listening to both parties and engaging with them to facilitate a resolution that is acceptable
to both. Informal mediation enables issues to be resolved more quickly. When these early interventions
Case study 7 do not resolve the dispute, the FSPO investigates the complaint and subsequently issues a decision
Chris and Sarah bought travel insurance that is legally binding on both parties and can only be appealed to the High Court. The Ombudsman can
on the same day that she attended a GP direct a financial service provider to pay compensation of up to €500,000 to a complainant and/or to
due to feeling unwell for the previous 12 rectify the conduct that is the subject of the complaint. As well as publishing the Digest of Decisions, the
hours and she was advised not to travel FSPO’s Database of Decisions on www.fspo.ie now has the full text of almost 1,500 decisions and includes
due to a pre-existing health condition decisions issued up to the end of October 2021. Through the publication of legally binding decisions and
she had. Chris and Sarah cancelled Digests of Decisions, the Ombudsman seeks to enhance transparency and understanding of the powers
their flights and made a claim, which and the services provided by the FSPO.
was declined by the insurance company
on the basis that Sarah had purchased Travel insurance tips
the policy after the onset of symptoms
and the knowledge of a pre-existing It is more important than ever to get the right travel insurance in place with your holiday booking. Whether
condition. The Ombudsman considered you are looking for single trip, multi trip or annual travel insurance for just yourself or your whole family, the
the terms and conditions contained in following are some tips to keep in mind.
the insurance policy and noted that the
insurance company was entitled to decline • Shopping around is always advised, but going for the cheapest option could be a false economy if the cover
the claim because Sarah was aware at you receive is very limited. Travel insurance policies can vary greatly in terms of the cover they provide so
the time of purchase of the policy that some careful research is needed. Consumers booking a trip with an airline or travel agent may be offered
she had symptoms that could reasonably a travel insurance policy but there is no obligation to go with this and better value may be found through
be expected to give rise to a claim. As a another insurer.
result, the Ombudsman accepted that it
was reasonable for the insurer to refuse to • Unfortunately, tedious though it may be, there is no substitute for reading through the terms and conditions
admit the claim for payment. to understand what the policy offers - and what it doesn’t offer. If you have particular reasons for buying
the cover, look carefully at those sections to ensure that the cover matches your expectations. Where the
FSPO advice wording is unclear, contact the insurer for clarification.
Commenting on the publication of these
decisions, the Financial Services and • As the FSPO has noted, arranging cover quickly is important. A travel insurance policy does not just protect
Pensions Ombudsman (Acting) Mary you when you are abroad, it also covers unexpected situations that can arise and prevent you from setting off
Rose McGovern urges consumers who in the first place. Get your cover in place as soon as you book your trip.
are making holiday plans for this year
and thinking about taking out a travel • For consumers with private health insurance, this may offer some protection for healthcare costs when
insurance policy to take some time to you are abroad so it is worthwhile checking your policy to see what level of cover you can expect. However,
ensure that any policy provides the cover importantly, private health insurance will not cover such elements as additional accommodation, meals or
they expect. In particular, in light of transports costs if you or a family member becomes ill while you are away. The Competition and Consumer
the complaints involving policy holders Protection Commission (CCPC) notes that consumers who hold private health insurance should check if they
cancelling their holiday arrangements due can avail of a discount on travel insurance.
to medical issues, Ms McGovern highlights
the need to be aware of the potential • With the pandemic unfortunately still far from over, you will need to check what Covid-19-related cover is
impact on cover of pre-existing medical provided by any travel insurance policy that you are considering purchasing. The CCPC notes that policies
conditions and medical investigations that offer differing levels of cover for Covid-19 and that some do not cover it at all. Again, you will need to read
are not disclosed at the time the policy through the terms and conditions to determine what cover you can expect if you test positive for Covid-19
is purchased. Consumers who have a during your trip or if the Covid situation changes in your destination or additional restrictions are imposed
medical condition, undiagnosed medical while you are there. Now more than ever, consumers considering travelling abroad will need to monitor the
complaint or are undergoing medical official advice and information provided by the authorities at their proposed destination. The Department of
investigations at the time of taking out a Foreign Affairs offers travel advice by country at www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ to help consumers make
travel insurance policy must inform the informed decisions when planning trips abroad and to provide an objective assessment of the risks that they
insurer so that it can determine whether could face.
12 www.thecai.ie April 2022Money/ Supermarket prices
Supermarket Basket Survey 2022
The only way is up…. It will come as no surprise to anyone in consumer prices will likely accelerate,
who has been in a supermarket recently according to a recent report by the
unfortunately. As Irish that prices have risen - the only question Economic and Social Research Institute
consumers grapple with is by how much. Since the start of the (ESRI).
the escalating cost of millennium, the Consumers’ Association The latest Consumer Price
of Ireland (CAI) has been periodically Index (CPI) from the Central Statistics
living, the CAI supermar- tracking the prices of a supermarket Office (CSO) released in March, indicated
ket basket survey reflects basket of 19 branded goods and we that consumer prices were an average
the reality for prices at the repeated the survey again in March 2022 of 5.6% higher in February 2022 than
tills, which will only rise against a backdrop of a well-documented they were a year before. This marks the
and all-too-apparent rising cost of living. largest annual increase in 21 years - the
further. The world is arguably a very different last time the CPI was this high was in
place since we last checked the prices April 2001. Moreover, the high rate of
of our supermarket basket. At the time inflation was also shown in the monthly
REPORT by Clodagh O’Donoghue of our last survey in 2019, we noted that increase between January and February
the implementation of Brexit lay ahead of this year, with consumer prices rising
and pondered about the effect it might by 0.9% in that period alone. The CSO
At a glance have on the price of our groceries. Since noted that the main factors contributing
• 2022 survey findings then, the world has been rocked by a to the overall 5.6% increase included an
• Inflationary pressures global pandemic and two years of harsh increase in the cost of energy bills, diesel
• Non-brand alternatives restrictions, and inflationary pressures, and petrol, and alcoholic beverages and
which had already been mounting by tobacco products, along with higher
the end of 2021, are being compounded prices across a range of food and drink
following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. products such as meat, bread and
As the conflict disrupts energy markets cereals, mineral waters, soft drinks,
and economic sanctions on Russia and fruit and vegetable juices and milk,
interruptions of supply persist, increases cheese and eggs. Moreover, the ESRI’s
13 www.thecai.ie April 2022economic analysis, also released in About our survey increase of 50g, back up to 500g from
March, suggested that inflation could For our 2022 survey, Consumer Choice 450g, reducing the size of the per-unit
rise to 8.5% in coming months as the checked prices across the three major price increase to 20 cent. A handful of
war in Ukraine exacerbates existing grocery retailers in Ireland - Dunnes price reductions were also found but
inflationary pressures, mainly through Stores, Supervalu and Tesco - which have these did not offset the overall increase
higher energy and commodity prices. The been included in all previous surveys in the basket total, which has risen from
ESRI indicates that inflation will peak at since 2000. Prices were sourced in-store €42.83 in 2019 to €44.57 for an increase of
around 8.5% in June or July 2022 - a level and online on the 16th and 18th of March €1.74, representing a rise of just over 4%.
not seen since the mid-1980s - to average and the figures quoted on Table 1 below Along with the price increases,
6.7% for the year as a whole. This is a are the average price calculated across there was less discounting of the branded
sobering prospect indeed for consumers the three retailers. Not all the products items in our basket in evidence than in
already struggling financially. in the sizes sought were available in all 2019, so consumers have fewer options to
Although affording energy three supermarket chains and, where lower the cost of their shopping. Across
bills may be the biggest challenge for necessary, the average price is calculated the three major supermarkets in our 2019
many consumers this year, massive from the prices charged by either one survey, there were 17 instances of price
hikes in energy prices will also have a or two of the retailers that do stock the promotions or discounts across eight
huge knock-on effect in other sectors, item in question. Our basket includes 19 different products, while, in 2022, there
including food prices as gas is used items that were determined in 2000 to be were seven price promotions involving
to produce most fertiliser for growing common purchases for the typical Irish five different products. In 2019, the
crops and animal feed. Along with rising household. In the interests of making supermarkets seemed more inclined
transportation costs and the potential consistent comparisons to previous to match the discounts of their rivals,
for major supply chain upheaval, the cost surveys in past years, and because most whereas this year, discounts are more
of doing the weekly supermarket shop is of the items in our basket are branded isolated. This reduction in the level of
likely to climb throughout the year. As a goods, Aldi and Lidl are not included in our discounting was also noted by market
result, the 2022 CAI supermarket survey, main survey. Again for consistency, we research company Kantar, with its grocery
more than any other of our previous disregard any price promotions, discounts market figures published in March
surveys, is merely a snapshot in time and multi-buy offers that were advertised pointing to an 10.9% decrease in the
and prices may have already altered by in order to produce the most accurate number of products sold on promotion,
the time you read this, given the extreme picture of pricing trends this year as a which, it said, was due to retailers seeking
challenges that the market and the world whole. As much as possible, the survey to offset mounting costs.
are facing. this year is directly comparable to the first
survey conducted 22 years ago and all
subsequent surveys. However, we have
noted the various changes in package
sizes that have occurred over the years on
our table. Given the frequency with which
manufacturers have altered their package
sizes over the last two decades, the prices
noted need to be cross-referenced with
the appropriate package sizes to gain an
accurate view of any pricing changes. At
the end of our table, we have included
footnotes that make price adjustments
for a number of products that were
subject to weight/volume changes since
the 2019 survey.
Survey findings
After a number of years of fairly stable
prices and even small price reductions
noted in our surveys, most of the branded
goods in our basket have been the subject
of price increases in 2022. Among the Non-brand alternatives
19 branded goods analysed, 12 products It remains the case that by swapping
saw price increases, while another two from brands and buying own-store or
products (Donegal Catch cod fillets and value-range items or switching to the Aldi
Fairy original washing up liquid) look to and Lidl brands, you will knock more than
have stayed the same or fallen in price but 50% off your shopping bill. Given the
their content weight was reduced slightly, rising costs hitting us from all directions,
resulting in effective per-unit price it may well be time to abandon the
increases. The price hikes range from a brands in favour of decent non-branded
minimal 3 cent to a more substantial 47 alternatives. Kantar noted in its March
cent (Kellogg’s cornflakes) - though this report that consumers are already
price hike was accompanied by a weight seeking to reduce costs by swapping
14 www.thecai.ie April 2022You can also read
