Consumer queries and complaints to Ireland’s CCPC increased by 18% in the first half of 2024, with 22,347 consumers contacting the helpline for support on consumer rights and personal finance.

The top sectors consumers sought help with were vehicles and transport, telecommunications, home building, holidays and travel, and clothing and accessories.

Eir, Ryanair, Sky, Vodafone, and Harvey Norman were the companies most frequently mentioned by callers to the CCPC helpline.

4,900 consumers were referred to the Small Claims Court, with home building and transport sectors being the most referred.

The CCPC is advocating for an increase in the Small Claims Court claim limit of €2,000 to better address consumer needs.

The CCPC is pushing for changes in the law to impose larger fines on businesses for serious offences, such as fines based on a percentage of turnover.

1,990 consumers contacted the CCPC regarding personal finance, with notable increases in queries about motor insurance and loans.