Press Release
Issued 31st January 2008

February’s Consumer Choice magazine digs the dirt on private waste collectors and puts the cosmetic industry under the microscope…

The February issue of Consumer Choice - the only independently written, researched and published consumer affairs magazine in Ireland - is now available and is packed full of information and opinions for the Irish consumer. Published by the Consumers’ Association of Ireland, Consumer Choice magazine’s team of dedicated researchers use their expertise to provide 8,000 subscribers with impartial reporting on household consumer goods, personal finance, automotive, health, safety and the environment as well as giving useful contacts and websites for each topic they report on. Consumer Choice does not carry any advertising, for that reason they can offer readers an unbiased view of all the products and services they review

This month the cosmetic surgery industry in Ireland comes under the microscope, as Consumer Choice Food and Health researcher Aisling Murtagh reports and calls for urgent legislation in this area. The research team in Consumer Choice also report on private waste collection; e-bay from an Irish perspective; new legislation that will give rail passengers the same rights as air passengers  as well as an invaluable guide to tax in 2008.

John Cradden, Consumer Choice’s Finance & Technology researcher, reveals that more than half of all household waste today is collected by private operators and nearly 20 local authorities have opted out of waste collection altogether. In the areas where local authorities still collect, private collectors claim to be cheaper and more efficient. Consumer Choice delves into this topic to see if the consumer is really benefiting. “It’s clear that the collection sector requires a tendering process to guarantee a high level of service to residents. An open, competitive market holds too many risks,” reports Cradden.

The finance researcher also takes a look at what you need to know about joining the thousands of Irish e-bay sellers, and gives advice on the legal issues, your rights when selling on e-bay and some great tips such as; ‘Time your listing so that it incorporates a weekend as most people use e-bay at the weekend,” he recommends.

Aisling Murtagh explores the Irish cosmetic surgery industry, an industry that has tripled in size in the past five years, but incredibly still remains unregulated. This, In addition to the surgical risks that accompany any surgery, also leaves consumers who choose to undergo procedures ineffectively protected against industry malpractice. “Consumers who don’t have the financial means can increasingly gain access to borrowed money. Whatever the reasoning behind seeking such procedures people must be protected,” explains Murtagh, Consumer Choice’s Food and Health researcher. “Without regulation, the responsibility is on the Irish consumer to ensure that the person carrying out the procedure has the relevant qualifications, and experience. It is crucial this area is regulated to protect the consumer against malpractice… especially as promotional activity only adds to the illusion of professionalism.”

February’s issue also has a comparative report on the best kettles, toasters and satellite navigation systems on the Irish market. In addition there is a report into the hidden charges that you may incur during a short break abroad and a round up of news in the sector.