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The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (\u201cthe Commission\u201d) has today secured compensation orders for consumers who had been provided with misleading information with respect to\u00a0a vehicle.<\/p>\n
Following the Commission\u2019s investigation and subsequent prosecution, Mr. Brian Fassnidge was sentenced by Judge John O\u2019Neill in the Dublin District Court to pay \u20ac4,000 in total in fines, \u20ac10,000 in costs and \u20ac1,000 in compensation to consumers. This is in addition to the \u20ac17,200 which Mr. Fassnidge has repaid to the affected consumers \u2013 a total of \u20ac32,200. Today\u2019s sentencing follows Mr. Fassnidge\u2019s conviction in October 2014 for providing misleading information to the consumers when purchasing their vehicles and for also supplying a dangerous vehicle to one consumer.<\/p>\n
Speaking today Isolde Goggin Chairperson of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said; \u201cThe Commission welcomes the outcome of today\u2019s proceedings. This has been a lengthy process but we are happy to see the award of compensation to those consumers who were affected.<\/p>\n
The purchase of a car is a very significant decision for a consumer and they should be able to trust and rely on the information provided by car dealers, so they can make a fully informed choice. The Commission was particularly concerned that any trader would provide a dangerous vehicle to a consumer.\u00a0 As today’s case shows the Commission will use its powers to challenge and take enforcement action against anyone who attempts to mislead consumers or put them at risk in this way.<\/p>\n
Given the amount of money involved and the potential safety risks, the motor sector is a priority for us.\u00a0 As a result we have a significant programme of activity planned in this sector. The Commission is taking a proactive approach based on the information provided to us by consumers and as a result of market surveillance. From this we will identify where issues keep occurring and we will align our activity with these traders.\u201d<\/p>\n
If consumers have information that a dealer has provided false or misleading information about a car’s use or history, they can contact the Commission’s helpline 1890 432 432.<\/p>\n