About the CAI

By way of introduction let me state that the Consumers’ Association is Ireland’s independent, self-funded and non-profit organisation, founded in 1966.

Its members are ordinary consumers from areas spread right across the country who see the need for and who support such an organisation.

Each year those members are invited to nominate and elect a Council of 20 who will represent the Association. Those Council members appoint a Chairperson and Officers and act as lobbyists and spokespersons in their various areas of expertise. It is especially noteworthy that they give voluntarily of their time and expertise.

They are supported by myself together with four staff members and our volunteer advisors and interns. (three of whom are directly involved in the research and in-house production of the Associations magazine Consumer Choice).

As we celebrate our 45th year I note how, without pause, the CAI has strenuously represented and fought to protect and strengthen the rights of its members and all Irish consumers. The achievements have been considerable. Consumers’ rights – the right to information, fair dealing, protection, education, safety – all culminating in the ability to make informed decisions and choices – are a reality.

We have long been calling for Government recognition of our crucial role through the provision of some essential core funding. That recognition did come in 2001 with the allowance of €63,000 (£50,000).

However, that sum was then determined not to be core support but rather specifically project based. This had the effect of costing the CAI additional funds from depleting resources simply to see there projects to professional culmination.

Worse, the sums ‘approved’ reduced over the years to just over €28,000 for 2010 and, as we now know, nil for 2011.

We are now advised by the Department of Jobs, Enterpriseand Innovation that they are ‘re-evaluating‘ their ‘policy in this area‘ and are ‘not in a position to give any commitments as to possible future funding’ for the Consumers’ Association of Ireland.’

Take a look at the graph to the right to see just how poorly we compare to our EU colleagues where their efforts and funding difficulties are valued, acknowledged and encouraged and where independent consumer representation is supported!

The income derived from our members subscriptions is insufficient to permit us to lobby as we should and the need for determined lobbying and input at home, in Europe and increasingly,   Internationally, is vital for the future of consumer protection. We accept no commercial source of funding and so our ability to raise alternative funds are virtually non-existent in these recessionary times.

We will prevail – of that there is no question – but, to grow is our goal and I hope that you will consider supporting and joining with us in order that we might go forward forcefully and grow quickly. Then we can benchmark and demand the better protection, the clearer transparency and the proper ethical standards – from a position of strength – supported by the majority of consumers – for the benefit of all consumers.

Dermott Jewell
Chief Executive