PRESS RELEASE 

Consumer Choice is encouraging consumers to use their power to switch this April, comparing the new entrants to the domestic energy market with ESB. How can you switch and where are the best bargains to be found? We're also looking at the latest Choice Buy Digital Cameras for Easter holiday photos - as well as reporting on the latest batch of Euro NCAP crash tests and Choice Buy MP3 speaker docks.  Finally, we show you how to cut out the middleman when it comes to DIY finance, examine when home improvements are really worth it, look at weight loss options for summer and advise on how to save on First Communion style.  

Test: Using your Choice Buy camera
Find the best Choice Buy camera for you and improve your photographs with our simple tips.

Power to switch
With the entry of Bord Gáis Energy into the residential electricity market Irish consumers now have three providers to choose from. Consumer Choice outlines prices and plans to empower your choice.

Fighting fit   
Summer is fast approaching and that thought alone may be all you need to motivate yourself to get in shape. However, if you need a more structured approach, Consumer Choice gives you some options.

Trading places 
In February, Consumer Choice brought you a report on the basics of studying shares and financial tables. This month we follow up with how you can trade shares and compare stockbrokers.

In vino veritas
We are spoilt for choice with the extensive range of wine on the market but the claims about its health effects can be confusing. Should we be consuming more or less or any at all?

DIY finance    
High third party fees have resulted in some consumers taking control of their own financial affairs and asking if they can do the same job themselves for less. We discuss the pros and cons.

TEST: MP3 speaker docks
You bought a shiny new iPod and loaded all your favourite songs onto it. But now what? Our Choice Buy speaker docks allow you to listen to your music out loud.

Room to improve
Given the current property slump, many consumers are opting to upgrade their homes rather than trade up. If you’re one of them, Consumer Choice gives you the tools to help sort the tradesmen from the cowboys. 

Health literacy
Many people find health information difficult to understand. We look at new developments in this area.

TEST: Euro NCAP crash test results     
Euro NCAP has introduced a new overall car safety rating. The rating system is a new approach to evaluating safety performance and will challenge vehicle manufacturers to make all-round safer cars. We bring you the results from the first six cars tested.

First Communion on a budget     
A child’s First Holy Communion can be an expensive affair so Consumer Choice has a look at some high street dresses and suits which can offer consumers good value.

Margaret Brady (Acting Editor, Consumer Choice), Mark Channing (Researcher), Sinead McMahon (Researcher) and Jenny Harrow (Product Researcher) are available for further comment.  For further information, or to arrange an interview with any of the editorial team, please contact the CAI on (01) 497 8600 or cai@consumerassociation.ie.   Dermott Jewell CEO   087 230 7496           

Editors Notes:-  Consumer Choice is published monthly by the Consumers' Association of Ireland (CAI) limited.

Consumer Choice's team of dedicated researchers use their expertise to provide subscribers with impartial reporting on household consumer goods, personal finance, automotive, food, health, safety and consumer rights.  Consumer Choice does not carry any advertising. For that reason it can offer readers an unbiased view of all the products and services they review.  Consumer Choice is available only through subscription direct from the Consumers' Association of Ireland, - join online at  cai@consumerassociation.ie;  www.thecai.ie or call subscriptions on (01) 497 8811.  Reports in Consumer Choice are based on market research, laboratory tests or user surveys, all of which are independently and scientifically conducted. All reports are produced by the editorial staff. Some material is occasionally drawn from other foreign independent consumer magazines.

The Consumers’ Association of Ireland (CAI) is a wholly independent, non-government, non-profit making body registered with charitable status (CHY 8559).