| Press Release - Consumer Choice Jul/Aug 2010 |
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The CAI's bumper summer issue is packed with 64 pages of quality consumer advice and information on everything from education and school book costs, to investment advice, animal welfare, food safety and financial options for retirement and old age care. We ask why women have to pay so much more for a haircut, why supermarkets are not following best practice guidelines when it comes to dangerous campylobacter contamination, how to save money online and cut your tax bill, and how to avoid harmful chemical exposure in your home. Our exclusive independent product tests this month give you tips on printers and ink costs, blu-ray players and energy-saving lightbulbs. TEST: Printers Whether we like it or not, the new academic year is just around the corner. For some this means printing endless school notes, essays and study aids. Consumer Choice brings you our 13 latest Choice Buy printers, as well as ways to save on print costs. TEST: Blu-ray players As predicted, prices for Blu-ray players have fallen considerably over the last year. If you’re thinking of upgrading, Consumer Choice has nine Choice Buys to choose from. TEST: A lightbulb moment We bring you the results of our latest test of energy saving lightbulbs after 8,000 hours of light, and look at other ways of saving energy in your home.  Paying for education Research shows that parents need to plan ahead to make sure they can pay the costs of educating their children. Consumer Choice explores investment strategies and suggests some tips on how to make the financial grade.School book costs Parents are under huge financial pressure at this time of year as they consider the cost of their children going back to school. Consumer Choice examines the cost of school books and asks what can be done to lessen the burden. Investment funds Consumer Choice looks at investment funds as a way for consumers to dip their toes into the market. Exchange traded funds We look at exchange traded funds as a convenient and low-cost way of investing in a stock market index. Tax cut tips We suggest some tips to help you beat the tax man. Fair Deal scheme The Fair Deal scheme is a new departure in how nursing home care is financed. We explain how it works and ask if it really addresses the care needs of the elderly. Releasing your equity We examine equity release schemes as a way for older consumers to raise money in retirement. Internet browsers Microsoft recently offered consumers a ‘browser choice’ update to comply with a legal settlement with the European Commission allowing you to easily change browsers. Consumer Choice browses your options. Online savers There’s a lot to be said for checking out the deals available to consumers who book and/or purchase certain goods and services online. We highlight websites which may be of benefit. A wealth of information Consumer Choice shines a light on the many online resources that can help you navigate your financial life. Takeaway food It certainly gets some bad press, are there healthier options available? Campylobacter risk The threat of serious infection has recently been highlighted by a number of research studies. We review the findings and ask why recommended precautionary measures are not being taken by all retailers. Cheese and crackers Sounds like a healthy snack, but is it really? We take a closer look at the labels and taste test some of the options. A pricey cut We look at the prices consumers pay to keep their hair in peak condition in salons and barbers around the country, and discover that huge price gaps are still the norm. Animal welfare Because of a lack of regulation Ireland has become the ‘puppy farm capital’ of Europe. Consumer Choice looks at proposed legislation to tackle the issue and the impact on both consumer protection and animal welfare. Safe as houses Consumers are exposed to harmful chemicals in their homes every day. We take a look at some sources of these hazards and at how the negative effects can be minimised. Margaret Brady (Acting Editor, Consumer Choice), Mark Channing (Finance Researcher), Sinéad Mc Mahon (Food and Health 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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Editors Notes:- Consumer Choice is published monthly by the Consumers' Association of Ireland (CAI) limited, a wholly independent, non-government, non-profit making body. 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 through a subscription of €24 per quarter direct from the Consumers' Association of Ireland, - contact subscriptions at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; 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. <ENDS>
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