HEALTH INSURANCE • TAX RELIEF CHICKEN & EGGS • HEALTH SCREENING CREDIT UNIONS • OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE TEST: SATNAV SYSTEMS TEST: MOBILE PHONES TEST: TELEVISIONS NOVEMBER 2008

The Magazine of the Consumers’ Association of Ireland

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PRODUCT TESTS IRELAND’S ONLY INDEPENDENT CONSUMERS’ ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND (CAI) To independently protect, promote and represent the interests of consumers. The Council is the policy-making body of CAI. Members are elected from within CAI's membership at the Annual General Editorial & Contents Meeting. The current members are:

Chairperson November James Doorley Vice-Chairperson Michael Kilcoyne Hon Secretary 2008 Ann Woods Hon Treasurer Frank Dawe Minutes Secretary Dorothy Gallagher Council Members e have all been on a roller coaster ride over the for supporting the banks with our money, the Government Elaine Bolger past few months, with fears of a prolonged must do two things. Firstly they must overhaul the Peter Dargan Weconomic recession and turmoil in the banking regulatory regime which allowed this problem to spiral out Richard Donohue sector at home and abroad. The most dramatic event, of of control. Secondly all banks in receipt of the State Mel Gannon course, was the State guarantee of €400bn given by the guarantee must forego the right to increase charges and Diarmuid MacShane Government with taxpayers money to the Irish banks. Given fees as long as the guarantee is in place. If this was done, John McMahon the urgency of the situation, it was the right thing to do and the Government would demonstrate that this decision was Timothy Murphy in the short term it appears to have worked. However the really taken to protect consumers and our economy and not Enid O’Dowd devil will be in the detail and no one really knows what the done solely to bail out the banks. Emer O’Siochru impact of the guarantee will be for consumers and James Wims taxpayers in the medium to long term. It would be unacceptable if consumers ended up paying for this crisis in the form of increased bank charges and fees. Those who created, benefitted from and oversaw this mess must take responsibility and bear the brunt. In return James Doorley Chairperson

STAFF OUR REPORTS CONSUMER CHOICE www.consumerassociation.ie Chief Executive Reports in Consumer Choice are based on market Consumer Choice is published monthly by the Reception Dermott Jewell research, laboratory tests or user surveys, all of Consumers' Association of Ireland (CAI) Limited, tel (01) 497 8600 ext 20 Acting Editor which are independently and scientifically a wholly independent, non-government, Advice / Information Service Margaret Brady conducted. Free goods are never accepted for non-profit making body. CAI was founded in tel (01) 497 8600 ext 23 Editor testing – all samples are purchased. 1966 to protect and promote the interests of Kieran Doherty The reports are produced in the main by the consumers of goods and services, and to PUBLISHED MATERIAL Research team our own Editorial staff. Some material is enhance the quality of life for consumers. CAI is No part of this publication may be reproduced, Mark Channing occasionally drawn from other foreign registered with charitable status: CHY 8559. stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any Jenny Harrow independent consumer magazines. Advertising is not accepted for publication. form without the prior permission of the Editor. It Sinéad Mc Mahon Because Consumer Choice carries no Consumer Choice is available on a subscription may not be used for any form of advertising, Aisling Murtagh commercial advertising it is not swayed by basis only. An administration charge will apply sales promotion or publicity. Assistant to the bias or influence and can point out advantages to cancellations. To subscribe please write to: © Consumers’ Association of Ireland 2008 Chief Executive and flaws in goods and services that other ISSN 0790-486X Judy Dunne magazines may not be able to do. Consumer Choice Subscription Officer Reports on any article relate only to the Subscription Department Editing and Art Direction by Mairead Noonan articles or goods mentioned, and not to any 43–44 Chelmsford Road Margaret Brady and Dermott Jewell Secretarial other article of the same or similar description. Ranelagh Typeset, make up and production by Nora Grimes We do not necessarily price or report on all Dublin 6 Margaret Brady Olga Hick brands or models within the class, and the tel (01) 497 8811 Printed by exclusion of any brand or model should not be fax (01) 497 8601 Baird’s Printing Group, Belfast / Dublin taken as a reflection on it. email [email protected] Cover www.thecai.ie iStockphoto.com

402 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 EDITORIAL 414 405 416 428 420 436

News briefs 404 COMING SOON Health check 405 Insurance policies compared plus a special look at maternity benefits Some of the reports Health screening 410 we plan for you: What’s available and what it involves Affordable housing Bread Get some relief 414 Car rental Are you claiming all your tax reliefs? Choice Buy round-up Cloud computing The chicken and the egg 416 Deposit protection scheme Farming standards examined Digital cameras Digital photo frames Community credit 420 Directory enquiries Fifty years in - we take a look at the Credit Union Family cars Financial gifts TEST: Are we there yet? 424 Food supplements A look at the latest satnav systems Income Tax Guide 2009 Low-calorie options TEST: Mobile phones 428 Meat origin Choice Buy handsets for consumers on the go Money makeover Parcel delivery services TEST: Televisions 432 Snapshot Photo printers What to look out for when you shop Sunbeds Stockbrokers Currents 436 Tooth enamel Changing consumer contract law - EU wide Understanding shares Fire safety - make it a priority! Keep A-G! Nano-food & FSAI concerns Shedding light on bulbs INDEX Indexes are printed in the April, July, Open source software 438 October and December issues of Alternatives that don’t cost the earth Consumer Choice. Turn to p398 in the October issue for the complete What am I to do? 440 index of reports from January to Saving for the holidays September 2008.

CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 403 News briefs The latest information on the world of the consumer A Power of Good The Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill 2008, which has yet to be discussed by the Oireachtas, A Fuel’s Paradise extends the remit of the Ombudsman to cover additional Technology is soon to launch in Ireland that will provide for pay-at-the-pump public bodies and investigate terminals in garages. Ireland had been behind Europe in installing these units complaints from consumers who but it is seen by the industry now as a means of delivery which has the feel that they have been unfairly potential to save retail costs and overheads. It does offer the potential to reduce treated by them. The new bodies queuing and waiting time for consumers who have no need to purchase food, which the Bill will add include: confectionery or any other item at the outlet. Of course, the ability to ‘open’ Universities and IT’s, the Legal unmanned stations at night will undoubtedly attract attention. Aid Board, National Roads Authority, Citizens Information Board, Pensions Board, Equality Authority, Road Safety Authority, CAI Action - Direct and Positive the Food Safety Authority and On September 9th AIB Merchant services notified their retailers that effective from October others. However, commercial 1, they were introducing an additional 20 cent transaction fee when consumers made a Laser semi-state bodies such as the ESB Purchase with Cashback (LPWCB). There was consternation within the retailer community and the National Consumer and an immediate suggestion that this charge would be passed on to the purchasing consumer. Agency will remain outside of the Following some one on one interaction between yours truly and the Irish Bankers Federation Ombudsman’s remit. Full details and the AIB (and, of course, some similar retailer interaction no doubt) during which the at www.oireachtas.ie. likely consumer sentiment impact was indicated, the introduction of the fee was abandoned.

In context THE CLOTHES OFF YOUR BACK... I raised this topic once before The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) recently dealt with a complaint and was approached regarding that deserves highlighting. The consumer received an advertisement in the form of a label the issue recently on our stand at which stated: ‘Irish Program of Unwanted Clothing Collection to improve the lives and the Over 50’s Show. welfare for poor people.’ It asked members of the public to ‘fix the label provided to Will you please contact us if you bags or boxes and leave them in clear view outside your front door on this Thursday are in receipt of texts advising from 8am’. It quoted a registration number ‘Ca. Reg. No. 287899’ and a telephone you that your mobile phone bill number (086 214 7000). No other contact details were given. is due and/or that you have paid The consumer considered the inclusion of the registered number was a deliberate your bill; attempt to mislead the public into thinking that the organisation behind the operation Will you also please tell us if, was a Registered Charity. He stated that in fact the company was purely a profit making having landed abroad, you receive venture and that the intention was to mislead the consumer. The Registered number duplicate texts ‘welcoming’ you to quoted in the advertisement was not a registered charity number but was the Company that country on behalf of your Registration number of a software company that had been dissolved in June 2000. This service provider. is one to seriously consider – and tell your family, friends and neighbours to do likewise! Details please to our National Consumer Complaints Register at Congratulations! www.thecai.ie Well done to Mr. J. Glynn of Dublin 16 who won a one-year free subscription to Consumer Thank You! Choice as a result of his correct completion of our Over 50’s Show free competition and quiz. This winning ‘ticket’ was drawn from over 400 correctly completed entries. We News by greatly appreciate the interest and support of the thousands of consumers we met at the cc Dermott Jewell show and look forward to meeting you all again – hopefully as Members.

404 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 NEWS FINANCE

Health check What to consider when it comes to insuring your most valuable asset, and a special look at maternity cover.

With over 200 different combinations of However, if you opt out of health cover The Irish market health insurance plans available to then make sure you carefully weigh up In Ireland there are three providers of choose from it’s easy to become the costs and benefits of doing so. If health insurance on the market: VHI, confused – and deterred from switching you forgo a health policy and you need Quinn-healthcare and new entrant in particular. We guide you through the medical attention, you can still buy Hibernian Health which recently became process and take a special look at the hospital access privately or receive the majority owner of Vivas. A report by different maternity options. treatment in the public system – the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) in although you may still be liable to pay 2008 shows that ownership of private Why private health insurance? some or all of the costs involved. health insurance stands at approximately There may be some people reading this For the treatment of a minor illness or half of the Irish adult population with who have religiously paid their a visit to the A&E department paying roughly 70% of this figure being insured monthly health insurance premiums, privately may work out cheaper than the with VHI, 20% with Quinn-healthcare AT A GLANCE but have never had to make a claim. cumulative cost of paying insurance and 6% with Hibernian Health. In And with more and more of us feeling premiums, but you should remember Ireland there is a system in place known The Irish market. the pinch, there might be reason to that bills for lengthy in-patient care can as community rating which means that question the value of paying an be huge. According to VHI, the average age cannot be used to determine the cost Choosing. expensive monthly premium for cost of a week’s stay in a private hospital of insurance premiums and that all something that never gets used. is over €5,000. consumers pay the same premium for Focus on maternity.

FINANCE NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 405 Useful contacts THE LATEST ON RISK EQUALISATION The ‘i’ plan is sold at five different levels, offering a wider choice of Department of Health The ongoing saga on the status of risk to pay VHI €40 million. It cited this as the hospital cover. Finally, the ‘we’ plan is Hawkins House equalisation payments to VHI has reason why it left the Irish market in designed for families and also sold at Hawkins Street continued with a recent decision by the late 2006. five different levels to suit the level of Dublin 2 Supreme Court. The Court’s ruling upheld So where to now? The prediction by hospital accommodation for which you tel (01) 635 4000 fax (01) 635 4001 Bupa’s (since taken over by Quinn- many has been that VHI will have to wish to be insured. Each of the www.dohc.ie healthcare) assertion that the increase its prices if it is to carry the Hibernian plans can be purchased with government’s decision to trigger risk burden of an older member profile which is optional day-to-day cover in the form of Health Insurance equalisation payment was unlawful. more likely to make insurance claims. Day-to-day A or Day-to-day 50. These Authority Risk equalisation is designed to However, any increase in premiums will products can also be bought stand-alone The Health Insurance eliminate the excess profits that newer have to be signalled a month in advance. for a slightly higher price. Authority healthcare providers such as Quinn- In the longer term, VHI could even be Canal House healthcare and Hibernian can make due to broken up into separate companies. How should I choose? Canal Road the fact that the age profile of these Whatever the result, it is vital that action is With so many products, it’s important to Dublin 6 companies’ customers is younger and taken to ensure that the old and the sick identify your healthcare needs before tel (01) 406 0080 more profitable than the older, more don’t find themselves in a position where overloading on too much information. fax (01) 406 0081 email [email protected] illness-prone profile of the VHI’s customer health insurance has become unaffordable. There are three main types of healthcare www.hia.ie base. It is argued that Ireland’s system, It should not happen that those who are that you should think about before which operates a policy of community likely to need healthcare most are denied making up your mind: hospital cover, VHI rating – whereby everyone pays the same access to insurance by market forces. After outpatient cover and day-to-day. VHI House amount of money for the same level of all, while health insurance is a product, If you needed to go to hospital, what Lower Abbey Street health insurance irrespective of their age – there are good grounds for treating it kind of hospitals would you want access Dublin 1 needs risk equalisation to allow older differently to other financial products as is to? What type of accommodation would Lo call 1850 44 44 44 companies continue to offer health done in many other European countries. If you be satisfied with? You might be fax (01) 809 0527 insurance to older and sicker customers at it is decided to abandon the policy of risk happy with basic hospital coverage email [email protected] the same price as young and healthy equalisation in this country then the which provides you with a semi-private www.vhi.ie individuals. Without such a system it is government needs to come up with a room in a public hospital, or perhaps Quinn-healthcare feared that premiums for higher risk workable alternative. Going forward, could you would be willing to pay more for a Mill Island individuals will rise and may become a small increase across all policies from all policy which provides private room Fermoy unaffordable. Until the Supreme Court providers be employed as an alternative to accommodation in all hospitals except Co. Cork decision Bupa was expected to have had risk equalisation? the specialist units. Lo call 1890 89 1890 If you have a specific health worry www.quinn- such as a heart complaint, then it might healthcare.com the same product regardless of age. private hospital (with excess depending be worth taking out a policy that covers Understanding what the different on the hospital) as well as half the cost you for treatment in the Mater Private Hibernian Healthcare providers offer can be confusing, given of day-to-day medical expenses. Hospital or the Blackrock clinic. Also, MountainView such a wide array of plans and products. For more choice in the level of bear in mind that a semi-private room Central Park hospital accommodation, the Essential can have anything from between two Leopardstown Dublin 18 VHI suite of products range from Essential and five beds in it. tel 1850 717 717 VHI, the largest of the insurers, delivers Starter with limited day-to-day benefits, Once you have identified your email info@hibernian its policies through three platforms: up to Essential Gold which provides hospital needs, consider what kind of healthinsurance.ie LifeStage Choices, Hospital Plans A-E cover for private accommodation in the outpatient coverage you require. www.vivashealth.ie and Healthsteps Silver and Gold. Mater Private Hospital and the Outpatient treatment differs from day- LifeStage Choices provides hospital Blackrock Clinic, as well as full day-to- to-day treatment in that it is mainly Useful website cover as well as day-to-day cover. day cover. more serious medical procedures such as Hospital Plans A-E are intended for Finally, Quinn-healthcare also MRI and CT scans as well as consultant www.hia.ie hospital cover with limited day-to-day provides four different levels of hospital fees for radiology and pathology insurance. They can be bought with cover, as well as graduated maternity examinations. three Option plans which cover major benefits and day-to-day medical Next, consider day-to-day cover. Ask heart surgery in the Blackrock Clinic expenses, through its HealthManager yourself how many times you have and the Mater Private Hospital. platform. needed to go the doctor or psychologist Finally, the HealthSteps Silver and over the past year. You may not need a Gold policies concentrate on covering Hibernian Health day-to-day policy if you are in good day-to-day healthcare needs only. Hibernian Health has three pillars of general health. products, each of which can be bought Finally, consider any lifestyle extras Quinn-healthcare with separate day-to-day cover (which on offer such as laser eye treatment Quinn-healthcare’s product range are also sold individually). The ‘me’ benefits and teeth whitening procedures. includes the PersonalCare and plan is designed for young, single If you plan to start a family then FamilyCare plans, which provide people and is sold at two different levels maternity benefits are going to be a key Report by coverage for a private room in a public of cover which determines hospital factor for consideration (see Maternity Mark Channing cc hospital or a semi-private room in a accommodation. Checkup).

406 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 FINANCE SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: HIBERNIAN HEALTH WITH OPTIONAL DAY-TO-DAY COVER

Me Plans (both levels) I Plan We Plan Annual premium starting range (adult, €) 332 - 518 390 - 1,842 390 - 1,842 Hospital cover as private patient Outpatient cover * Limited Limited Limited Outpatient excess payable (€) 150 150 250 Maternity benefits Very limited Accident and emergency abroad (€) up to 55,000 up to 100,000 up to 100,000 Psychiatric hospital cover (days) up to 100 up to 180 up to 180 Optional day to day cover Day to day A Day to day 50 Day to day A Day to day 50 Day to day A Day to day 50 Annual costs 107 190 122 190 122 190 GP visits (€) 30 3 30 4 30 3 30 4 30 3 30 4 Dental (€) 30 3 25 5 30 3 25 5 30 3 25 5 Optical (€) 25 6 30 6 25 6 30 6 25 6 Alternative therapies (€) 30 3 25 5 30 3 25 5 30 3 25 5 Hearing tests (€) 25 6 30 6 25 6 30 6 25 6 Prescription costs (€) 25 per year 25 per year 25 per year Psychologist visits (€) NOTES: 1 Can be purchased stand-alone for €223. 2 Can be purchased stand-alone for €143. 3 Up to 3 visits per year. 4 Up to 15 visits. 5 Up to 8 visits. 6 One visit per year. 7 Up to €55,000 for Level One Plans. * as rated by the Health Insurance Authority. All figures are rounded to the nearest euro.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: VHI

Lifestages Plans A-E & Options Healthsteps Silver Healthsteps Gold Annual premium starting range (adult, €) 538 - 1150 463 - 2,036 125 190 Hospital cover as private patient Outpatient cover * Significant Limited Significant Significant Outpatient excess payable (€) 125 - 250 220 - 310 7 11 Maternity benefits Accident and emergency abroad (€) up to 100,000 up to 100,000 8 Psychiatric hospital cover (days) 100 180 Day to day cover Limited; subject to Level 1 Level 2 1 outpatient excess GP visits (€) 30 2 40 2 20 2 25 2 35 2 Dental (€) 30 2 40 2 20 5 25 2 35 2 Optical (€) 55 3 100 3 20 6 55 3 100 3 Alternative therapies (€) 30 4 40 4 20 4 25 4 35 4 Hearing tests (€) 30 3 40 3 25 3 35 3 Prescription costs (€) 30 30 Psychologist visits (€) 30 4 40 4 20 4 25 4 35 4 NOTES: 1 Level 2 cover costs approx €6 extra per adult per month. 2 Up to 25 visits per year. 3 Max 2 visits per year. 4 Up to 12 visits per year. 5 Per 12-month period in excess of any social welfare benefit. 6 Per 24 month period. 7 Individual excess amounts. 8 Plans A-B up to €65,000. * as rated by the Health Insurance Authority. All figures are rounded to the nearest euro.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: QUINN-HEALTHCARE

Family Care Essential Starter, Essential, Healthmanager Starter, Personal Care Essential Plus, Essential Gold Healthmanager, Healthmanager Gold Annual premium starting range (adult, €) 599 - 655 295 - 1,165 548 - 1,935 Hospital cover as private patient Outpatient cover * Significant Limited Significant Outpatient excess payable (€) 1 150 - 470 1 Maternity benefits Accident and emergency abroad (€) up to 100,000 up to 100,000 up to 100,000 Psychiatric hospital cover (days) 100 100 100 Day to day cover 2 GP visits (€) 50% up to 20 per visit 50% Dental (€) up to 25 per year up to 25 per year up to 25 per year Optical (€) up to 20 per year up to 20 per year up to 20 per year Alternative therapies (€) 50% 1 up to 20 per visit 1 50% - 75% 3 Hearing tests (€) Up to 40 per year Prescription costs (€) Psychologist visits (€) NOTES: 1 Max 12 visits per year. 2 Not covered under Essential Starter. 3 When total treatment exceeds €630 in a year, 75% of exenses are covered. Does not apply to HealthManager Starter. 4 Up to €70,000 under Essential Starter and Essential Plans.

FINANCE NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 407 Excess that they have switched their private Once you have settled on the level of health insurer at some point. The report healthcare that you require, it is time to discovered that 45% of consumers were compare prices. Be mindful of any happy with their existing provider and excess that comes with the plan. This is felt no reason to switch. However, 27% the amount you must pay before your of respondents indicated that their main health cover kicks in. The higher your reason for not switching was because excess, the cheaper your policy will be. they had been with their health insurer So, for example, VHI’s hospital Plan B for a long time. This would seem to provides you with full private room support the idea of many people simply cover in public hospitals and full semi- remaining with the insurer of their private room cover in private hospitals parents even though this insurer may excluding the Beacon Hospital, the not provide the best quality or the most Blackrock Clinic and the Mater Private affordable cover for them. Hospital. The normal cost of the policy Another factor which seems to deter with no excess is €55.39 per month. people from switching is the belief that However, if you choose the Plan B they will have to serve a waiting period excess it will cost you €6 less each before the cover starts with their newly month at €49.39. However, should you chosen provider. Waiting periods only require a stay in a private hospital, apply if you are new to health under this plan you will be required to insurance, or if it has been over 13 pay the first €75 of the hospital bill weeks since you last had a health yourself with your insurance covering insurance policy with a provider in set to be the next big battleground in the excess. Also, it should be noted that Ireland. You will also have to serve a the fight among insurers to claim a unlike the other providers, Quinn- waiting period before receiving the extra larger slice of the market. Quinn- healthcare applies a charge of 3% extra benefits on a plan if you switch to a healthcare is the first insurer in Ireland on policy holders that elect to pay their higher level of cover with an alternative to bundle its healthcare policies by premiums monthly. In Ireland, health insurer. However the HIA found that offering its customers who have both a insurance is subject to tax relief at the over 40% of consumers were not aware healthcare plan and a motor insurance standard rate – this is deducted at that a waiting period would not apply policy from Quinn-direct up to €200 source - so the prices quoted for policies to them if they switched from one free home insurance for three years. are net of the 20% relief. insurer to a comparable plan with More recently this bundle has been another insurer. expanded to include free travel Switching insurance. According to the HIA’s recent report Tied up in bundles? Hibernian Health looks set to follow only 10% of all consumers indicated Buying your insurance in bundles looks the trend in an attempt to meet its stated objective of increasing its membership to over 500,000 subscribers within five years. The company has said choice comment it intends to target the group’s existing 1.2 million customers in its other insurance markets, which suggests that The recent decision by the Supreme Court on risk equalisation along with arrival of more bundling is on the cards. insurance giant Hibernian means the Irish health insurance market will witness a lot of changes over the coming months and years. How the government approaches the issue There are pros and cons for the of risk equalisation will be key in determining just how radically different the market consumer when it comes to the practice place looks in the future. Will the VHI be broken up into smaller entities or will the of bundling. The Quinn bundles are government find an alternative way to equalise the market place which is distorted by obviously a bonus to existing Quinn- one insurer’s older customer base? It would be heartening to see the government and healthcare members who already have insurance companies replicate the partnership approach used in wage agreements motor insurance with the company and which has worked so well in delivering prosperity over the last number of years. Some who wouldn’t ordinarily take out home form of risk equalisation is required to ensure older and sicker members of society can or travel insurance. However, for continue to afford healthcare coverage. The skill will be delivering it so that the consumers who may have different objective is achieved while allowing the market the freedom to operate normally. insurers for their home, health, car, and For the consumer, choosing health insurance coverage is as tough a task as ever as travel requirements bundling may not insurers compete for business with an array of products, benefits and lifestyle options. The key considerations remain the same however. What level of hospital always represent the cheapest or the accommodation would you satisfied with? What kind of outpatient coverage do you most suitable cover. Also, consumers want? What cover for day-to-day expenses do you need? And of course, what can you will lose flexibility by tying up all their afford? However, it is better to sit down and make these decisions rather than not. In policies with one provider in a bundle its latest report the HIA has found that a growing proportion of non-consumers as it will not be possible to switch appeared to be putting off taking out private health insurance until they are older and from one policy without losing cover more likely to need it. However there are no guarantees when it comes to your health in another. so maybe it is a gamble not worth taking.

408 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 FINANCE MATERNITY CHECK-UP

This year, we decided to focus on one particular aspect of health insurance - fees, alternative and traditional therapists’ fees, midwifery services, nutritionist, and maternity cover - and to compare the benefits associated with each plan. All of the chiropodist fees. Also included is a €39 allowance for a maternity bra, baby plans provide some level of maternity cover, although Hibernian’s ‘me’ Plan and massage classes to the value of €100 and a counselling allowance. Quinn-healthcare’s Essential Starter, which offer minimal benefits, are not designed to cater for those intending to start a family. Basic maternity cover includes Hibernian Health allowances for private hospital accommodation for three days (or a home birth Maternity benefits include cord blood stem cell preservation (where blood is allowance), doctor’s fee assistance, outpatient consultant visit cover and free harvested from the umbilical cord and stored for treatment against potential future newborn baby cover until the policy renewal date. Each insurer also offers extra diseases). It also covers post-natal home help, Doula services, alternative therapies, maternity benefits designed to cater for those intending to start a family. a 15% discount at the Pregnancy Store, 25% discount on fertility testing, child home nursing and a parent accompanying child grant. Policy holders of ‘i’ and ‘we’ VHI plans can also avail of 4D ultrasound scans, breastfeeding consultancy and partner VHI’s Hospital Plans A-E and A-C Options offer extra benefits including up to €100 benefits such as travel and accommodation allowance for the day the baby is born per day towards child home nursing for 28 days if they’ve had a hospital stay of at and the day immediately before or after the birth. least five days and a travel allowance of €40 per day for parents’ travel and accommodation expenses to visit a hospitalised child. With VHI’s Family Plan and If you are considering switching health insurance providers to avail of a competitor’s Family Plan Plus this allowance is increased to €100 per day as well as including maternity benefits, remember that if you are new to health insurance or switching an allowance of €100 for baby massage classes and €75 towards the first visit to to a higher level of healthcare coverage that you will be subject to a waiting period a Consultant Paediatrician. of 52 weeks. If you have served these waiting periods and are switching to an equivalent plan, you will have wait two years for the extra benefits but you will still Quinn-healthcare be covered by benefits which were the same as on your old plan. Also, remember The best maternity offerings from Quinn-healthcare are available through its that outpatient excesses apply to VHI’s Hospital Plans A-E (including options), Quinn- HealthManager range, where allowances are available for benefits that include G.P. healthcare’s Essential Plans and Hibernian’s ‘i’ and ‘we’ plans (see Excess).

MATERNITY BENEFIT COMPARISON HEALTHCARE ANNUAL PRIVATE DOCTORS’ FREE HOME BIRTH OUTPATIENT EXTRA BENEFITS PROVIDER COST (€) HOSPITAL FEES (€) BABY ALLOWANCE CONSULTANT 3 DAYS (€) COVER 1 (€) VISIT (€) VHI First Plan 538 2,275 870  2,275 250/350 2  First Plan Plus 668 2,275 870  2,275 250/350 2  Family Plan 548 3,400 870  3,400 400/500 2 Baby massage 3, home nursing allowance 4, travel allowance 5 Family Plan Plus 678 3,400 870  3,400 400/500 2 Baby massage 3, home nursing allowance 4, travel allowance 5 Forward Plan 1,083 2,275 870  2,275 250/350 2  Plan A 463 2,275 870  2,275 255 6 Home nursing allowance 4, travel allowance 7 Plan A Option 486 2,275 870  2,275 385 12 Home nursing allowance 4, travel allowance 7 Plan B 665 3,150 870  3,150 255 6 Home nursing allowance 4, travel allowance 7 Plan B Option 721 3,150 870  3,150 385 13 Home nursing allowance 4, travel allowance 7 Plan B Excess 593 3,150 870  3,150 255 6 Home nursing allowance 4, travel allowance 7 Plan C 1,044 3,150 870  3,150 255 6 Home nursing allowance 4, travel allowance 7 Plan C Option 1,082 3,150 870  3,150 385 13 Home nursing allowance 4, travel allowance 7 Plan D 1,383 3,400 870  3,400 385 13 Home nursing allowance 4, travel allowance 7 Plan E 2,036 3,400 870  3,400 385 13 Home nursing allowance 4, travel allowance 7 QUINN HEALTHCARE Essential Starter 295 400 296  400  Essential 370 2,500 870  2,500 400 10  Essential Plus Starter 449 3,500 870  3,500 400 14  Essential Plus 539 3,500 870  3,500 400 15  Essential Gold 1,665 3,900 870  3,900 400 15  Family Care 622 3,500 870  3,500 400 €275 treatment allowance plus extra benefits 9 Personal Care 599 400 293  400  HealthManager Starter 548 2,850 870  2,850 250 €200 treatment allowance, baby massage 3 plus extra benefits 9 HealthManager 824 3,500 870  3,500 500 €200 treatment allowance, baby massage 3 plus extra benefits 9 HealthManager Silver 1,340 3,650 870  3,650 600 €200 treatment allowance, baby massage 3 plus extra benefits 9 HealthManager Gold 1,935 3,900 870  3,900 750 €200 treatment allowance, baby massage 3 plus extra benefits 9 HIBERNIAN HEALTH me Plan Level 1 332 381    me Plan Level 2 517 381    i & we Plan Level 1 390 2,450 910  2,450 400 8 Stem cell preservation and other benefits 11 i & we Plan Level 2 556 3,450 910  3,450 400 8 Stem cell preservation and other benefits 11 i & we Plan Level 3 853 3,450 910  3,450 400 8 Stem cell preservation and other benefits 11 i & we Plan Level 4 1,324 3,550 910  3,550 400 8 Stem cell preservation and other benefits 11 i & we Plan Level 5 1,842 3,850 910  3,850 400 8 Stem cell preservation and other benefits 11 NOTES: 1 Until next renewal date. 2 Higher amount applicable to level 2 members. Monthly premium is approximately €5.63 extra per month. 3 Baby massage allowance is €100. 4 Contributions of up to €100 per day towards child home nursing for 28 days if the child had a stay of five or more days in hospital. 5 Allowance of up to €100 per day to visit hospitalised child. 6 Subject to individual excess of €310, family excess of €500. 7 Allowance of up to €40 per day to visit hospitalised child. 8 Subject to excess of €220 for individual cover, €250 for family. 9 Includes nutritionist, physiotherapy, chiropody and alternative therapist fees. Maternity bra worth €39. 10 Subject to excess of €250. 11 Benefits include breastfeeding consultancy, partner benefits and member discounts. 12 Subject to individual excess of €250, family excess of €470. 13 Subject to individual excess of €220, family excess of €380. 14 Subject to excess of €150. 15 Subject to excess of €220.

FINANCE NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 409 HEALTH

Health screening

Health screening helps identify the possible presence of an illness or a contributing factor before it becomes a problem. However, not all types of screening are of the same value and can be costly. We explore the issues to help the consumer decide what value screening might have for them.

Health screening has become more Such tests are not just available to those detects that there may be a problem. The well known with the help of TV series, brave enough to entertain us with their benefits include disease prevention and such as RTÉ’s ‘How Long Will You Live’ less than ideal diet and lifestyle habits. early diagnosis and treatment. where the participant’s health is screened Many private clinics offer health screens. Screening seems completely AT A GLANCE using tests that evaluate heart, liver and Health screening can mean basic worthwhile as it could mean the lung function, in addition to more health checks, such as conducting weight, difference between costly treatments and Types of commonplace cholesterol and blood cholesterol and blood pressure tests that ill-health or simply dealing with a risk screening. pressure monitoring. This helps identify are risk factors in the development of factor through diet and lifestyle changes early warning signs of disease, many of conditions like heart disease and or before it contributes to health issues. But Health insurance cover. which can be corrected through diet and having a stroke. Other types test for the drawbacks have been highlighted. lifestyle changes to bring better health possible presence of a condition, but do Screening tests themselves will not Benefits and and a longer life. Health screening has not give a diagnosis. Further always bring completely accurate results. drawbacks. even been likened to a ‘human NCT’. investigation is necessary if screening False positive results will mean further

410 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 HEALTH recommends that cancer screening programme. An expert group has been set programmes should use a test that is up by the National Cancer Screening proven in its effectiveness and be subject Service to examine, among other things, to quality control. The target cancer the population to be screened, the should be a common form because if its frequency of testing and the type of test to prevalence is low, a national programme be used. Its evaluation process is currently is unlikely to be effective. underway and it will make The National Breast Screening recommendations to the Department of Programme - BreastCheck - provides free Health when its work is complete. breast x-rays (mammograms) every two The UK’s NHS currently operates a years to women aged 50 to 64. The National Colon Cancer Screening service service began operating in the Eastern for all adults aged between 60 and 69, region and is currently available in the through the distribution of home Faecal North East, East, Midlands, South East Occult Blood (FOB) testing kits that and parts of the West and South. Two detect the presence of blood in stools. If new units were opened in the West and abnormal results are found patients are South in December 2007, but it is then offered a colonoscopy. expected to take up to 27 months to screen all women in the expansion area. Private screening BreastCheck aims to operate nationwide A wider range of health screening tests and told Consumer Choice that it “remains can be accessed privately. Many clinics committed to bringing its screening offer health screens from around €150 to service to women in the remaining €600. What’s included varies. More counties at the earliest possible date.” expensive ‘comprehensive’ health screens Invitations to screening are issued by can include BMI, blood pressure, post. Eligible women are identified from cholesterol, blood glucose, blood count, information received from the thyroid function, ECG, chest x-ray, lung, Department of Health, General Medical liver and kidney function, sight and Services and private health insurers. hearing tests. Some tests are simpler and However, the lists do not include all who less expensive to perform, such as blood are eligible. Women can self-register tests, while others require more costly online or by calling BreastCheck (see equipment, such as a DEXA bone scan. Useful contacts). For women, often a mammogram or The National Cervical Screening DEXA scan can be added to a health Programme - CervicalCheck was screen at an extra cost. A cervical smear launched in September 2008. All women may also be added on, or is sometimes aged 25 to 44 are eligible for a free smear included. Men may be offered the PSA test every three years and those aged 45 test as part of their comprehensive screen to 60 every five years. Call CervicalCheck or as an add-on. Less expensive health (see Useful contacts) or check its website screens often test combination of BMI, for a list of participating GPs and clinics. blood pressure, cholesterol, blood unnecessary investigation, along with the Test results will be available to women glucose, eyesight and hearing. Many added anxiety and stress of potential within four weeks of the smear. The Irish pharmacies have also begun operating illness. Tests may also give a negative Cervical Screening Programme Phase similar screening tests. result, even if the disease is present. One previously provided smear tests to Health screening is eligible for tax relief Examples of tests that have received women in counties Limerick, Clare and under the Med 1 scheme, at either 21% or some criticism include the PSA test for North Tipperary. 41%, depending on the rate of tax you prostate cancer and the use of the ECG in The Minister for Health and Children pay (see ‘Get some relief’ in this issue, those without heart disease. has approved the introduction of a p414). Screening is not an inexpensive choice vaccine for 12 year old girls against the either. There are some ways the burden human papilloma virus (HPV) beginning Health insurance cover can be lessened, by availing of state in September 2009. According to the Some of the cost of screening can be screening programmes, claiming tax Health Information and Quality covered by health insurance. What is relief and checking if your health insurer Authority, infection with HPV is the main covered and how this is administered may cover some of the cost. cause of cervical cancer in Ireland. differs greatly. CervicalCheck and the planned Cancer screening vaccination programme are part of the VHI Healthcare National screening programmes are national strategy to reduce cervical cancer VHI Healthcare covers a certain amount costly to administer. Their overall benefit rates in Ireland. of screening costs for customers aged over depends on prevalence of the disease and The 2006 Strategy for Cancer Control 18. An excess of €1 applies. Screening can how easily the risk category can be recommended the establishment of a include any medical test or investigation targeted. The World Health Organisation national colorectal cancer screening which is conducted to identify the

HEALTH NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 411 Useful contacts SCREENING TESTS A complete health screen can include different combinations of the tests described. Other tests not described here may also be BreastCheck included. A screen can also include health lifestyle advice based on a questionnaire identifying issues of concern. Kings Inn House 200 Parnell Street BLOOD TESTS around the body. It is measured by two readings, one when the heart Dublin 1 Blood glucose When we eat carbohydrate foods, they are contracts, and another when the heart relaxes. Normal blood pressure Freephone Info eventually broken down into glucose. The pancreas produces the is usually around 120/80. The reading can be affected by stress or 1800 454 555 hormone insulin which regulates blood sugars. Testing blood glucose anxiety, so one high reading doesn’t always mean there is a problem. [email protected] levels gives a picture of how well the body regulates blood sugars. Cholesterol This is a naturally occurring fat in the blood of which www.breastcheck.ie The blood test can be carried out after six hours fasting or also there are two types, LDL or bad cholesterol and HDL or good without fasting, but this can affect the result. If blood sugar levels cholesterol. LDL can build up on artery walls, causing them to narrow CervicalCheck are above a certain level it can indicate a risk factor in developing and restricting blood flow. HDL, on the other hand, assists the PO Box 161 Limerick Type 2 diabetes. removal of LDL from the body. Total cholesterol levels should not be Freephone Info Liver function A broad range of functions of the liver are tested by greater than five. The ratio of HDL to LDL can also be tested, which is 1800 454 555 checking the presence for the presence of certain substances, such best done when the patient has been fasting for twelve hours. LDL tel (061) 461 390 as enzymes, in the blood. shouldn’t be more than three and HDL one. Triglycerides are another fax (061) 481 810 Kidney function Measures levels of urea and electrolytes in the type of fat. When they are at high levels in the blood they have been www.cervicalcheck.ie blood, which the kidneys regulate. linked with heart disease. This may also be measured in conjunction Thyroid function Measures the levels of thyroid hormones in the with cholesterol testing. Diabetes Federation of blood. The thyroid regulates metabolism and the test can detect an ECG or Electrocardiograph Uses sound waves to get a picture of the Ireland under (hypo) or over (hyper) active thyroid gland. heart functioning. Its benefit has been questioned in cases where 76 Lower Gardner Street there are no symptoms such as chest pain or an existing heart Dublin 1 CANCER SCREENING problem. It may not always pick up a heart condition, even if one is tel (01) 836 3022 fax (01) 836 5182 Cervical screen Does not diagnose cancer but checks for cell present. In healthy people an underlying problem may only appear Helpline 1850 909 909 changes in the cervix or neck of the womb. A sample of cervical cells when the heart is exercised. An ECG can also be conducted after email [email protected] are taken and analysed to see if any abnormal cells are present. heart rate is raised after the patient walks or runs on a treadmill. This www.diabetesireland.ie Abnormal or precancerous cells may become cancerous if not tests how well the heart deals with extra pressure and is commonly treated early. All women between 25 and 60 should have regular called a ‘stress ECG’. Health Promotion.ie cervical screens (also called smear tests). Women aged 25 to 44 HSE infoline should have a smear every three years, and those between 45 and OTHER TESTS 1850 241 850 60 every five years. Women can now have a free cervical smear BMI or Body Mass Index This method is commonly used to www.healthinfo.ie within these periods since the launch of CervicalCheck in September calculate a healthy weight. It is based on the amount of weight we (see Useful contacts). If abnormalities are found, tests may be carried carry for our height. A healthy BMI ranges from 20 to 25. A BMI of 26 Irish Cancer Society out more regularly. or above is determined overweight and 31 or above obese. A BMI of 43/45 Northumberland Road Mammogram This is an x-ray of the breast that can detect changes 19 or under indicates underweight. BMI ratings are a crude indicator Dublin 4 in the breast tissue, which may be too minor to detect on physical of a healthy weight and does not take into account the person’s build tel (01) 2310 500 examination. The earlier changes are detected, the greater the and level of activity. There are many BMI guides, and online BMI fax (01) 2310 555 chances of recovery. calculators are available. If you’ve calculated your number and are Cancer Freephone PSA test Measures the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the unsure about its relevance, talk to a health professional, such as your Helpline 1800 200 700 blood, which can indicate a higher prostate cancer risk. However, GP or a dietician, before making diet and lifestyle changes. www.cancer.ie elevated PSA levels can be a result of other factors, such as stress Bone density The DEXA scan is an x-ray that measures bone density, and are often higher in older men (see ‘Prostate health’, Consumer or the amount of calcium laid down in the bones. The scan can Irish Heart Foundation Choice, October 2007, p383). If PSA is raised, the patient may then measure the risk of osteoporosis, a condition where the bones thin 4 Clyde Road go for a biopsy to see if cancer cells are present. The value of the and are weakened making them fracture more easily. Risk factors Ballsbridge PSA test has been questioned. According to the Irish Cancer Society, linked with developing osteoporosis include low body weight, family Dublin 4 tel (01) 668 5001 for every 100 men with raised PSA, only 30 have cancerous cells in history of the condition, smoking or high alcohol use, inadequate fax (01) 668 5896 the prostate and PSA levels can be normal even when cancer cells calcium or vitamin D intake. It is more commonly associated with email [email protected] are present. The 2006 Strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland post-menopausal women, as oestrogen levels drop in the body, but www.irishheart.ie recommended that prostate cancer screening should not be can also affect men and younger women. introduced as a population based programme at present. Glaucoma test The testing machine blows a small puff of air into the Irish Osteoporosis Colorectal screening A Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) test identifies if patients open eye to measure pressure in the eye. If glaucoma is Society blood is present in stools. If cancerous growths are present in the present, there is often an increase in pressure in the eye that can 33 Pearse St bowel they can bleed. This test doesn’t indicate cancer, but could eventually lead to damage of the optic nerve and eyesight Dublin 2 indicate the presence of swollen veins or polyps in the bowel. If deterioration. tel (01) 6774 267 blood is present, a further referral may be made for a colonoscopy, Lung function Often measured using a spirometer to test how the email which looks at the lining of the bowel using a small tube with a tiny lungs function by breathing into the instrument at rest, after a deep [email protected] www.irishosteoporosis.ie camera attached. breath etc. It measures the lungs’ air capacity and how long it takes for air to move in and out of the lungs. HEART HEALTH Urine test Simple dip stick test that highlights the presence Blood pressure This is a measure of the pressure of blood against substances such blood, protein and white blood cells in urine. It’s blood vessel walls or how hard your heart has to work to pump blood sometimes referred to as urinalysis by screening providers.

412 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 HEALTH National Cancer SEXUAL HEALTH The €7,650 annual limit on outpatient Screening Service cover also applies to the HealthManager, Kings Inn House There are many different sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are caused by specific HealthManager Starter, HealthManager 200 Parnell Street bacteria or viruses. Some are much more common than others. Chlamydia is the most Silver, HealthManager Gold. The tests Dublin 1 common STI worldwide. included under these policies are sports tel (01) 865 9300 The HSE recommends that it’s good sexual health practice to have an STI screen health screen, executive health check, fax (01) 865 9333 regularly. This can be done by your GP and involves blood tests and swabs from the genital cervical screen and PSA test every two [email protected] area. A number of STI clinics exist nationwide, which offer free and confidential STI years. It will pay the full cost of a www.cancerscreening.ie screening. Contact the HSE Infoline or see Health promotion.ie for services in your area. mammogram and DEXA scan. The sports health screen includes a HEALTH INSURERS physiotherapist’s examination and can Vhi Healthcare CallSave 1850 444 444 presence or susceptibility to a particular check which includes cholesterol, blood include tests such as lung function and www.vhi.ie disease, such as allergy testing, pressure, BMI and urine analysis. The ECG. The executive health check can cholesterol, blood pressure, breast and screen costs €85, of which Hibernian will include liver and kidney function, stress Quinn Healthcare € smear tests. Screening must be performed pay 35. EHA executive health screens ECG, blood count, blood glucose, DEXA LoCall 1890 891 890 by a GP or Consultant in their own can include an ECG, hearing test and scan, a PSA test, cervical smear and www.quinn- rooms or a VHI approved outpatient stool analysis. They cost €300, and mammogram if appropriate. The full cost healthcare.com centre. Hibernian will pay €100. A pharmacy of colon cancer screen is also covered On the VHI Lifestage Choices policies health check which tests BMI, blood every five years, subject to clinical Hibernian Health First Plan, First Plan Plus, Family Plan pressure and cholesterol can be accessed indicators based on family history of www.hibernian.ie/online/ and Family Plan Plus, if day to day at a select number of pharmacies colorectal cancer or polyps in the bowel. health medical expenses are taken out at level nationwide. It costs €65, of which Contact Quinn for the exact details. CallSave 1850 716 666 one VHI will cover up to €100 (or at level Hibernian will pay €20. Quinn’s Essential starter, Essential, two €200) of screening costs every two In addition, Hibernian will pay €250 Essential Plus, and Essential Gold years. towards the cost of the cervical cancer policies cover screening once all claims VHI’s Forward Plan offers an increased vaccination through Charter Medical on outpatient benefits don’t exceed level of cover, paying up to €250 every Group. The full cost is €610. Hibernian’s €6,400. The full cost of mammogram two years on level one and €350 every Day to Day Me plan does not cover and DEXA scan is covered under these two years on level two. screening. plans, as well as a colon cancer screen VHI’s HealthSteps Silver plan provides every five years, subject to certain clinical cover for screening of up to €100 every Quinn Healthcare indicators. two years and the gold plan €200 every Quinn Healthcare covers screening as Other screening services are covered, two years. part of outpatient benefits on its policies. subject to an outpatient excess (see Under Hospital Plans A-E and Plans A- Claims must be made at the year’s end, ‘Health Insurance’, this issue, p405). C Option a cervical smear and and screening is covered only at Quinn These include a women’s cancer screen of mammogram are covered under healthcare approved centres. Check with up to €30 per year, prostate blood test of outpatient cover subject to annual excess. Quinn for details of local providers. up to €20 per year and sports health On the FamilyCare and PersonalCare screening of up to €150 every two years. Hibernian Health policies, half the cost of health screening Essential Gold also covers an executive Hibernian Health covers some screening is covered every two years, once all claims health check at an approved centre of up costs as part of its policies’ lifestyle on outpatient benefits don’t exceed to €100 per year. Screening is not covered Report by benefits. Hibernian’s Me, I and We plans €7,650 annually. under the Essential Starter policy Aisling Murtagh cc partly cover screening costs from €35 to €180 on a range of tests provided by approved providers, Charter Medical Group and EHA. A standard health screen provided by choice comment Charter Medical costs €130, of which Hibernian will pay €35. The executive The benefit of some types of health screening is clearly greater than others. Benefits also health screen costs €580, of which depend on the individual. Family history of the presence of certain diseases, or other lifestyle Hibernian will pay €180. Kidney, liver disease risk factors can indicate where greater precaution should be taken. Consumers may and lung function, blood pressure, then opt to have specific illnesses screened for. A general health check, measuring illness risk cholesterol, BMI and blood glucose factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, weight and blood glucose is a good idea. However, testing are included in the standard when the benefit of screening aspects of health such as the general functioning of our lungs, screen, while the PSA test, thyroid liver and kidneys is unproven in healthy people, having a total health check may need more function, cervical smear, and DEXA scan consideration. National screening programmes are carefully planned and evaluated. Private are also included in the executive screen. screening can be expensive and often seems to include a random collection of numerous Contact Hibernian Health or Charter health tests. Screening also plays on the idea of prevention is better than cure, but if the value Medical for the exact details. of certain tests is uncertain, what they can potentially prevent also becomes questionable. Hibernian policy holders can also Screening is one tool in preventative medicine that can highlight the possible presence of an claim screening costs through EHA GP illness or a factor that could contribute to its development in the future. The rest is up to us practices. EHA provides a standard health and whether we actually correct our lifestyle to reduce the risk.

HEALTH NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 413 FINANCE

Get some relief Let the government take the sting out of some of your expenses and give you some relief.

If you had money sitting in a bank to a limit of €400 per year meaning that be claimed at this higher rate. So, in account somewhere you wouldn’t just if you pay tax at the lower rate (20%) effect every €100 that you contribute into write it off and forget about it, but this is local authority charges of €400 per year your pension is actually only costing you exactly what you are doing if you are not will actually cost you €320 (€400 - 20%). €59. However, the amount of your claiming all of your reliefs. We remind Tax relief is also available for the income that you can contribute to your you of what you could be entitled to. purchase of bin tags provided the receipt pension and claim relief from is limited is retained. All claims must be made depending on how old you are. The table Local authority charges directly the tax office. Tax relief available (right) sets out the maximum percentage All local authority service charges that are for tags is €195. of your income, given your age, that paid in full and on time are eligible for qualifies for the tax relief. Contributions tax relief. You must notify the local Pensions you make that exceed your annual authority of your PPS number. It in turn If you have an occupational pension allowance get carried over for relief on AT A GLANCE will notify the tax office of the amount (a pension provided by your employer), the following year’s earnings, although of paid charges. PAYE workers will then you can obtain income tax relief on the percentage allowance for that year have the tax relief added to their tax contributions you make provided the remains the same. The annual earnings Your tax reliefs. credits. Self employed individuals can pension scheme is revenue approved. limit to calculating maximum tax- claim the relief themselves at the end of This is particularly useful if you pay tax relievable pension contributions has Relief for over 65s. the tax year. The relief can be claimed up at the marginal rate (41%) as relief can been set at €150,000 for 2009.

414 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 FINANCE PENSION RELIEF accommodation which is used as your which you are claiming relief. Useful contacts primary residence then you are entitled The percentage of your income that to tax relief. The relief is calculated at the Tuition fees Revenue qualifies for tax relief on a pension standard rate of tax (20%) and can be Tuition fees that you have paid may be Commissioners depends on your age: claimed on amounts of up €2,000 for eligible for tax relief under the Tax Relief Border Midlands West € 1890 77 74 25 Age % Income single individuals or 4,000 for married under the Tuition Fees Scheme. The couples. If you are over 55 years of age scheme applies to higher education Under 30 15 South West and you rent your home the allowance is programs but does not apply to Post- 30 - 39 20 1890 22 24 25 40 - 49 25 doubled to €4,000 for a single person Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses. To € 50 - 54 30 and 8,000 for a couple. Taking the qualify for the relief the fees paid must East & South East 55 - 59 35 example of a single person under 55 who be for a course and college that is 1890 44 44 25 60+ 40 pays €10,000 a year in rent then he or she approved by the Revenue is entitled to relief of €400 (€2,000 x Commissioners (a full list is available Dublin Region 20%). To claim the relief you must from the Revenue). The relief is 1890 33 34 25 Medical expenses complete the form Rent1 and send it to calculated at the standard rate of tax and A lot of people are unaware that most your tax office. is allowable per course, per academic Tax Relief at Source 1890 46 36 26 medical expenses, such as doctor and year. The maximum tuition rate at which dental visits, are eligible for tax relief Mortgage interest relief the relief can be claimed is €5,000. Forms and Leaflets provided they have not already been Home buyers who are paying interest on Claiming can be done either on your tax 1890 30 67 06 covered by private health insurance. the cost of their mortgages are entitled to return at the end of the tax year or www.revenue.ie Relief is payable on the full amount of mortgage interest relief for the first seven during the tax year when the fees have the medical expenses at the standard rate years. From 1 January 2009, for first time been paid by filling in the form IT31 Irish Taxation of tax and is claimed after December 31 buyers, the relief is calculated at 25% in which is available at www.revenue.ie. Institute on the year of the claim. Relief can be the first two years of the mortgage, 22.5% South Block claimed online or by completing the in years three, four and five and 20% in Reliefs for over-65s Longboat Quay Form Med1 which you send to your years six and seven. For non-first time There are some special reliefs available Grand Canal Harbour Regional Revenue Office. Similarly, for buyers the rate of relief is 15% for all to citizens over the age of 65. If your Dublin 2 email [email protected] dental expenses Form Med2 must be seven years. There are also limits for annual income is under €20,000 www.taxireland.ie submitted. There is no need to submit mortgage interest relief claims for first (€40,000 for married couples) you are receipts with your claim but you must time buyers. These are €10,000 for single entitled to claim an exemption from still retain receipts for six years from the individuals and €20,000 for married Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT). date of your relief claim in case of any couples. For all other mortgage holders The rate at which DIRT is charged at is audit of your taxes. A full list of medical the maximum amount of relief that can now 23%. You can apply directly to your and dental expenses which qualify for be claimed is €3,000 for single people financial institution to set up a DIRT-free relief is available on the Department of and €6,000 for couples. To claim the account by completing a DE1 Revenue’s website. Routine dental or relief you must submit a completed declaration form. If your income is only ophthalmic examinations do not qualify. TRS1P online or via the mail after which marginally above the threshold you may time it can take up to eight weeks to be still be entitled to a partial relief on Charitable donations applied to your account. DIRT paid by completing form 54D and Introduced in the Finance Act 2001, tax applying to Revenue at the end of the relief is available on donations of up to Trade union subscriptions year. Special over-65s tax reliefs are also €250 or more to eligible charities. The If you pay a membership subscription to available for payments made under a relief is available at the higher rate of tax an eligible trade union then this money deed of covenant (a deed of covenant is and the donation must be paid in the is eligible for tax relief. The relief in 2008 an agreement between two people where form of a monetary donation only. For is calculated at the standard rate of tax on one agrees to pay the other an agreed PAYE taxpayers who make donations to amounts of up to €350. This equates to amount of money for nothing in an eligible charity, the relief is claimed by €70. To claim the relief, contact your exchange). The relief cannot exceed 5% the charity itself. So, if you make a local tax office quoting your PPS number, of the covenanter’s total income and the donation of €250, and you pay tax at the employer tax reference number, the name deed agreement must be for six years or Report by higher rate of 41%, after claiming the of the trade union and the years for longer to qualify for the relief. Mark Channing cc relief the donation is actually worth €423.72 to the charity [€250 being 59% of the original pre-tax sum, reunited with choice comment the 41% (€173.72) that had been paid in tax]. If you are self-employed and pay the A report published by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance reported in 2007 that up to €350m in tax higher rate of tax, then a donation of reliefs could be going unclaimed each year, which suggests that many consumers may be unaware of what their €250 will reduce your overall tax bill by tax entitlements are. The report made a number of recommendations, including the abolition of the four-year rule €102.50 (€250 x 41%) so a €250 which only enables taxpayers to claim relief going back four years. The rule still stands, so in effect, consumers donation actually costs you €147.50. are unaware both of their reliefs and of the fact that a clock is ticking on how long they can make their claims. More needs to be done to inform consumers about what is owed to them as well as removing the four-year Rent relief rule. Not only is it the right thing to do, but putting more money in consumers’ pockets will also be good for a If you are paying rent for private rented slowing economy.

FINANCE NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 415 FOOD

The chicken and the egg

Consumers face a difficult choice between choosing chicken welfare over cheaper food. We outline the differences between the various production systems and compare the price of chicken and eggs in an attempt to assist the consumer to decide for themselves.

Consumers are probably more informed and consumers, which demands cheap in the EU by 2012. Intensive systems are about poultry farming standards than food and requires margins to be efficient. Fast growing breeds are selected other types of farming, but the squeezed. as they reach maturity quickly. A information the consumer receives can The majority of poultry farming in conventional chicken is ready for the be skewed. Poultry farming and its Ireland and throughout the EU is in large plate after around seven weeks. welfare standards have long been the intensive units. Other types of farming Laying hens produce 250 to 290 eggs focus of animal rights campaigns. Food systems will often have a greater variety in their life of about one year, meaning enthusiasts, such as celebrity chefs have of farm structures. Seven major poultry they lay one egg eight days out of every suggested higher standards mean better processors and 800 producers dominate ten. Hens have been selectively bred to quality food. the Irish market. Intensive systems come produce more eggs than they naturally Intensive chicken production began in with benefits and drawbacks. would, which was around 20 a year. Each the 1920s in response to demand for Intensive production conditions system of production, from intensive to affordable, high quality protein. restrict hens from acting like they free range, is regulated in the EU (see Egg AT A GLANCE Producing cheap meat is best done in an naturally would. However, conditions are production and Broiler production). The intensive system. Increasing welfare improving as efficient and more welfare labelling of products from each system is standards comes at a higher cost, such as friendly production systems are also regulated. Chicken welfare. reduced stocking densities, which then researched. In the past, restricted space Production decreases productivity and profitability. meant hens couldn’t freely flap their Labelling standards. Poultry farmers can’t control welfare wings, peck and scratch, but space In a 2006 Eurobarometer survey, on standards themselves but are part of a requirements have been increased and average, 35% of Irish consumers felt Food prices. system, including retailers, processors further improvements will be introduced labelling of animal products in general

416 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 FOOD wasn’t adequate to allow consumers to EGGS 1 identify products sourced from animal € welfare friendly production systems. Price ( ) Origin Bord Bia Quality Assurance However, chicken and egg labels will CAGED indicate if the type of production system Aldi 1.09 Ireland  is an alternative one, such as free range Centra 1.58 Ireland  or organic. Chicken produced intensively Dunnes Stores 1.58 Ireland  usually doesn’t make any reference to Ballyfree 1.19 Ireland  this on the label. Greenfield 1.17 Ireland  Eggs produced from caged hens must Spar (large) 1.59 Ireland  state this on the box. Consumers will Lidl (large) 1.11 UK  most often see the eggs described as Tesco 1.58 Ireland  ‘fresh’ on the front of pack, while ‘eggs FREE RANGE from caged hens’ will be stated on the Ballyfree 1.94 Ireland  back. Each egg must be stamped with a Bellview 2.09 Ireland  code. The first number denotes the  production system. Centra 2.21 Ireland  • 0 Organic Dunnes Stores 1.59 Ireland  • 1 Free range Golden Irish 1.82 Ireland 2 • 2 Barn Lidl 1.69 Holland KAT 3 • 3 Cage Marks & Spencer 1.77 Northern Ireland British Lyon Quality  Eggs don’t have to state their origin, but Superquinn 1.76 Ireland the code on each egg gives an indication. Tesco 1.59 Ireland  If the eggs are stamped with IE after the FREE RANGE OMEGA 3 number denoting the production system, Greenfield Eggcel 2.09 Ireland  they were produced in Ireland. O-Megga 2.09 Ireland  Marks & Spencer (very large) 2.49 Northern Ireland British Lyon Quality 3 Animal welfare concerns FREE RANGE CORN FED The Eurobarometer survey also found Superquinn 2.99 Ireland  that on average Irish consumers ranked ORGANIC protecting the welfare of farm animals as Aldi 2.55 Ireland  very important and 57% said they would Marks & Spencer 2.69 Northern Ireland British Lyon Quality 3 like more information on how animals Superquinn 2.99 Ireland  are farmed. Of all European consumers, 44% felt that welfare conditions for 1 Comparison based on box of six medium eggs, unless otherwise stated. Survey carried out between 30th July to 13th August 2008. 2 German certification scheme operated by the Association for Controlled laying hens should be improved and Alternative Animal Husbandry. 3 Voluntary quality assurance scheme operated in the UK. Standards include 42% for broiler hens. Irish research also vaccination of stock against salmonella, production standards and improved traceability, see www.britegg.co.uk/lionquality05/lionquality2.html for more details. supports these findings. In 2004 Safefood asked consumers which foods they were most concerned about in terms of how they are Ireland. It is also thought we are one of bird 191% more expensive than an produced, packaged, sold and handled in the highest poultry consumers in Europe, intensively reared one. Free range chicken the home. Consumers were most at 34kg per head per year. Chicken and breasts were 35% more expensive and concerned about chicken. Specific eggs are both healthy, convenient foods. organic 56%. The prices differences are of concerns included how chickens are Chicken is a low fat protein source. Eggs a greater margin when it comes to reared, what they are fed and their are a versatile, easy to prepare food that is chicken than eggs. For example organic country of origin. However, consumers high in protein, vitamins A, D and E. eggs were on average €1.39 more saw little advantage in buying free range General dietary recommendations now expensive than caged, but for a whole or organic in comparison with suggest an egg a day is ok. chicken, organic was €8.03 more conventionally reared. Organic was Research suggests animal welfare is a expensive per kilo. considered an expensive lifestyle choice. consumer concern. With rising food Better value can be found than our Irish origin was of greater concern to prices, every cent counts, which adds averages convey, however, it does require consumers, rather than consuming free extra pressure to compromise ethical some commitment on the consumer’s range or organic produce. preferences when choosing foods we part by shopping around. Our survey is of consume a lot of. supermarkets, so it may also be worth Consumption, price and welfare Our price survey compared the price of checking your local butcher’s prices. Chicken and eggs are commonly intensive, free range and organic chicken consumed foods. The Irish Universities and eggs. The survey found that on Non EU production Nutrition Alliance Food Consumption average free range eggs were 48% and European consumers are given greater Survey found that 68% of consumers eat organic 102% more expensive than eggs guarantees than others. In Australia, there eggs and 71% poultry. After pork, poultry from caged hens. In the case of chicken, a are no enforceable regulations for free is the second most consumed meat in free range bird was 79% and an organic range egg and chicken production.

FOOD NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 417 CHICKEN 1 in Ireland is produced here. The 2004 Useful contacts Safefood report on the Chicken Supply Price (€) € per kg Origin Bord Bia Quality Chain highlighted that 70% of chicken Bord Bia Assurance/Irish Origin BREAST FILLET Dublin Head Office used in catering industry was imported Clanwilliam Court Intensive from non-EU countries. Lower Mount Street Aldi 454g 6.59 14.52 Ireland  While it’s mostly made clear if eggs, Dublin 2 Tesco 250g 4.49 17.99 Ireland  chicken breasts and whole chickens are tel (01) 668 5155 Superquinn 420g 9.79 23.31 Ireland  Irish, it’s less clear with processed fax (01) 668 7521 Superquinn Corn Fed 250g 6.99 27.96 Ireland  chicken products, as well as products email [email protected] Marks & Spencer 250g 6.49 24.99 Northern Ireland  containing eggs, such as mayonnaise and www.bordbia.ie Lidl 454g 6.59 14.52 Ireland  baked goods. It’s also unclear what Dunnes Stores 240g 5.49 22.88 Ireland  system these have been produced under. Department of Free range The consumer can probably assume that Agriculture and Food they come from intensive systems unless Head Office Moy Park Free Range 9.02 28.85 Ireland  Corn Fed 320g Agriculture House otherwise stated. Dunnes 225g 6.29 27.96 Ireland  Kildare Street Hellmann’s now makes its mayonnaise Dublin 2 Marks & Spencer 280g 7.84 27.99 Northern Ireland  with free range eggs. Marks & Spencer is Lo call 1890 200 510 Organic the only retailer operating in Ireland that tel (01) 607 2000 Dunnes 300g 9.99 33.30  has made a commitment to free range. It email Moy Park 250g 7.99 31.97 Ireland  doesn’t stock any eggs from caged [email protected] systems or use them in their foods. www.agriculture.gov.ie WHOLE CHICKEN However, its chicken can still come from Intensive intensive systems. There is also the issue Safefood Aldi 2kg 6.99 3.49 Ireland  of eating out. No regulations exist to Block B Lidl 1.8kg 6.29 3.49 Northern Ireland compel caterers to declare the origin or Abbey Court  Lower Abbey Street Tesco 1.3kg 5.00 3.85 Ireland  production system from which the Dublin 1 Superquinn 5.99 5.45 Ireland  chicken or eggs they use are sourced. Farm Value 1.2kg Helpdesk 1850 404 However, when the Feile Bia sign is 567 Superquinn Corn Fed 1.2kg 5.62 4.69 Ireland  displayed, chicken and eggs must be tel (01) 448 0600 Dunnes 1.3kg 4.65 3.64 Ireland  Bord Bia quality assured (see Bord Bia fax (01) 448 0699 Marks & Spencer 1.4kg 6.81 4.86 Northern Ireland  quality assurance standard). www.safefood.eu Free range Superquinn Select 1.3kg 12.59 9.68 Ireland  Chicken feed Useful website Dunnes 1.8kg 13.99 5.55 Ireland  Grains, such as wheat and barley, make Tesco Finest 1.3kg 8.61 6.63 Ireland  up most chicken feed. Protein is added Compassion in World Marks & Spencer 1.5kg 11.96 7.59 Northern Ireland  at different concentrations during the Farming Marks & Spencer Norfolk 10.13 7.40 England  chicken’s life to support growth. If eggs www.ciwf.ie Corn Fed 1.36kg have a marketing claim based on how Moy Park Corn Fed 1.5kg 13.10 8.42 Ireland  the bird was fed, such as ‘corn fed’, they Organic must not be produced under the caged Dunnes 1.2kg 10.99 9.16  system, but at least in accordance with Moy Park Irish 1.7kg 23.49 13.82 Ireland  standards for barn egg production. Barn Tesco Organic 1.2kg 15.59 12.99  rearing is not common in Ireland. From Traditional Organic 15.04 12.99 France  Free Range 1.2kg the eggs included in our survey, when a 1 Survey carried out from 30th July to 13th August 2008. corn fed claim was made, it also came with free range status. However, such claims don’t Voluntary standards do exist, set by automatically refer to higher welfare choice comment groups such as the Free Range Egg and standards, unless other claims such as Poultry Association, the Humane Choice free range or organic are also made on With rising food prices, the value-driven consumer faces conflicting Labelling scheme and animal welfare the label. If a specific type of feed is dilemmas, and supporting higher welfare standards comes with groups such as the RSPCA and standards referred to on chicken, it must account added challenges. Systems with higher standards produce less differ. The poultry industry also operates for 35% of the total and 50% in the food based on their inputs. However, along with the problem of its own certification schemes. case of maize. The requirement only food shortages, statistics also suggest that consumers throw food applies to the greater part of the bird’s away. Can we make better use of what we do buy, allowing us to Imports fattening period. Feed claims can be spend that bit more on food produced with greater concern for the The 2006 Eurobarometer survey found made on intensively reared birds, but welfare of the animal? If consumers wish to choose the higher that 88% of Irish consumers felt that similar to what our survey found for welfare option, they can make it go further by using less or, for imported foods from non-EU countries eggs, most feed claims also came with a example, getting everything out of a chicken carcass. However, this should have to respect the same animal free range claim. still depends on how much the budget can be stretched, the time welfare conditions as within the EU. Less available and general cooking skills. than 50% of the chicken breast meat sold Report by Aisling Murtagh cc

418 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 FOOD BROILER PRODUCTION

Intensive There is no minimum lifespan chickens must attain, but they are Anne Bartlett has stated the EU directive “fails to address the use of unnaturally usually slaughtered after 5 to 7 weeks. Rapid growth can affect the welfare of fast-growing birds that are prone to painful leg problems.” the animal leading to brittle bones and breakages. Breeds are selected for their Barn reared This system has lower stocking density than the intensive system high proportion of breast meat and rapid growth. Poorly managed conditions can and should not exceed 15 birds per m² or 25kg per m². lead to blisters or hock burns developing on the chickens’ legs and breasts, Free range The maximum stocking density is 13 broilers per m² or 27.5kg per which are visible on the carcass consumers buy, but are also sometimes m². Chickens must have access to an outdoor are that is mainly covered in trimmed. The report from the European Commission Scientific Committee on vegetation (at least 1m² squared per chicken). The diet must contain 70% Animal Health and Welfare states that most welfare issues in commercial broiler cereals during the fattening period. production are: “a direct consequence of genetic selection for faster and more Organic No intensive production is permitted. Any organic free range farm must efficient production of chicken meat and associated changes in biology not have more than 4800 broilers. The maximum stocking density is 12 per m² and behaviour.” or 25kg per m². Their outdoor area must have a greater vegetation cover with at A maximum stocking density of 33kg and up to 39kg per m² will be least 2m² squared per chicken. Birds must not be slaughtered before they are introduced by 2010. CIWF has criticised the change saying the change is the 81 days old. The breed must be slower growing. Perches and exit popholes equivalent of 18 birds per square metre, does nothing to improve welfare, but must be provided in the shed. The shed must have at least a third covered gives a green light to highly intensive poultry production. CIWF Director, Mary material such as straw or wood shavings.

BORD BIA QUALITY ASSURANCE STANDARD

A quality assurance schemes for chicken and egg production is operated by Bord Bia. It is open to all producers and types of production. Estimates suggest 97% of There are also additional requirements for specific production systems. For chicken and eggs produced in Ireland are quality assured. The standards are example, free range houses must have a maximum of 4,000 birds in each house, extensive. Below we have outlined the main areas in which standards are set, whereas 4,800 are permitted by EU standards. The outdoor area must be 10m2, giving an example of each. The following apply to chicken and egg production: rather than 4m2 under the EU standards. There are also more specific • Flock sourcing The flock must be tested to ensure it is free of salmonella requirements on the amount of artificial light caged hens are exposed to. There before delivered to the poultry house and must not be treated with antibiotics should be 8 hours light, twilight and darkness daily. The EU requirements are less if an outbreak occurs. specific, stating that the period of darkness must last about one third of the day. • Hygiene and disease control Monthly dust samples must be taken and Chicken production also has more specific requirements. There must be tested for salmonella to ensure disease control measures are effective. adequate ventilation to maintain gas levels that are safe and comfortable for the • Flock welfare The stockperson must have a good knowledge of poultry birds. Ammonia, carbon monoxide and dioxide are of greatest concern. Their husbandry, such as understanding the significance of behavioural changes, concentration must be controlled within certain limits, which must also be evaluating if the birds are in good health and if their environment is adequate. observed in egg production. • Feed/water Feed must be heat treated; an effective measure in the control of A recent Channel Four documentary, Chicken Out, highlighted the strong smell salmonella. Water must be of potable quality and a system in place for that can develop when ammonia levels get too high. Irish producers have emergency supply. suggested that these conditions would not be tolerated in the EU as allowing • Environmental protection A manure management programme must be in them to develop is a breach of EU regulations. place to prevent pollution and the spread of disease.

EGG PRODUCTION

• Caged Hens must be housed in a cage at least 40cm high and have a welfare. However, such a change would likely see a significant increase in the minimum total space of 550cm2 per hen. The minimum standards are being cost of eggs. raised in the EU, with the introduction of new cage specifications by 2012, also • Barn/perchery This type of egg production in uncommon in Ireland. It is an known as enriched cages. In the mean time, no unenriched cages can be indoor rearing system without cages, but birds have no access to outdoors. introduced. According to the European Food Safety Authority, unenriched cages The maximum stocking density is 9 hens per square metre (m2). The barn must increase the risk of disease, bone breakage, harmful pecking, behavioural have perches and litter covering at least a third of the ground surface. Hens problems and premature mortality. The new cages must have a minimum must have one nest between seven providing a separate space to lay eggs. height of 50cm and total space per hen of 750cm2. Space is not the only • Free range The birds have outdoor access all day. The outdoor area must be improvement. Hens will be provided with perching space of 15cm per hen, litter mainly covered in vegetation (at least 4m2 per chicken). Indoor conditions must such as straw to allow pecking and scratching, and access to a feed trough of equal that of barn reared birds but the shed must also have popholes giving at least 12cm per hen. direct access to the outdoor area. Maximum stocking density 7 birds per m2. Light is important for hens to produce eggs. Hens can be exposed to a greater • Organic Intensive production is not permitted and general organic standards number of daylight hours in caged systems. However, lighting must follow a 24 apply. The specific requirements are similar to free range, but also have hour sequence, with an uninterrupted period of darkness of about one third of additional requirements. The hen’s diet must contain 65% cereals and no meat the day. Animal welfare groups, such as Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), by-products or fishmeal. The maximum stocking density is 6 birds per m2 and would like to see all caged production banned. It views the changes as hens must have one nest between six providing a separate space to lay eggs. marginal improvements and see free range as the better system for animal The farm is limited to a maximum of 3,000 hens.

FOOD NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 419 FINANCE

Community credit As the credit union movement in Ireland celebrates its 50th birthday we take a look at how credit unions operate, what they offer consumers and what the future holds.

Credit unions have their roots in the cooperative - or modern day credit Herlihy, Sean Forde and Seamas P. middle of the 19th century, when in union, as we have come to understand it MacEoin, the first credit union in Ireland 1844 a group of weavers in Rochdale, - applies these same principles by was cofounded by the residents of England formed the Rochdale Society of organising members and pooling their Donore Avenue in Dublin in 1958. The Equitable Pioneers. The group is widely financial resources, so that they may avail first weekly collection of Donore Credit considered to be the first successful of favourable rates of interest for both Union was £7. By 2008, according to cooperative enterprise and was born out saving and borrowing. statistics from the Irish League of Credit of the poverty created by the industrial Unions (ILCU), there were 521 credit revolution, as more and more skilled Credit unions in Ireland unions in Ireland with 2.9 million workers found their jobs being replaced It was not until the 1950s that the first members and savings of €13.4 billion. by machines. The Rochdale Society sold credit union was founded in Ireland. Set With over 50% of the population of the shares to members which raised capital against a harsh economic backdrop and island being members, Ireland has one AT A GLANCE and allowed it to buy goods and fledgling independence, it was thought of the highest credit union membership foodstuffs at wholesale prices. These that the formation of credit unions rates in the world. Credit unions. goods were then available to buy by would empower ordinary people by members at affordable prices. Thus the giving them access to credit to effect Structure of credit unions The common bond. spirit of communities improving their change in their lives and promote social Credit unions are financial consumer standard of living by pooling their justice and cohesion. The culmination of cooperatives, meaning the business is What they offer. resources was born. The financial several years preparation by Nora owned by its customers who are called

420 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 FINANCE members. A credit union is not a Membership and the minimum amount of shares that you business in the normal way, in that it is common bond will be required to hold will be between a non-profit organisation. Any surplus In order to become a member of a credit €1 and €10. credit made by unions is passed on to union you must be part of the common Upon joining, you will be have the its members in the form of lower bond. The common bond is the unique option to nominate someone to receive interest rates on loans or as dividends characteristic which credit union your holding with the credit union in the on savings. The running of the credit members share. In most cases the event of your death. The balance of your union is determined by the Board of common bond will be defined on a account, up to a level of €23,000 will Directors which is composed of unpaid geographical basis i.e. members will live then be passed on to them and will not volunteers and is directly elected by the in the same local area. This is known as make up part of your estate. This can be members. The election is based on a the community bond. Other common useful for avoiding the time-consuming one-person, one-vote system regardless bonds are the occupational bond where process of allocating a person’s assets, of the amount of savings a member may members work for the same employer especially if they die intestate (without have or the length of time they have and an associational bond where having made a will). As a member, you been with the credit union. Members members are all part of the same society. also will have the right to avail of credit also elect representatives to sit on a This common bond together with the union services, whether it is applying for Supervisory Committee which oversees unique structure of credit unions forms a loan or saving regularly. As members are the internal performance of the the central pillar to the success of the part owners, they are also entitled to view organisation and acts as a liaison movement where people pool resources the accounts of the credit union and between membership and management. in order to create community benefits. receive the names of the Board of All board and committee members as Once you satisfy the common bond Directors and committee members. well as members of staff must agree to requirement you can become a member adhere to strict confidentiality of a credit union by paying an entrance Credit unions and regulation guidelines so that members’ privacy is fee and making a deposit. The entrance The credit union industry is regulated by maintained. fees usually costs €1.27 and the the Registrar of Credit Unions as part of

FINANCE NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 421 Useful contacts HOW DO CREDIT UNIONS DIFFER FROM BANKS?

Irish League of Credit Bank Credit union Unions • A bank is a commercial business and aims to secure ever • Credit unions are not for profit organisations. The aim of the 33-41 Lower Mount increasing profits for its shareholders. credit union is to create community benefits by pooling Street • A bank is owned by its shareholders who buy stock in the bank. resources. Dublin 2 Customers who use the bank do not own it unless they have • The Board of Directors is made up of unpaid individuals voted on tel (01) 614 6700 bought shares separately. by members of the credit union. fax (01) 614 6701 • Banks are open to use by members of the general public. No • Credit unions are owned by and for their members. Each www.ilcu.ie association with other bank customers is required to use a bank. member becomes a shared owner in the credit union as soon as

Credit Union • Bank profits are returned to shareholders only in the form of they join. Development dividends. • Credit union income is passed on to members by way of Association • The Board of Directors is made up of paid individuals voted on cheaper loans and interest on deposits. Unit 3013 Lake Drive by shareholders in the bank. Customers do not of themselves • Credit unions are only open to use by members who must share Citywest Business Park have a say in the composition of the Board. a common bond in order to join. Dublin 24 tel (01) 469 3715 fax (01) 469 3346 “Apart from the favourable rates at which credit www.cuda.ie unions can lend, they are also much more flexible in MABS 2nd Floor who they will lend to and how the loan is repaid.” Commercial House Westend Commercial the Financial Regulator. The registrar has ATM machines which members can use – maximum amount a loan can be is 1.5% Village the power to carry out supervision and although the card is still liable for the of the credit union’s total assets. Again, Blanchardstown inspections of individual credit unions government stamp duty of €5 per because the credit union is a not for Dublin 15 and those registered must submit their annum. Regular credit union savers are profit organisation, it can offer loans at a Helpline 1890 283 438 accounts to public audit once a year. automatically covered at no extra cost by competitive interest rate and doesn’t email [email protected] Until recently, neither the state nor the a Life Savings Insurance policy, although charge any transaction fees or have Details of local offices registrar was liable for any losses only those who joined the credit union hidden administration charges. Loan available on www.mabs.ie incurred due to insolvency or default of before the age of 70 and who are actively interest is not compounded and is registered credit unions. Neither were working or in good health are eligible. calculated on the reducing balance only. credit union deposits protected by the If you have a lump sum that you may Credit unions are obliged by law not to Financial Regulator’s Deposit Protection not need daily access to, then saving with charge more than 1% a month in Scheme. Instead credit unions had their the credit union may not be for you as interest on the value of any loan taken own Savings Protection Scheme operated there are many fixed term deposit and out by a member. under the ILCU. However, due to recent regular savings accounts which currently Apart from the favourable rates at financial turmoil and public fears pay a more attractive interest rate. In which credit unions can lend, they are regarding the safety of their deposits, the general, saving at the credit union is also much more flexible in who they will Irish government has guaranteed most attractive for people who believe in lend to and how the loan is repaid. You deposits held in credit unions up to a the ethos of the credit union movement do not have to be in full time value of €100,000. and who value the convenience and employment to be considered for a loan personalised service credit unions and may also be eligible if you are in Are credit unions a good provide over banks. What’s more, regular receipt of a social welfare payment. Unlike place to save? saving with a credit union enables banks, which often impose penalties for Saving with a credit union is slightly members to take advantage of the other paying off a loan early, you can pay off a different to saving with a bank. Most services available, such as nominating a credit union loan with no penalty either savings or shares in a credit union don’t beneficiary to receive their holding, by making overpayments or using a lump get paid a set rate of interest, as they buying insurance, or taking out a loan. sum. Credit unions will also offer life would in most banks. Instead they insurance on loans at no direct cost to the receive an annual dividend. The rate of Borrowing from a credit union member so that if you die while holding a the dividend depends on the size of the One of the main functions of a credit loan the loan dies with you. credit union’s surplus at the end of any union is that it offers its members the given year. Each member’s share receives facility to borrow. Depending on the Managing your money the same rate of dividend, so the more organisation, members may be required If you find yourself having difficulty shares you hold the more dividend you to have a history of regular saving in the managing your finances, credit unions will receive. Because credit unions are credit union before a loan application can be often be more flexible and offer non profit making organisations there will be considered although this is not more alternatives than standard financial are no hefty fees on account transactions. always the case. Loans up to a certain institutions. Credit unions are open to Offices also tend to stay open longer, as established value can be approved at the renegotiating loan agreements with well as on Saturdays, giving their discretion of the union’s loan officer members who may, for whatever reason, Report by members an added level of convenience. while larger loans will require further be unable or finding it difficult to make Mark Channing cc Some credit unions even have their own approval by a credit committee. The repayments. Some credit unions will even

422 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 FINANCE TAX ON YOUR SAVINGS

Dividends on your shares with the credit union are taxable. The way the tax is calculated depends on what kind of saving account you hold. There are four main types:

Regular Share Account Deposit Account Any dividends you receive on your credit union shares must be Credit union deposit accounts earn interest on deposits which is declared to the Revenue Commissioners by the account holder and credited to accounts on a monthly basis. The rates at which interest are taxed at the marginal rate of tax i.e. the highest rate of personal is paid is set by the Board of Directors of the credit union and is income tax that you pay. The onus is on the account holder to pay subject to 20% tax which is deducted automatically. There will be a the tax and should remember that that Revenue Commissioners have limit at which your deposit must be capped. the right to the details of and records of all financial institutions including credit unions. Special Term Account Special Term Accounts offer members tax efficient savings subject to Special Share Account terms and conditions. There are two types – a Medium Term Account With the special share account the tax is automatically deducted which must be held for three years and the Long Term Account from members dividends at 20%. There is no onus on the account which must be held for 5 years. DIRT is exempt on the first €480 holder to make a declaration to Revenue. This type of account is interest on Medium Term accounts and €635 on the Long Term attractive to people who don’t want to file separate tax returns for option with any excess charged at the full 20% DIRT rate. The their credit union holdings and also for members who’s marginal rate exemptions are only valid provided the accounts remain open for of tax is 41% as they will have to pay less DIRT on their dividends. their specific term.

CREDIT UNIONS FOR INSURANCE

In addition to the free life and loan insurance benefits, many credit unions offer other forms of insurance to members. Members who have loans with their credit union have the option of taking out Repayment Protection Insurance. This insurance will pay a member’s loan obligations if they are unable to work due to accident, sickness, redundancy, or critical illness. Death Benefit Insurance is designed to provide basic life insurance cover to credit union members. The maximum benefit payable is €3,250 and is available to members who are over 16 years of age, have joined the credit union before age 70, remained a member of freeze repayments and suspend charging the credit union, and are eligible for cover under the Life Savings Policy (see Are credit interest on accounts in arrears. Credit unions a good place to save?). unions also offer tailored services to help You can also buy travel and home insurance policies at your credit union at competitive people to manage their money. Members prices, as well as get motor insurance quotes. Health insurance providers Quinn-healthcare can use the Budget Scheme whereby and VHI operate schemes through credit unions and offer group discount rates on members estimate the level of money premiums. However, consumers should compare credit union deals against those on the they will need to cover their bills over a open market, to make sure they are taking out the most competitive policy, and one that year long period. In consultation with best suits their particular needs. the credit union they then work out how much of an average weekly payment is needed to meet these bills. The member pays this amount to the credit union which in turn receives and pays the choice comment members bills as they come in. Many credit unions also offer a special account Central Statistics Office figures show that the state’s population is projected to grow by over one million people over system in conjunction with the Money the next 15 years. With that in mind, it is clear that as credit unions in Ireland turn 50 there are both challenges Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). A and opportunities ahead. Credit unions have an important role to play in shaping the future of Ireland’s communities MABS Money Advisor will work out a both by continuing to be a source of credit to members, as well as helping to integrate and welcome Ireland’s budget with the credit union member growing immigrant population who may share the credit union’s common bond. who makes weekly payments to the The Financial Regulator’s proposal to bring in a new consumer code is a good one. The code will operate much credit union. These payments are then like the Consumer Protection Code which covers banks and insurance companies. It will outline the steps credit used to pay off the members’ creditors unions must take when recommending products to members, as well as providing greater detail into what the final while also setting aside a nominal cost that members will pay is made up of. The new code will also set out to members the procedures and services amount towards savings. At the end of that will follow if they are unable to meet their loan repayments. the term, creditors should be paid off as Finally, credit unions need to continue their modernisation process in order to deliver services that are on a par well as creating a new source of credit with banks and other financial institutions. Members should be able to utilise online transaction services and feel which should negate the need for the confident that their credit union operates electronic funds transfers (EFTs) as well as being able to consider their member to resort to moneylenders. credit union as a source of credit to secure a mortgage to buy their home.

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ww The Choice Buy Panasonic CN-GP50N comes with Bluetooth, voice command and maps for 37 countries. Are we there yet?

Fed up with that old, out of date, torn road atlas? A satnav may be the perfect solution for helping consumers navigate ever changing roads.

Satellite navigation can make your car routes from A to B. Most satnavs have maps that show clear, 3D views of the journeys quicker and easier. They use easy to use touchscreens and one- road, so you know exactly where you satellites to pinpoint your position on touch buttons. They’re powered are, and which direction you’re a digital map, guiding you to useful through the car’s cigarette lighter, heading in. At the same time, voice AT A GLANCE services or addresses anywhere in the meaning consumers can usually just guidance talks you through the country. The units are easily mounted plug in and go. directions. This is especially useful Mapping in on your dashboard or are portable. when at a complex junction. And if They use a network of global Using your satnav you miss a turn the satnav will re- Ireland. positioning system (GPS) satellites to Consumers who are fed up using old, calculate the route and direct you back pinpoint their location, and use built- ripped road atlases may find satnavs of on course in moments. 10 Choice Buys. in software to tell you the fastest particular use. Satnavs display digital There are lots of ways to use a

424 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 PRODUCTS COMING NEXT MONTH: OUR CHOICE BUY ROUND-UP FOR 2008!

Useful contacts

Garmin choice buys tel 0044 23 8052 4000 www.garmin.co.uk

Navigon 1: TomTom ONE XL Europe €300 Navman is good. As with the S50 (4), simple programming of www.navigon.co.uk The Choice Buy TomTom ONE XL Europe combines ease of the device is easy and quick to do. This satnav is extremely use, portability and touchscreen technology to get you from fast to calculate routes and changes. Navman one place to another. It comes with Western European tel 0044 1293 566100 mapping, meaning there’s no need to download extra maps 6: Route 66 Maxi Regional €239 www.navman.com if you enjoy driving on the Continent. Maps are provided by The Choice Buy Route 66 Maxi is a smart widescreen Tele Atlas. The satnav can be connected to a computer using navigator. It has a high definition touchscreen for super Panasonic the delivered USB cable, and uses secure digital (SD) cards sharp maps. It can also be used as a photo viewer and tel (01) 295 0942 to add more maps. The GPS receiver worked very well, and comes with free Lonely Planet travel guides. The GPS www.panasonic.co.uk the satnav performed suitably in challenging situations, receiver worked well, it responded quickly in more giving an excellent overall performance. The instructions challenging situations to give an overall good performance. Route 66 were easy to use and the directions clear and easy to follow. It has a good battery life and good audio and visual prompts, tel 0031 20312 3060 making it an easy device to use. Selecting a destination is www.66.com/route66/ 2: Navigon 7110 Europe €150 straightforward. This is also a very solid satnav. Again with European mapping, the Choice Buy Navigon TomTom 7110 Europe performed very well. It has an extra large 7: Route 66 Mini Regional €199 www.tomtom.com touchscreen, making it easy to view your route and make The Choice Buy Route 66 Mini Regional is smaller than the www.tomtom.com/map any corrections. The excellent instruction manual makes this Route 66 Maxi Regional (6) making it more portable. But in share an easy device to use and the battery life is impressive. terms of performance the two are more or less matched. Visual and audio prompts are good, and make getting where The smaller screen does make it slightly more difficult to you’re going a lot clearer. Selecting your destination is easy see the maps, but audio and visual prompts were still easy with lots of information available, and the satnav is quick to to follow. Selecting the destination is extremely easy, with respond to commands. This is a well built device with a lots of information being available to help. Calculation times solid mounting mechanism. were slightly quicker than the Maxi (6). Again, this satnav performed very well in our durability tests. 3: Navigon 5110 Europe €140 The Choice Buy Navigon 5110 Europe can be used in both 8: Panasonic CN-GP50N €375 portrait and landscape view, offering great flexibility. The The Choice Buy Panasonic CN-GP50N comes with touchscreen technology makes the menus very intuitive and Bluetooth, voice command and maps for 37 countries. With the battery life is good. Maps can be viewed in 2D or 3D. an extra large 5-inch screen, this is the largest screen This satnav can also be protected by using a PIN number, tested. Panasonic uses Navteq for its mapping. The satnav meaning if it were to be stolen, nobody would be able to use performed well on more challenging road situation. Although it without the PIN number. Overall performance was good for the GPS receiver isn’t quite as good as some of the others, this device, with the GPS receiver working well and it it still performed well. The manual is easy to follow and reacted well to challenging situations. This satnav is slightly understand, and the device is easier to mount in the car smaller than the Navigon 7110 (2), making it more portable. than some of our other Choice Buys. However because this has such a large screen, portability results are down. 4: Navman S50 €195 The Choice Buy Navman S50 is a neat satnav, making it 9: Navman S30 €150 very portable. The battery life is good, as is the display and The Choice Buy Navman S30 is an entry-level satnav, but it spoken instructions. A good manual helps make this an easy still performed well in our tests. It’s slim and light so it gets to use device. Programming the device for simple use is great portability results, although the screen is smaller than very straightforward, with very few buttons to press to some. Battery life is also good with this model. Both audio select the destination. More advanced use is also easy to and visual prompts are good, making it easier to follow the master. This satnav is also very quick, with calculation instructions. This is a great little satnav for daily use, and is speeds being among the quickest tested. Consumer Choice also good for more advanced use. The device works quickly was impressed by the solidity of the device, and there were making changes to the route. no squeaks or rattles when it was connected to the in-car mount. 10: Garmin Nüvi 760T €349 The Choice Buy Garmin Nüvi 760T may be a bit on the 5: Navman S70 €225 expensive side, but comes with lots of extra features such The Choice Buy Navman S70 is a very neat device, making as advanced navigation, a widescreen display, preloaded it easy to carry around, either on holidays in Europe, or for maps, an FM transmitter and hands-free calling. As well as everyday use. It has a very clear display which brings both an overall good performance, this satnav offers consumers the text and maps to life. The menus and screens are an easy to use device. The manual is good, as are the audio uncluttered and simple to use. Both visual and audio and visual prompts. It’s easier than some to mount in the prompts are clear and timely. It is integrated with Bluetooth car and battery life is adequate. This is quite a big satnav, technology for hands-free calling. Battery life for the but quite robust.

PRODUCTS NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 425 COMING NEXT MONTH: OUR CHOICE BUY ROUND-UP FOR 2008!

satnav. Consumers can find a house by TomTom and Navman, while Navteq Map updates are available from searching for the street name. They’re supplies to Garmin, among others. manufacturers, but are generally not incredibly easy to use; all features can Mapping is becoming more difficult free. Costs depend on the be accessed through a touch screen because of Ireland’s rapidly changing manufacturer. Consumers wishing to and the route appears as turn-by-turn road network. In the last few years we have the most up-to-date maps will instructions so you’re always one step have seen a building boom and there have to pay around €80 a year. ahead. And if you’re in a hurry, the are no official means for Navteq or TomTom allows consumers to unit can even give you an estimated Tele Atlas to get this information. make changes directly onto their time of arrival. Extra maps can be As a general guide, it is typical that maps using Map Share technology purchased and inserted into the satnav the map data of consumer satnavs will (see Useful Contacts). Changes can be using a microSD card. So if you’re be at least six months old when you made using the touchscreen and going skiing in France this Christmas, purchase it simply because of the time uploaded to TomTom when the for example, maps of France can be it takes for the GPS manufacturer to satnav is connected to the internet via added after the satnav has been test the map data and convert it to the a computer. The consumer can then bought, if they’re not already installed. manufacturer's proprietary format. choose to be contacted to confirm the While the mapping companies change to the map, and TomTom will Mapping in Ireland release new version every three send out a van to verify any changes Mapping in Ireland has greatly months or so, these maps then need that need to be made. Consumers can improved in the last 18 months, and to be compiled by the system makers also download the changes made by continues to develop all the time. so that they work with the hardware. other Map Share users. There are two companies that are When compilation time and responsible for the digital mapping in distribution time are taken into The postcode problem most in-car satnavs - Navteq and Tele account, this can add up to an 18 Navteq were the first to finish Atlas. Tele Atlas supplies maps to month delay. mapping in Ireland in 2006. Creating

Buying online

As with many of the consumer electronics we test, satnavs are also available online cheaper than in the shops. Of the Choice Buy satnavs we found widely available, both in the shops and online, there are savings to be made. If you are considering buying one for Christmas, remember to order in plenty of time. It might make the perfect gift for a friend who is always getting lost.

shop price online price saving (€)(€)(%) Panasonic CN-GP50N 375 322 14 TomTom ONE XL Europe 300 259 14 Navman S 70 225 196 13 Garmin Nüvi 760T 349 305 13 Navman S 50 195 182 7 Navman S 30 150 140 7

MODEL SPECIFICATION PERFORMANCE (40%) EASE OF USE (40%)

price screen size widescreen total GPS challenging manual ease of portability (€) (inches) performance receiver situations installation 1TomTom ONE XL Europe 300 4.3  wwwww wwww wwww wwww www www 2 Navigon 7110 Europe 150 4.3  wwww wwww wwww wwwww ww www 3 Navigon 5110 Europe 140 3.5  wwww wwww wwww wwwww ww wwww 4 Navman S 50 195 4.3  wwww www wwww www ww wwww 5 Navman S 70 225 4.3  wwww www wwww www ww wwww 6 Route 66 Maxi Regional 239 4.3  wwww wwww wwwww www ww wwww 7 Route 66 Mini Regional 199 3.5  wwww wwww wwww www ww wwwww 8 Panasonic CN-GP50N 375 5  wwww www wwww wwww www w 9 Navman S 30 150 3.5  wwww www wwww www ww wwww 10 Garmin Nüvi 760T 349 4.3  wwww www wwww wwww www www 11 Sony U73T 300 4.3  wwww www wwww wwww www ww 12 Garmin Nüvi 250W 199 4.3  wwww www ww wwww wwww www 13 Garmin Nüvi 350 200 3.5  wwww www ww wwww wwwww wwww 14 Sony U93T 242 4.8  wwww www wwww wwww www ww

426 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 PRODUCTS PLUS THE LATEST DIGITAL CAMERAS, PHOTO FRAMES & PHOTO PRINTERS

THE LENGTHS WE GO TO…

As well as checking the performance of each satnav, Consumer Choice checks how easy it is to use. Having a satnav with great maps, but which you can’t operate, is no good to anyone. We check the clarity and completeness of the manual and user instructions to make sure they are easy to follow. When it comes to installing the satnav in the car we look at the length of the cable, and how sturdy the mounting dock is. We also test battery life to make sure it will last long enough to get you from A to B. The quality of audio and visual prompts are very important when following the satnav’s directions. Consumer Choice looks at the size, viewing angle and quality of the map itself, as well as readability during night driving to ensure that the colours are pleasant and not tiring on the eyes. When examining the readability of the display during heavy sun, we look for any glare or reflections, as well as for sufficient contrast. Obviously, when in the car, drivers need to keep their eyes on the road, so audio prompts need to be clear and easy to follow. Consumer Choice verifies whether the volume of the prompts is adapted to the speed of the car. We check that the timing of Among other things, Consumer Choice checks the prompt is neither too late nor too early, as well as how specific the instructions are. that the satnav can be docked easily in the car. For example does it say ‘turn left’, or give a more precise indication such as ‘sharp left’? a digital map of Ireland posed several Traffic data phone signals to see where the traffic problems. The main problem to solve Traffic data, speed cameras and speed is: the more mobile phone signals was all the villages without street limit data are currently only available there are on a particular road, the names. The lack of post codes outside for Britain, and are not available for more traffic there is. Dublin slowed the process, as did the Irish maps. There are several projects thousands of small villages where the underway to correct this. Points of interest streets have no names. To overcome IrishSpeedTraps.com offer Mypois.ie (see Useful Contacts) offers this problem, Navteq chose to treat the downloads of a database of fixed and consumers the ability to download names of all those very small villages mobile speed trap locations. This can points of interest around Ireland for as street names of the nearest bigger currently only compatible with Garmin satnavs. Many of the location. Garmin satnavs, but versions for other downloads are free, including the anti- In the UK, for example, a postcode devices are being worked on. The clockwise route around the Ring of refers to approximately 8-10 addresses, database costs €35 and includes free Kerry, Road Safety Authority danger so in urban areas, a postcode is a very updates for one year. As the driver zones, historic houses, camping and accurate means of getting to a approaches a safety camera location, caravan sites and art galleries. A paid location. In many cases, databases of the device will display a red banner on for service is also available for a yearly locations can be built up without the top of the screen with the speed limit, subscription. Additional services need to conduct a physical survey. while also emitting an audio tone. include fixed and mobile road safety In 2005 an Irish postcode system TomTom has joined forces with cameras, pharmacies and petrol was announced by the then Minister Vodafone to develop a new traffic stations. Again, the lack of postcodes for Communications, but it is unclear information system. Essentially the in Ireland make it more laborious to Report by when this will be implemented. satnavs will use data from mobile add points of interest to maps. Jenny Harrow CC

TEST PERFORMANCE SCORE % USING THE TABLE the satnav is to install in the car. The more stars the better. Portability: A smaller satnav will visual audio speed of durability features prompts prompts calculations (12%) (5%) be easier to take with you when SPECIFICATION you park. wwww wwwww wwww wwwww www 75 Price: Typical retailer’s price if Visual prompts: Quality of the wwww wwww wwww wwwww wwww 68 you shop around. display and the information wwww wwww wwww wwwww www 67 Widescreen: Widescreen models presented. wwww wwww wwwww wwwww ww 67 have a 16:9 aspect ratio. Audio prompts: How specific and timely the prompts are, as wwww wwww wwwww wwwww ww 67 PERFORMANCE well as ease of understanding wwww wwww www wwwww www 67 Total performance: voice and the ability to drive wwww wwww wwww wwwww www 67 GPS receiver: Quality of the without looking at the display. wwww wwwww wwww wwwww www 67 reception and ability to download Speed of calculations: Speed at updates. which the satnav makes wwww wwww wwwww wwwww ww 66 Challenging situations: Making adjustments. wwww www wwww www wwww 66 changes to the route once wwww wwwww wwww wwww ww 64 partway through the journey. TEST PERFORMANCE: wwww www wwww wwwww ww 63 Durability: Build quality and EASE OF USE solidity of the unit. wwww www wwww wwww www 62 Manual: Clearness and Features: Additional features, wwwww wwwww wwww www ww 62 completeness of manual. such as MP3 player, Bluetooth, Ease of installation: How easy dynamic routing etc.

PRODUCTS NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 427 PRODUCTS Test

The Choice Buy Samsung Tocco is a ww truly gorgeous little phone with a ww touchscreen display. The Choice Buy Sony The Choice Buy Nokia 5310 w Xpress Music is designed to Ericsson W890i has w The Choice Buy good sound quality double as a music player. ww Sony Ericsson and battery life. C902 is quite a small model.

The Choice Buy Sony Ericsson W380i uses use The Choice Buy The Choice Buy LG ‘gesture control’. ww Samsung SGH-J700 KF750 Secret has has an SOS message a touchscreen The Choice Buy Sony Ericsson ww function. display. W350i performed well in our wwdurability tests. ww

Mobile phones As Ireland’s only independent product tester, Consumer Choice brings you lab test results for the iPhone 3G and has a look at the latest mobile phones on the market.

Christmas is just around the corner, plenty of good options for under office with them on the move. and mobile phones are often the Christmas tree. Features such as HTML browsers, heavily marketed as presents at this Consumers should also be aware email clients and RSS readers allow time of year. Consumer Choice found that they are not stuck with the consumers to browse the web well over 50 different models of selection of handsets provided by wherever they are. And 3G mobile phone across the five their operator. Handsets can be technology allows for faster data, operators in Ireland. It isn’t bought sim-free or unlocked online, meaning web pages load quicker. possible to include all models in so any sim card can be used in Some phones can also be used as our report, so we chose those with them. We have included online, sim- a portable satnav, and four phones AT A GLANCE most overlap between operators, free prices in our table. tested, including the iPhone, have any newer phones to the market, Mobile phones are fast becoming Google Maps pre-installed. iPhone review. and those with interesting features. more than just a phone. Most, if not Touchscreens are becoming more We have tested twenty phones from all these days, have at least a common too, with five of the Phone features. the five manufacturers that are camera, MP3 player and radio. Many phones tested, as well as the currently dominating the Irish also now have internet capabilities iPhone, making use of touch 13 Choice Buys. mobile phone market. So there are allowing consumers to take their sensitive technology.

428 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 PRODUCTS COMING NEXT MONTH: OUR CHOICE BUY ROUND-UP FOR 2008!

Useful contacts

THE LENGTHS WE GO TO... Apple 1800 92 38 98 Sound quality is very important when choosing a phone. It can www.apple.ie have all the added extras and fancy gadgets, but if it can’t do the basics, like allow you to hear the other person clearly, then it’s not LG much good. For this reason, Consumer Choice tests sound quality tel 0044 1753 491 very carefully. We look at the quality on both the sending and 500 receiving side, so you know that not only will you be able to hear www.lge.co.uk clearly, but the other person will be able to hear you too. Consumer Choice takes measurements in the lab, as well as performing a Motorola listening test. The listening test is performed with and without 1850 909 555 ambient noise. The combination of all these tests gives Consumer www.motorola.ie Choice the most thorough rating for sound quality. Finally, we look at the convenience of using the phone; how easy it is to take an Nokia incoming call, to store numbers in memory, how missed calls are 1890 946 245 handled, and the phone’s display. Again this demonstrates whether www.nokia.ie the phone is user friendly, which all our Choice Buys are. Consumer Choice tested the data transfer speed of each phone when establishing their final scores. Samsung tel 0818 717100 www.samsung.ie

choice buys Sony Ericsson 1850 545 888 www.sonyericsson.ie 1: Sony Ericsson W890i similar to the iPhone but in the opposite clamshell type phone, with a monochrome €289 pre-pay, from free bill-pay direction. It comes with a 5MP camera and display visible on the closed lid. The phone Useful websites The Choice Buy Sony Ericsson W890i is a the auto focus has face recognition. Despite also offers the possibility to use ‘gesture small classic bar type phone. It’s 3G, having a touchscreen, it doesn’t have a full control’. This means incoming calls and Meteor meaning faster data speeds, and it supports keyboard or handwriting recognition, so for alarms can be muted by moving a hand over www.meteor.ie Bluetooth for using a Bluetooth headset. It writing text messages consumers have to the phone. It can also be used as a has good sound quality and battery life. Apart use the number keys in the usual way. All walkman, with three sensor keys on the O2 Ireland from the unprotected display which is ratings for this Choice Buy phone are above outside, which are accessible if the lid is www.o2.ie scratch sensitive, the phone stood up well to average. closed. While most ratings, including sound our durability tests. This phone also comes quality and battery life are good, the phone Tesco Mobile with Google Maps installed which allows the 4: Sony Ericsson C902 is let down slightly by the complicated www.tescomobile.ie consumer to find their position according to €349 pre-pay, from €79 bill-pay camera and small letters when reading text the nearest base station. This Sony Ericsson The Choice Buy Sony Ericsson C902 is quite messages. Three Ireland can also be used as a walkman phone and a small model and has all the features you www.three.ie has a music player start key on the side. would expect from a phone these days, 7: LG KF750 Secret from €49, bill-pay only including a music player, 5MP camera, email The Choice Buy LG KF750 Secret is a small, Vodafone 2: Nokia 5310 Xpress Music client and internet browser. It supports 3G, slider type phone, where the slider covers www.vodafone.ie €149 pre-pay, from free bill-pay meaning faster data speeds. The camera has the number keys. It has a touchscreen As the name suggests, this phone is a different lens covering that resembles old display, but only for selecting some of the designed to double as a music player. And it Minox compact cameras. The autofocus also media features. It’s a 3G phone and supports does this very well with a good music has face recognition. Battery performance is Bluetooth. It has a motion sensor and Google performance and quick file transfer. As well very good and the sound quality is great. The Maps is installed. It gets no complaints in the as a music player, this phone can receive display is easy to see and use. durability tests and it’s small enough to fit radio and can playback and record video easily in your pocket. clips. On the downside the camera is a bit 5: Sony Ericsson W350i long winded to use because there are no €89 pre-pay, from free bill-pay 8: Samsung SGH-J700 direct access keys. Although with three The best way to describe the Choice Buy €89 pre-pay, from free bill-pay dedicated music player keys it would Sony Ericsson W350i is as a thin, bar type The Choice Buy SGH-J700 is a slider type probably get a bit crowded with a camera phone with a lid. The colour display is always phone, with all the features you might expect key. This is a thin and lightweight phone, visible, with the lid covering the keys. When such as an email client, digital camera, which received a good rating for making the lid is flipped closed there are five extra music player and radio. The phone also has calls and text messages. keys that cover the standard keys, for using an SOS message function. If you press ‘C’ the music player. Battery life is good for this four times, a predefined emergency text 3: Samsung SGH-F480 Tocco phone, and it performed well in our durability message can be sent to people chosen in €379 pre-pay, from €39 bill-pay tests. Sound quality is good and in general advance. A call back is answered The new 3G Samsung Tocco is a truly this is an easy phone to use. automatically without a ring tone. Consumer gorgeous little phone with a touchscreen Choice found that the keys are quite close display. It looks quite like the Apple iPhone, 6: Sony Ericsson W380i together and very flat, so this phone may not although it’s a bit smaller. You can scroll €109 pre-pay, from free bill-pay be suitable for all consumers. All other test through the menus using the touchscreen, The Choice Buy Sony Ericsson W380i is a results were above average.

PRODUCTS NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 429 COMING NEXT MONTH: OUR CHOICE BUY ROUND-UP FOR 2008!

more choice buys

9: Sony Ericsson K660i clearly when lit up, making them possibly difficult to which works as a sensor keypad. But because the €149 pre-pay, from free bill-pay distinguish for some consumers. keys are close together and hard to discriminate Google Maps is installed on the Choice Buy Sony between, the phone may not be suitable for Ericsson K660i and uses the nearest base station to 11: Nokia 3120 classic everyone. The camera on this phone is good quality, find your location. An optional GPS receiver improves €79 pre-pay, from free bill-pay with a very good display. Again all other results were the accuracy of the location. Consumer Choice found For consumers looking for a more traditional phone positive. the music player a bit confusing to get started. All the Choice Buy Nokia 3120 classic might be just up other test ratings were good, including sound quality, your street. It has all the extra functionality of the 13: Sony Ericsson K770i battery life and camera. The display tends to be other phones: it’s 3G, has a browser and email €149 pre-pay, from free bill-pay scratch resistant so care is advised. client, digital camera and music player. It also has a Another great phone from Sony Ericsson, the Choice more conventional menu layout and is easy to use, Buy Sony Ericsson K770i has good sound quality 10: Motorola MotoRokr E8 with good sound quality and battery life. and a good battery life. It’s also a 3G phone, so €539 pre-pay, from free bill-pay offers consumers faster speeds for surfing the web. The Choice Buy Motorola MotoRokr E8 has six 12: Samsung SGH-U900 Soul The camera quality is average but Consumer Choice music player keys on keypad and a sensor key. This €379 pre-pay, from free bill-pay liked the inconspicuous and functional slider that touch sensitive ring allows consumers to scroll The Choice Buy Samsung SGH-U900 Soul has a protects the lens of the camera. We also found that through the menus. Again the phone had all good slider that covers the keys when not being used. It the screen was slightly scratch sensitive, but the test ratings. The only bad point Consumer Choice also has a ‘navigation touchpad’. There is a music player works really well, and it’s easy to could find is that the number keys can only be seen monochrome touchscreen below the main display transfer music to the phone.

Some of our previous Choice Buy phones (see Consumer Choice, May 2008, p184) are still available. These include the Sony Ericsson W910i (71%) from Vodafone, Meteor and O2, Samsung G600 (69%) from Meteor and O2, Nokia 6500 Slide (68%) from Three and Vodafone, Nokia 6288 (66%) from Three, Sony Ericsson W580i (66%) from Meteor and O2, Nokia 6300 (65%) from Vodafone, Meteor, O2 and Tesco, Nokia 3110 Classic (65%) and Nokia 3109 Classic both from Vodafone and O2.

MODEL AVAILABILITY SPECIFICATION

networks cheapest cheapest sim free 3G camera fm radio mp3 player pre-pay (€) bill-pay (€)(€) resolution (MP) 1 Sony Ericsson W890i M, O2 289 (O2) free (M) 296  3.2 

2 Nokia 5310 Xpress Music V, M, O2 149 (M, O2) free (M, O2) 206  1.9 

3 Samsung SGH-F480 Tocco V, M, O2 379 (V) 39 (V, O2) 396  5.0 

4 Sony Ericsson C902 3, O2 349 (3) 79 (3) 391  5.0 

5 Sony Ericsson W350i M, O2 89 (O2) free (O2) 235  1.0 

6 Sony Ericsson W380i M, O2 109 (O2) free (O2) 192  1.3 

7 LG KF750 Secret M, O2 n/a 49 (M) 371  5.0 

8 Samsung SGH-J700 V, M, O2 89 (M, O2) free (V, O2) 116  1.3 

9 Sony Ericsson K660i 3, O2 149 (3) free (3, O2) 224  2.0 

10 Motorola MotoRokr E8 O2 539 (O2) free (O2) 274  2.0 

11 Nokia 3120 Classic 3, M, O2 79 (3) free (3, O2) 189  2.0 

12 Samsung SGH-U900 Soul V, M, O2 379 (V) free (V) 349  5.0 

13 Sony Ericsson K770i 3, V 149 (3) free (3) 204  3.2 

14 Nokia 7500 Prism V, M 119 (M) free (M) 169  2.0 

15 Nokia 6110 Navigator V, O2 279 (V) 79 (V) 277  2.0 

16 LG KU990 Viewty 3 29 (3) 379 (3) 346  5.0 

17 3 Skypephone WP-S1 3 79 (3) free (3) n/a  2.0 

18 Samsung SGH-M110 V, O2 79 (O2) free (V, O2) 115  0.3 

19 Nokia 2630 M, O2, T 49 (O2)n/a 93  0.3 

20 Motorola W377 O2, T 49 (O2) free (O2) 122  0.3 

430 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 PRODUCTS PLUS THE LATEST DIGITAL CAMERAS, PHOTO FRAMES & PHOTO PRINTERS

The Choice Buy iPhone 3G

The Apple iPhone 3G was launched in June of this number on a website can be dialled by selecting it easily be enlarged by pulling apart two fingers on the year, and from July was available to Irish consumers and pressing call. touchscreen. Any photos taken are saved with GPS exclusively through service provider O2 (see Useful Sent and received text messages are not saved data so you know where all the locations are, but Contacts). It’s available in an 8GB model (€49 - separately but as ‘conversations’. Google maps are photos can only be transferred to the iPhone from a €169, depending on tariff) and a 16GB model (€129 installed, and can be used to calculate routes. The computer using iTunes software. The music player is - €229, depending on tariff). route is displayed in detail on the map or in written easy to use, with the familiar iPod application, but But the iPhone is more than just a phone; it’s form, but unfortunately there are no spoken there is no radio. designed to be a phone, MP3 player, satnav and instructions. A few points to note though; the iPhone gets internet device all in one. The first thing you notice The clue to the main difference between this average portability results because it’s quite heavy at about the iPhone is the colour touchscreen display, phone and the previous incarnation is in the name. 137g. It received a bad rating in our ‘rain test’ (see which can display a full alphabetical keyboard for This phone is 3G, giving consumers faster data Consumer Choice, May 2008, p184 for further entering text. speeds. The lab compared browser speeds with the explanation of testing methods.) Two of the three To use the iPhone 3G consumers have to download ‘old’ iPhone and a PC. While the iPhone 3G is roughly samples used in the rain test had lasting damage and install the iTunes software on a computer. As well twice as fast as the ‘old’ iPhone, browsing a PC is still several days later and the third did not work on the as this, new phones have to be ‘activated’ using the significantly faster. first day, but was fine again after serial number, together with a phone number, on an Consumer Choice liked that consumers can easily completely drying out. Apple server via the iTunes software. Furthermore, to check how much data they have used and the calls get access to the iTunes store, consumers must made. We don’t like that the battery can’t be removed TEST RESULTS: register with a credit card or bank account number, by the consumer, making it impossible to easily Phone: wwww even to get the (free) album covers for their own replace, or to carry a second battery. Concept: wwww music. As for the test results, these were in general quite SMS: wwww When browsing websites a motion sensor ensures good. Consumer Choice tested the 16GB version. The Pictures: www that the content is displayed in either landscape or phone is relatively easy to use and the menus are Music: wwww portrait, depending on the orientation of the phone in intuitive to navigate. The sound quality is good, as is Versatility: wwwww your hand. This is also possible when viewing photos, battery life for talking. The 2.0MP camera is average Score: 69% but unfortunately not email or SMS. Any phone quality, but displaying the photos is easy. Photos can

TEST PERFORMANCE SCORE % USING THE TABLE phone concept sms pictures music versatility The more stars the better. (30%) (35%) (10%) (10%) (5%) (10%) AVAILABILITY wwww wwww wwww wwww wwww wwww 71 Network: V Vodafone, M Meteor, O2 O2 wwww wwww wwww www wwww wwww 70 Ireland, T Tesco Mobile, 3 Three Ireland. Price: Typical retailer’s price if you shop wwww wwww wwww wwww wwww wwww 70 around. Prices for bill-pay phones are wwww wwww wwww wwww wwww wwww 67 linked to certain tariffs. Prices in italics are wwww wwww www www wwww www 67 online prices. wwww wwww www www wwww wwww 67 TEST PERFORMANCE wwww www wwww www wwww wwww 67 Concept: Refers to ergonomics of the phone, the battery, portability and durability wwww wwww wwww www www www 67 of the phone. wwww wwww wwww wwww wwww wwww 67 Phone: Includes rating for the convenience of the phone and sound quality. wwww wwww wwww www wwww wwww 66 SMS: Writing, receiving and displaying text wwww wwww wwww n/a wwww wwww 66 messages. Pictures: Takes into account the camera’s wwww www wwww wwww www wwww 66 quality and versatility, as well as the display wwww wwww wwww wwww wwww wwww 65 quality and transferring photos to a computer. wwww www wwww wwww www wwww 64 Music: Includes the sound quality, battery wwww www wwww wwww www wwwww 64 consumption, headphone connections, flight mode and convenience. wwww www wwww wwww www wwww 63 Versatility: Versatility for games and fun, wwww wwww www www www wwww 62 using the phone as a mobile office, the media player and general completeness of wwww wwww www ww n/a ww 61 the phone. wwww wwww wwww ww n/a www 61 wwww wwww ww ww n/a www 57 Report by Jenny Harrow CC

PRODUCTS NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 431 PRODUCTS Test

The Choice Buy Sony KDL-32W4000 has ww The Choice Buy Sony KDL-32P3020 is one of the best ww above average sound quality. televisions Consumer Choice tested.

The Choice Buy Pioneer PDP-4280XA has ww good picture quality. ww The Choice Buy Sony KDL-40W4000 is very easy to use. Televisions When it comes to buying a television, manufacturers are adding more and more labels and logos to entice the consumer. The end result can be confusion rather than information, so Consumer Choice explains the basics.

Televisions have been commercially four Choice Buys for superb crystals, which interpret the available since the 1930s and since performance across the board. information from the broadcast signal then have become a staple of sitting to allow the image to be created. They rooms around the country. We have What type? use backlight technology which makes recently seen the old, large cathode The two main types of technology the images really bright. This makes ray televisions replaced by sleeker, used in televisions screens are LCD them great for well lit rooms. LCD TVs slimmer flat screen televisions. and plasma. Both have their benefits also come in a large range of sizes and For this report Consumer Choice has and at the end of the day it comes offer good performance for everyday tested 17 LCD flat screen televisions down to personal choice. When it programmes. AT A GLANCE and two plasma flat screens from comes to picture quality both Plasma screens use a lightweight seven popular brands. See below for technologies are neck and neck. surface covered with millions of tiny High definition. more information on the difference LCD stands for liquid crystal glass bubbles. Each bubble contains a between these two technologies. display. Two sheets of glass, one with a gas-like substance, plasma, and has a Digital TV update. We are glad to say that most devices special coating that holds liquid phosphor coating. The bubbles can be performed satisfactorily in Consumer crystals, are stuck together. Electric thought of as the pixels. The gas 4 Choice Buys. Choice’s rigorous tests, but we have current is passed through individual plasma cells are charged by precise

432 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 PRODUCTS COMING NEXT MONTH: OUR CHOICE BUY ROUND-UP FOR 2008! choice buys

1: Sony KDL-32W4000 €1,100 2: Sony KDL-32P3020 €570 18: Pioneer PDP-4280XA €1,270 10: Sony KDL-40W4000 €1,500 The 32” LCD Sony KDL-32P3020 is one of The ease of use, above average sound These two full-HD LCD televisions showed the best televisions Consumer Choice tested. quality and good picture quality make the the same results in the lab. The Choice Buy It offers the consumer good picture quality Pioneer PDP-4280XA a clear Choice Buy. Sony KDL-32W4000 (1) has a 32” screen when using either the RGB or HDMI This 42” television has a plasma screen and and the Choice Buy Sony KDL-40W4000 connections. It also has a good convenience is great especially in dark surroundings. (10) has a 40” screen. The picture quality for rating. Installation is easy and the user It has a number of connection options the HDMI and RGB outputs is good and the manual is clear. The menu options are including three HDMI sockets and three sound quality is above average. These straightforward to follow. The television is scart connectors. Consumer Choice found Choice Buy televisions are also easy to use simple to use as is the remote control. This the picture quality to be particularly good with high ratings for the remote control, user Choice Buy also has a good sound quality. using the RGB and HDMI connections. There manual and general operation of the There really are no negative points at all. is also a headphone socket available. television. They have a very short start-up It has a DVB-T tuner built-in and there’s a The television offers consumers a wide time in digital and analogue mode. headphone socket available. It can be used angle of view and the television received Both offer a DVB-T decoder, which is able as a computer monitor. The television also good ratings for the menu options, the to cope with HD-TV signals, and they have a has a quick start-up time in digital and remote control, the user manual, and DVB-T/-C receiver built in. They have analogue modes. advanced use. Consumers should be aware headphone socket available and three HDMI though that this television has quite high sockets. A USB connector allows consumers power consumption in viewing mode. to view photos on the screen. Picture quality for this facility is very good.

ALSO WORTH CONSIDERING None of the televisions tested had any bad results and the following in particular are also worth considering, although none were quite up to Choice Buy status.

4: Sony KDL-32U3000 €650 3: LG 32LG3000 €600 13: Sony KDL-40V3000 €950 This 32” LCD television is a recommendable 5: LG 32LG6000 €645 The Sony KDL-40V3000 40” LCD screen is device, with only one negative result worth While these two televisions are different in clearly a good television. It’s let down by the mentioning. The picture quality using the design and extra features they are very poor sound quality of the built-in speakers, analogue aerial is slightly poor. The best similar in picture quality and both show but got no other negative ratings. It offers a picture quality is available using DVB-T. mainly average or good results. The best DVB-T/-C tuner, which is quite rare. The best All other results were mainly good. picture quality is achieved using HDMI, but picture quality can be achieved using the The convenience results are especially analogue aerial and RGB aren’t bad either. RGB and HDMI inputs. It received good convincing and the television has a very Consumer Choice found that the manual overall convenience ratings, with especially quick start-up time in analogue and wasn’t very easy to use and on the sound good ratings for the menu options, remote digital mode. quality on the LG 32LG6000 (5) is poor. control, the user manual, and general use.

THE LENGTHS WE GO TO…

Reference images are used when testing the televisions and these include still and moving images. This allows for equal test conditions for all the models. To test the picture quality, lab experts investigate video quality, contrast and brightness, viewing angle, reflection of the panel surface and scrolling and panning of images. To make sure that scenes flow well on the screen, the fluidity of motion of scrolling text is rated. For this we get our experts to watch a news channel. Useful contacts As well as image quality being vitally important when choosing a television, consumers want a television that sounds good. Our experts Digital Television assess the sound quality of each television tested. www.digitaltelevision.ie Power consumption of a television is becoming more important with soaring energy costs and increasing environmental concerns. We Pioneer measure power consumption after 30 minutes of showing a test tel 0044 0330 123 1240 pattern, 30 minutes after switching to stand-by mode and when the www.pioneer.co.uk television is switched off. This is done using a special multimeter that allows measurements in the milliamp (mA) range. This is especially Sony important for low power consumptions such as stand-by mode. tel (01) 413 1700 www.sony.ie

PRODUCTS NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 433 COMING NEXT MONTH: OUR CHOICE BUY ROUND-UP FOR 2008!

electrical voltages to create a picture. pixels and digital sockets, so it can quality exists between ‘HD ready’ Plasma screens can display black more receive a high definition picture. HD and ‘HD ready 1080p’. We compared accurately than LCD screen. They also ready 1080p televisions have 1,080 the overall picture quality using typically have wider viewing angles, lines of pixels, so have a higher screen HDMI cables for televisions with meaning if you are viewing a resolution and can support the 1080p 768 lines and televisions with 1,080 television side on, it will be easier to signal. This in theory gives a better lines. For both sets of televisions the see a plasma screen. This makes them image quality. range of ratings is nearly identical. a good option for movies or home Consumer may also see television This means that a television with a cinema. Plasma screens are generally labelled with 1080i and 1080p. High resolution of 1,080 lines is generally made in bigger sizes only. definition television (HDTV) is not better than a television with broadcast in 1080i, but Blu-ray disks 768 lines. Size matters are recorded in 1080p. 1080p is The results show that there is no Once the type of technology has been slightly more detailed, but the general advantage to having a higher decided the next thing for consumers difference between the two is small. resolution television. Other factors to consider is the size of the television. Another logo consumers are likely such as contrast, brightness, colour This often depends on the size of the to see when shopping for a new reproduction and digital artefacts or room the television is intended for. television is 24fps which stands for 24 noise have a much higher impact on The size of the screen quoted refers to frames per second. To explain this in picture quality. The lab found that the diagonal width of the screen and is very basic terms, the images are when comparing televisions, the generally quoted in inches. Consumer displayed at 24 frames per second on resolution only becomes important if Choice has tested televisions with the screen. Blu-ray movies are every other factor is the same between screens varying from 32” to 42”, but recorded at 24fps, so if the television the televisions. they are available as small as 15” and has a lower refresh rate consumers Consumer Choice also found that can be as large as 60”. may see ‘judder’ on their screens. the optimum viewing distance is Finally 100Hz is one of the newest somewhere around three meters Definition of High Definition logos, and indicates that the television when watching high definition on a Consumers may be (rightly) confused has digital processing software to 42” screen. At this distance having a by terms such as ‘HD ready’ and ‘HD make panning and fast moving action screen resolution better than standard ready 1080p’ that are bandied around scenes smoother. makes no difference because the by manufacturers. The difference human eye can’t physically dissolve between the two lies in the number of What’s the difference? the pixel structure. This essentially lines of pixels that cross the screen. Consumer Choice asked the lab to means that at this distance the HD ready televisions have 768 lines of investigate if a difference in image human eye can’t distinguish the

MODEL SPECIFICATION TEST PERFORMANCE SCORE %

price screen 1080 image sound ease of use versatility teletext power (€) size lines quality quality (20%) (10%) (5%) consumption (inches) (40%) (20%) (5%) 32 INCH LCD 1Sony KDL-32W4000 1,100 32  www www wwww wwww www wwww 61 2Sony KDL-32P3020 570 32  www wwww wwww wwww wwww wwww 61 3 LG 32LG3000 600 32  www www www wwww wwwww wwww 56 4Sony KDL-32U3000 650 32  www www wwww wwww www wwww 54 5 LG 32LG6000 645 32  www ww www wwww wwwww wwww 53 6 Sharp LC-32X20E 900 32  www ww www wwww wwwww wwww 51 7 Sharp LC-32D44E 600 32  www ww www wwww www wwww 49 8JVC LT-32DA9BU 560 32  www ww www www www wwww 49 9 Toshiba 32AV505D 570 32  www www www ww wwww wwww 48 37-42 INCH LCD 10 Sony KDL-40W4000 1,500 40  www wwww wwww wwww www www 62 11 Sony KDL-40D3500 980 40  www wwww www wwww wwwww www 57 12 Toshiba 40XF355DG 2,600 40  www www www wwww wwwww www 56 13 Sony KDL-40V3000 950 40  www ww www wwww wwwww www 55 14 Hitachi L42VP01C 1,367 42  www www www wwww wwwww www 54 15 LG 42LG6000 1,100 42  www www www wwww wwwww www 54 16 JVC LT-42DR9BU 1,000 42  www www www www www www 51 17 Sharp LC-37X20E 1,362 37  www ww www wwwww wwwww wwww 50 42 INCH PLASMA 18 Pioneer PDP-4280XA 1,270 42  www www wwww wwww wwwww ww 61 19 LG 42PG6000 1,050 42  www www www wwww wwwww ww 51

434 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 PRODUCTS PLUS THE LATEST DIGITAL CAMERAS, PHOTO FRAMES & PHOTO PRINTERS

difference between standard HD ready and HD ready 1080p. Technical terms explained

Digital switchover Digital television is more efficient and Analogue broadcasting HD ready and HD ready 1080p versatile than corresponding analogue This is the traditional way of broadcasting see Definition of High Definition for details. networks, meaning that more TV television. The analogue channels in Ireland channels, interactive and information are RTÉ One, RTÉ Two, TV3, TG4. HDMI services, as well as high definition HDMI stands for high-definition multimedia television, can be accommodated. It Digital broadcasting interface. This is a digital connection using a will mean the availability of a better This is the new way of broadcasting single cable for high-quality video and audio. television service for Irish consumers, television. A digital signal codes the pictures as well as access to a wider-ranging and sounds into computerised data. This MPEG-4 choice of free-to-air programming. allows the information to be transmitted MPEG-4 is a software standard for the Consumer Choice has discussed the more easily and more efficiently than compression of digital data. It is the standard digital terrestrial television (DTT) analogue signals. chosen for digital television in Ireland. switchover before (see Consumer Choice, November 2007, p420 and DTT RGB October 2006, p385). DTT stands for digital terrestrial television. It RBG stands for red, green and blue. The Ireland’s first trial of DTT has ended, is digital television that is received via a coloured lights are added together in various and a schedule has been announced standard aerial. ways to reproduce a broad array of colours. for the rollout of the service. The Department found that 82% of those DVB Scart involved in the trial would DVB stands for digital video broadcasting, A scart lead is the most common way to recommend digital television to a which is a worldwide standard for digital TV connect equipment such as televisions, video friend, citing reception and picture technology recorders, DVD players and set-top boxes. quality as the main reasons for so doing and 84% were satisfied with the overall service. The next step in the switch from USING THE TABLE lab (20%), as well as the expert viewing test analogue to digital television will be a The more stars the better. (80%). national information campaign starting in March 2009, with the SPECIFICATION Sound quality: As with image quality the rollout of the services being launched Price: Typical retailer’s price if you shop around. overall rating includes technical measurements in the autumn of 2009. The (20%) and the expert listening test (80%). Department foresees the analogue Screen size: The diagonal of the television signal being switched off by 2012. Visit screen measured in inches. The size of the Ease of use: Includes ratings for setting up the the Department’s digital television actual television frame may be slightly larger. television, daily and advanced use, the remote website (see Useful Contacts) for control and user manual. further information. 1080 lines: Televisions not marked 1080 lines We would urge consumers not to have instead 768 lines, HD ready. Versatility: Includes ratings for the connections, panic over the DTT switchover. There the digital tuner and any extra features. will be no need to purchase a new TV, TEST PERFORMANCE and Consumer Choice will keep you up Image quality: The total rating takes into Power consumption: Power usage while to date every step of the way. account technical measurements taken in the turned on, in standby mode and turned off.

Buying online

Despite large price drops over the last few years a television is still an expensive purchase. The average 32” television costs €700 and the average 42” television could set consumers back a whopping €1,200. The Choice Buy Pioneer plasma screen was difficult to find online, so Consumer Choice compared the three Choice Buy Sony televisions.

shop price saving price (€) online (€)(%)

Sony KDL-32W4000 1,100 947 14 Sony KDL-40W4000 1,500 1,342 11 Sony KDL-32P3020 570 526 8 Report by Jenny Harrow CC

PRODUCTS NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 435 Keep A-G!

Consumer representatives have been adding their voices to the energy label debate. The current 'A-G' labelling system enables consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, but has been a victim of its own success, since there are now far too many products crowded into the top 'A' category. A revamp is needed, but proposals from the EU Commission Consumer and from industry are confusing and unclear for consumers. Industry lobbyists want to change the existing label into an currents unclear, open-ended, numerical scale. The Commission is proposing a confusing letter/number combination. Rather than increasing the scope of the scale, why not simply raise the bar and review the thresholds of the different classes? According to a new survey from BEUC (the European Consumer Organisation) and ANEC (The European Consumer Voice in Standardisation), between 97% and 99% of consumers know and understand the current 'A-G' system of energy rating appliances, readily identifying A as the most energy efficient. In addition, when the A-G label is compared with numerical scales (7-1 or 9-3), the majority of respondents in all countries (from 70% in the Netherlands to 81% in Italy) find the A-G rating easier to understand. As Monique Goyens, BEUC Director General, says: "When the Commission launched its Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production three months ago, it highlighted the need to 'improve the energy and environmental performance of products and foster their uptake by consumers'. In our view, this will certainly not be achieved by confusing them".

Changing consumer contract law - EU-wide...

Recent weeks have seen the launch of a new EU proposal for consumer rights that will combine existing laws into a single – hopefully comprehensible – package. At present, European consumer law is covered by four main directives – relating to the sale of consumer goods and guarantees, unfair contract terms, distance selling, and doorstep selling. These directives set minimum requirements that have been adopted and adapted differently in each member state, confusing matters for those who run into problems and aren't quite sure of their rights. The new proposal aims to standardise rights across the EU, particularly targeting newer sales methods such as e-commerce and m-commerce (using your mobile phone to make transactions). It should guarantee consumers clear information on prices and additional charges throughout the EU, as well as standardising rights relating to such issues as cooling off periods, late (or non-) delivery, returns, refunds, repairs, guarantees, and unfair contract terms. Latest figures show that 30 million EU consumers make cross- border purchases online each year, although this is only 20% of the 150 million who shop online within their own countries. Overall, EU cross-border shoppers spend an average of €800 a year, totalling an impressive €24 billion. This figure is already on the rise here, given the well-publicised price differentials between the Republic and Northern Ireland, and shows how consumers are becoming more confident when it comes to seeking a bargain. However, retailers are slower to catch on – EU reports on retailer and consumer attitudes found that, despite 40% of consumers being more or equally confident about shopping online from another EU country, three-quarters of retailers are not offering such sales. The proposed Contract Rights Currents by Directive must be approved by the European Parliament and EU Margaret Brady cc Governments in the Council of Ministers before coming into law.

436 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 CURRENTS Nano-food & FSAI concerns The FSAI has launched a new report on nanotechnology strengthen bottles and other plastic wrapping material and its applications in food and food packaging, making and the incorporation of 'nano-sensors' into food several recommendations for consumer safety in this packaging material can aid detection of harmful bacteria. rapidly developing area. However, the FSAI highlights our lack of knowledge Although there are no foods currently on the Irish about possible effects in the food chain and the need to market that incorporate nanotechnology, they are install adequate controls to safeguard consumer health, available internationally, mainly online. The market is still stating that safety policies should be devised before small, but it is anticipated that it will be worth about €15 these products become widely available. It is calling for billion by 2010. Regulatory controls on nanotechnology an EU-wide framework to regulate the use of in food are still lacking in Europe, meaning that European nanotechnology in food, and requiring food businesses to food safety bodies do not yet have full enforcement take primary responsibility for ensuring the safety of all powers in relation to these products. foods produced with nanotechnology. In particular, it Nanotechnology offers many potential benefits to food stresses the need for mandatory labelling of all food industries, such as masking unpleasant tastes and products or food packaging which employ odours, enhancing bioavailability, extending shelf-life, nanotechnology, so that consumers can make informed and enhancing the taste and texture of food. It can also purchasing decisions. In addition, it suggests that be used to develop 'intelligent' food packaging that will research should urgently be undertaken to establish an provide a greater degree of traceability of products. For assessment of possible risks in relation to example, nano-structured metal films and coatings can nanotechnology in food.

Shedding light on bulbs Our recent product test (September 2008, p349) down in price, they are still initially expensive. aimed to shed a little light on energy saving bulbs, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) says they use just letting you know where the best value was to be 20% of the energy of traditional bulbs and last up found. The recent Government consultation paper to 10 times longer, ultimately saving money as on energy efficiency and performance standards well as cutting down on carbon usage. SEI for light bulbs followed very shortly after, so we estimates that replacing three ordinary bulbs with were just in time! It is now proposed that CFLs in living areas of a house will result in traditional light bulbs will be phased out in stages, annual savings of €37 per household. At a starting in March 2009. First to go will be national level, that would add up to savings of traditional bulbs of more than 75w – eliminating €24m annually for consumers and a saving of more than half of the least energy-efficient bulbs almost 115,000 tonnes CO2 emissions. Of course, at once – and further phase-outs will continue up given the economic climate, you have to wonder to 2012. The proposals make no specific how many consumers will simply be driving north recommendations for incandescent spot and of the border to buy the old (cheap) lightbulbs reflector bulbs. come March... Comments on the consultation Although energy efficient bulbs have come paper can be made until 14 November 2008. Fire safety - make it a priority! Now that the weather's getting colder, it's a good two central, well-placed fire alarms, although time to think about fire safety and its three steps: extra alarms can be fitted in every room except prevention, detection and evacuation. the bathroom, kitchen and garage. Most fires happen at night when people are And of course, once your smoke alarm warns asleep. Prevent unnecessary risks by turning off you of a fire, you need to know what to do, i.e. all appliances, including space heaters and raise the alarm and get everyone out of the house mobile phone chargers, before going to bed. as soon as possible. If there is smoke, stay close Check that candles and cigarettes are out, that to the ground and only open those doors you ashtrays have been emptied and that open fires need to exit through. If a door is warm, it means are safe and covered by an effective that the fire is on the other side, so don't open it. fire/sparkguard. Keep your exit routes clear, just Don't investigate the fire yourself, but call the Fire in case. Brigade on 999 or 112, and don't go back into While fire prevention is often a matter of the house until the fire brigade tells you it's safe. common sense, accidents do happen and early If you have children, make sure they know detection can save lives. You won't smell smoke what to do in case of fire. Practise leaving the if you are asleep, so a working fire alarm might house by the quickest, most direct route with be your only warning. Check your alarm regularly them, and plan a meeting point outside. You can by pressing the test button, and replace the find more information on fire safety by calling batteries at least once a year (unless you have a 1890 202 021 or online at ten-year alarm). Most homes will need at least www.environ.ie/en/localgovernment/firesafety.

CURRENTS NOVEMBER 2008 consumerchoice 437 PRODUCTS

Open source software Open source software offers consumers an alternative to proprietary packages from large software companies. But what exactly is open source and where can you find it?

The European Commissioner for The software must also be distributed as in free beer. Competition Policy has recently backed under a copyright licence that meets the Open source software is also about the use of open source software by the open source definition. The source code, openness, an exchange of ideas and European Commission and other public which is essentially the nuts and bolts of innovation, thus creating better, more authorities. The Commissioner Neelie an application, is also made publicly flexible and more robust software for Kroes said recently “[the commission] available. This allows users to use, everyone to use. must not rely on one vendor, it must not change, edit and re-distribute the Take for example the open source accept closed standards, and it must software as they wish. operating system Ubuntu. Ubuntu is an refuse to become locked into a particular Open source software is often African word meaning ‘humanity to AT A GLANCE technology”. developed by a community of others’. This embodies the spirit of the If the EU is embracing open source developers, where users have the ability sharing and cooperation throughout the software, Consumer Choice wondered if to offer input into the final product. open source community. Free software. this was something that could also When developers of this software refer to benefit consumers. it as free, they are not generally referring Adding to consumer choice Open source philosophy. to price, but to freedom. The phrase ‘free But what potential does open source Open source software as in free speech, not as in free beer’ is software hold for consumers? For most Promoting Open source software is computer often used to explain this distinction. consumers open source software competition. software that is freely available online. Although often the software is also free, represents a real alternative to large

438 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 PRODUCTS proprietary software packages. WHERE TO FIND OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE Even if consumers are not convinced by the open source philosophy, they There are a vast number of open source projects available at any time. For practically every ‘closed’ piece of should be convinced by the price. Open software commercially available, there is an open source alternative. Here’s a quick look at some of the more source software is generally free. And not commonly used programs, and some sites offering open source software. This list is not exhaustive. This list only is it available to individuals but it is not necessarily endorsed by the CAI and the CAI cannot assume any responsibility if damages occur as a can be freely used by businesses, schools result of downloading software. - by anyone - and can be installed on an unlimited number of computers. It can be passed on to friends or family without Gimp: www.gimp.org Open Source Windows: violating the copyright licence. There are Gimp stands for GNU image manipulation program. It www.opensourcewindows.org no restrictions on how it can be used. can be used for photo retouching, image composition Open Source Windows offers a simple list of free and and image authoring. Gimp is designed to be open source software for Windows. It can be a useful Open source definition expandable using ‘plug-ins’. Although it was written for reference for consumers who would like to start using Under the open source definition, the UNIX platform it also runs on Microsoft Windows free and open-source software. The site offers links to software must fulfil ten criteria to be and Mac OSX. software by category. considered truly open source. This includes the provision in the software Linux: www.linux.org PDFCreator: www.pdfforge.org licence that it can’t restrict any party Linux is a Unix-like operating system. There are PDFCreator allows consumers to easily create PDF from selling or giving away the software. hundred of versions of operating systems based on the documents from nearly any Windows program. It is The license must allow the software to be Linux kernel. Linux has been widely adopted mainly as used like a printer in Word, or any other Windows modified and adapted. The licence also a server platform. application. cannot restrict in any way how the software can be used. Mozilla: www.mozilla.com SourceForge: sourceforge.net The most widely used products offered by Mozilla are Mainly for developers, SourceForge offers over Licensing the Firefox web browser and Thunderbird email client. 120,000 projects in varying stages of development. Each piece of open source software is Both applications can be expanded by using ‘add-ons’. They describe themselves as the global technology licensed by the developer under an open With the release of Firefox 3 in July of this year Mozilla community’s hub for information exchange. source licence. There are currently over set a new Guinness World Record for the largest 70 different types of licences, but all have number of software downloads in 24 hours. The Free Software Directory: directory.fsf.org gone through an approval process and The Free Software Directory is a project run by the comply with the open source definition. OpenOffice: www.openoffice.org Free Software Foundation (FSF) and United Nations The licences are approved by the Open OpenOffice is an open source office software suite for Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization Source Initiative (see Where to find for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics (UNESCO). It catalogues useful free software that runs further information). and databases. It will work on all common computers, under free operating systems. Common licences include the Apache stores data in an international open standard format License, 2.0, GNU General Public License and will also open documents from other common Ubuntu: www.ubuntu.com (GPL), Mozilla Public License 1.1 (MPL) office software packages. Ubuntu is a community developed Linux-based and Common Public License 1.0. operating system for laptops, desktops and servers. It Open Source Initiative: www.opensource.org contains all the usual applications - a web browser, Big business opens up The Open Source Initiative is a non-profit organisation presentation, document and spreadsheet software, Microsoft announced in May of this year formed to educate and promote the benefits of open instant messaging and more. Some Dell computers can that it is expanding the range of source software. It also acts as a standards body for even be bought with Ubuntu pre-installed. document formats supported in its Office reviewing and approving open source licences. productivity suite. In the first half of 2009, Service Pack 2 (SP2) will be available for Office 2007 and this will biggest plus for the average consumer is technically minded. This is not always the include support for three new formats, the fact that it is generally free. You can case, with a lot of the more common including Open Document Format get whole operating systems and any software being developed to a very high (OFD). number of everyday software packages. standard and with easy to use interfaces. This is good news for consumers, as it Open source software also tends to be There can be compatibility issues with means that those who switch to open more flexible and versatile. Consumers some packages, so check before you source word processing software will be can add to the basic program by using download. Many of the products have able to use these documents in Microsoft add-ons or plug-ins. These are developed been created for Linux based operating Office on other computers. This will by the community and expand the systems, which are also open source. enhance consumer choice when it comes functionality of the software. Another issue consumers should be to choosing a suite and increase Open source software also promotes aware of is that open source software interoperability. competition by allowing the community doesn’t come with a warranty. This means to decide on the standards and features if the software somehow damages your Should you go open source? of the software. computer there is no recourse. This is As with everything, there are pros and On the other hand, it can be less user- made clear in nearly all open source Report by cons to using open source software. The friendly, especially for those less licences. Jenny Harrow cc

PRODUCTS NOVEMBER 2008 consumer choice 439 Whatam I to do? The winter is drawing in and thoughts are turning to the holidays. But in an uncertain economic climate, are there ways to celebrate for less?

Useful contacts Plan ahead Discount dinner Present perfect I know I can’t afford to spend My family always has a big Christmas I have a lot of family and friends to buy gifts MABS madly this Christmas, but I still dinner with all the trimmings, but it for, but the cost is a nightmare. Any tips? 2nd Floor want to enjoy myself. What’s the costs a fortune. How can we eat well Commercial House best way to manage? for less? Christmas presents can be the source of much Westend Commercial stress, especially if there’s pressure to spend It might sound basic, but you need a Christmas is a time when families gather Village money you haven’t got. However, there are ways budget (MABS, see Useful contact). and treats are expected, meaning that the Blanchardstown to step outside the shopping frenzy and do Make a list of expenses that you food bill can grow dramatically. If you can, Dublin 15 things a bit differently. As always, creating a expect in December, such as nights plan your big meals well in advance, and Helpline 1890 283 438 budget is the first step, and after that, the key is email [email protected] out, gifts, food, drink and so on. start buying non-perishables, such as to think creatively. A small gift that reflects the Details of local offices Have a look at your bank statements sweets, drinks and frozen goods, as soon personality of the recipient will often mean available on www.mabs.ie and after subtracting the estimated as possible in order to spread out the cost. more than something that’s expensive and essentials, such as rent, heat and You can also save considerably by impersonal. power, figure out what you’ll have shopping with the discounters, by looking Can you talk to family and friends about the left to spend. Then divide it up and for special offers, or by making a trip to fact that you’d like to spend less this year? If choose where you’re willing to Northern Ireland where sterling prices can you are part of a wide circle of friends or economise. If you can stick to your yield savings. Remember that own-brand extended family, a ‘Kris Kindle’ (whereby each budget, January will be a lot easier. supermarket goods can be considerably person buys a gift anonymously for one other The truly money-savvy will have cheaper and are often made in the same member of the group) or shared night out in been quietly putting money aside factories as their branded equivalents. place of gifts might prove a welcome change of into a Christmas account all year When buying fresh food, keep the best- pace, allowing you to focus more on enjoying long, but for the rest of us, there’s before dates in mind and don’t buy more each other’s company than on the cost. not much time left to institute good than you’ll use. Most consumers vastly Alternatively, families can set their own rules, financial habits. Try to avoid maxing over-estimate the amount of fresh food such as clubbing together to buy group out your credit card at Christmas they’ll get through during the festive presents, or insisting on homemade gifts only. If though, unless you’ll be able to pay season. After all, the shops only close for you know that won’t go down well, you can it off in January. Credit cards have a couple of days! make big savings by buying online (don’t forget extremely high rates of interest, and Finally, shop wisely, and don’t buy about delivery charges and waiting periods) if you decide that you need to foods ‘for tradition’s sake’ if nobody in and it’s always a good idea to start shopping borrow to make ends meet, you will your family likes them. While it’s nice to early to spread out the expense. Don’t forget pay less interest on a personal loan have all the trimmings, it’s better for both though, that quality time will be remembered Report by from the credit union or bank than your wallet and the environment if you for far longer than most gifts, and try not to let Margaret Brady cc you will on your credit card. can minimise waste as much as possible. the stress – or the spending – get out of hand!

440 consumer choice NOVEMBER 2008 COUNSEL