• 8 advertisements across online, company websites, leaflets and brochures were found to be in breach of the ASAI Code on grounds related to a range of issues including Misleading, Substantiation, Environmental Claims, Price and Safety

• One interested party complaint was upheld in part

• In one case the Complaints Committee issued a Statement

The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland’s (ASAI) independent Complaints Committee has released its latest Complaints Bulletin, which contains 10 case reports on complaints recently investigated by the organisation.

7 of the 10 cases were upheld in full and 1 of the 10 cases was upheld in part. Advertisements across online, company websites, leaflets and brochures were found to be in breach of the ASAI Code on grounds related to Misleading, Substantiation, Environmental Claims, Price and Safety. One interested party complaint was upheld in part. One case resulted in a Statement being issued with advice for future advertising.

The Complaints Committee is a completely independent arm of the ASAI and is responsible for considering and adjudicating on complaints submitted by the public, by an organisation, by a Government Department, or any other person or body. The Committee is made up of a range of experts from the advertising, media, education, consumer, and marketing sectors. See further details here – http://www.asai.ie/about-us/complaints-committee

Commenting on the latest ASAI rulings, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the ASAI, stated:

“The latest complaints bulletin from the ASAI shows the diverse range of cases we investigate on a daily basis and the important role we have in educating advertisers about the code and protecting consumers.”

“The ASAI also provides a free and confidential copy advice service to the advertising industry to help them create responsible ads that adhere to the advertising code. If an advertiser, agency, or medium has any concerns about a marketing communications’ compliance with the ASAI’s Code, they can contact us and avail of the free and confidential copy advice service.”