Consumer watchdog plans crackdown on AI scams

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission plans to launch an investigation into AI scams, misleading bots, and deceptive reviews as part of its strategy for the 2027 to 2029 period. The commission's efforts previously saw €21 returned to consumers for every €1 spent, with half a million unsafe products removed from shelves and €350,000 refunded to Irish airline passengers.

The Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE) scheme, introduced to support students with additional needs, aims to remove barriers during State examinations while maintaining academic standards. New measures will include additional time, rest breaks, waivers, and modified examination papers for students with attention or behavioral difficulties, visual impairments, and those experiencing bereavement.

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon will update Cabinet on negotiations for the next Common Agricultural Policy, focusing on generational renewal and provisions for young farmers. Housing Minister James Browne will inform Cabinet of a 57% increase in starter home supports, with nearly 4,700 supports delivered in the first half of the year.

Early learning and childcare sector Minister Norma Foley will present a memo on the mid-term review of the nurturing skills plan, noting improvements in qualification levels for early years educators. Climate Minister Darragh O'Brien will seek approval for the next draft of the Climate Action Plan before environmental assessment screening.