The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) found that 12 advertisements across social media, email, online and print were in breach of its code.
The advertising watchdog upheld complaints against advertisers in the vast majority of the 15 cases considered by the body for its latest bulletin.
Most notably, a complaint was upheld against Ryanair for a misleading email advertisement that gave prices for car hire than were "significantly less" than those listed on the actual website.
A complaint against Parcel Motel was upheld after a complainant enquired about the company's UK-Ireland parcel delivery service and was told it was no longer available.
There was also a complaint that was upheld against Woodie's DIY for putting a 'sale' sign above logs that the complainant found were not part of the sale when they enquired in store.
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A leaflet from Howden Tools and Garage Equipment was found to have "derogatory and socially irresponsible" images of female models in sexualised positions that promote "harmful gender stereotypes and [portray] women as sexual objects."
Four complaints were upheld against Randox Laboratories Ltd over promises of next-day delivery of results for Covid-19 tests in two adverts, including one from a complainant who had to book another test with another company at extra due to a delay.
There were also 13 complaints regarding claims in a National Lottery advert that "90% of money spent on the National Lottery goes back into the community” which were all rejected.
The complainants groused about a lack of transparency and that retailers were included in the advert's definition of "the community," while two contended that the money goes to the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Fund, the operator of the National Lottery.
“The latest complaints bulletin from the ASAI shows the significant part we play in ensuring that advertisements are legal, truthful, decent and honest for all Irish consumers," said Orla Twomey, CEO of the ASAI.
"The ASAI fully investigates all complaints thoroughly to ensure that advertisers in Ireland are adhering to the guidelines.”
“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.”
(Pic: Getty Images)
