When you (or your husband) go in, make sure you have your homework done. Have dates or purchase, date of issue, steps you've done so far all at hand. Tell them you've been in contact with the consumer agency (I would ring them also on this - very helpful). Explain the situation to the shop manager. Don't be afraid to get into a "discussion" on the shop floor, don't feel like everyone is looking at you... you are there to sort out your issue, to be honest you shouldn't care what others think at that time BUT keep it civil, calm etc... don't get into heated argument even if it feels like you are talking to the wall...
Have a notepad & pen - document the discussion as you go, ask for the persons name, note the time & dates & record this in front of them. Take your time & make sure you get full name off them, their position etc... Let them see what you are writing down. You are documenting everything in case you need to bring it further...
Have a letter ready to hand in (templates on the consumer.ie website) stating the issue, dates, costing etc & in there also specify exactly what you want (a new washing machine or a refund of purchase price ) & that you are not accepting replacement as the goods sold are not fit for purpose. Don't give them the letter until discussions are going no where & no other avenue can be discussed without "losing the head" so to speak... discussion may go on for quite a while...
The shop floor workers probably won't have authority to make such decisions, so look for supervisor, shop floor manager, but note everyone's name you speak to.
No need to name "names", but was this a larger electrical store or a small store?
As mentioned above, issue is with the store that sold you the machine NOT the manufacturers. It's up to the store to fight the battle with the manufactures for their costings...not your issue & state that to them.
Hope you get the result you want....