The European Consumer Centre website. http:// www.ecic.ie, was launched last week by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Mr Tom Kitt.

The site has a user-friendly design that encourages consumers to learn about the laws that protect their consumer rights and outlines services provided free of charge at the European Consumer Centre on O'Connell Street.

A special section answers commonly-asked consumer questions regarding the euro. Visitors to the site can refer specific questions or requests for publications through a "mail-back" link to the centre. Over the past four months the centre has handled over 4,000 requests.