Price increases on the back of the euro's arrival in January, 2002, will not be tolerated, the Minister of State for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Mr Tom Kitt, said yesterday after introducing a Code of Practice on Dual Pricing.

Mr Kitt said the code, which includes a commitment to "unambiguous" dual pricing, would incorporate the logo used by the Director of Consumer Affairs, Ms Carmel Foley, and the one used by the European Commission. "The logo will include a contact point for use by consumers where they feel that the terms of the code have not been complied with," he said. Retailers who fail to comply with the code may risk the loss of use of the logo and the Director of Consumer Affairs may publicise such a decision. "The Director of Consumer affairs, in association with the Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs, reserves the right to take specific measures in relation to monitoring should the need arise," the code states.

Other code provisions are that retailers will provide information to consumers during the transitional phase, between January 1st, 1999, and December 31st, 2001, and train staff.

"The requirements of blind, visually-impaired, disabled and older consumers will also be taken into account in the training of staff," the code states.

Mr Kitt said the Republic was unique among euro zone member countries in converting to a currency which would put a higher numerical value on prices. But he was determined there would be no doubts in consumers eyes about the prices they would pay for goods and services after conversion.

There had been confusion and fear in the minds of the public when decimalisation was introduced in 1971. "If things go wrong and there are price hikes, there are measures in place," he said.