Irish and British shoppers' rights are detailed in a new rights for Irish, British shoppers guide issued yesterday.
The European Consumer Centre (ECC) in Dublin has collaborated with Britain's European Consumer Centre and National Association of Citizens' Advice Bureaux to produce Shopping Across Borders - Your Consumer Rights.
Ms Tina Leonard, the ECC manager, said the guide should benefit consumers when shopping on both sides of the Irish Sea as well as north and south of the Border.
When buying goods or services in the United Kingdom, consumers are protected under the Sale of Goods Act, 1979, while in the Republic consumers' rights are enshrined in the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act, 1980.
The ECC, which is jointly funded by the European Commission and the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, is part of a network of 12 consumer information and advice centres across Europe. By the end of this year, the ECC in Dublin will have handled more than 14,000 queries from consumers.
Copies of the guide will be distributed through citizens' information centres in Ireland. The guide can be accessed by phoning 01-8090600 or on the web: www.ecic.ie.