Irish consumers who are not happy that their rights or entitlements are being respected by traders in other EU countries can avail of the free supports available to them from the European Consumer Centre (ECC).

European legislation offers consumers equal protection whether they shop on the internet, while on holidays or in any shop in the EU. Information on your rights and entitlements as a consumer in the EU can be found at www.eumatters.ie which provides Irish people with EU information relevant to their daily lives

However, the distance, language difficulties and unfamiliarity with legal rights often makes it difficult for consumers to know what their entitlements are.

The European Consumer Centre Network offers consumers across Europe advice on their rights when shopping in another European state as well as a dispute resolution service. And, if necessary, ECC Ireland can liaise directly with a trader via its sister centre in the country of purchase.

Peter, who is from Co. Cork had booked flights but they were cancelled. He was offered either a refund or rerouting to their destination. Peter chose a refund. He was then informed by the airline that a refund would take the form of a credit, due to the fact that the flight cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances. Peter contacted ECC Ireland looking for a full refund of €338.63 from the airline. When ECC Ireland contacted the airline they agreed to provide Peter with a full refund in cash.

In 2008 over 3,500 people contacted the ECC in Ireland with complaints ranging from lost and damaged luggage and flight cancellations to problems with car hire, scams and non-delivery or faulty items ordered on the internet. Just over 500 of these people required the ECC to intervene with the trader on the consumer’s behalf.

To find out more about how the European Consumer Centre can help you can visit www.eccireland.ie