Shoppers were today urged to punish traders who try to cash in on the euro changeover by taking their business elsewhere.
The Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and Employment said retailers have a "special responsibility to ensure they have taken all the necessary steps to be ready to start trading in euros from January 1st".
But with fears expressed that some traders may take advantage of any confusion about the changeover, Mr Tom Kitt told the Fianna Fail Ard-Fheis that, "consumers need to realise the power that they themselves have if they feel they are not being treated fairly - and that is to take their business elsewhere.
"This is the ultimate sanction for any trader who seeks to take advantage of the changeover," he said.
Many businesses have already been urged to sign up to stringent new rules for the swap.
Mr Kitt said a smooth transition to the euro is one of the key priorities for the government, and the national code of practice on displaying prices in both euros and punts for an adjustment period, was the key to ensuring a trouble-free changeover.
He also said the Director of Consumer Affairs has indicated her intention to "name and shame" any trader who displays the logo associated with adherence to the codes of practice on dual pricing but fails to live up to the commitments involved.
Mr Kitt also repeated warnings that the economy faces a downturn.
"After a year of foot-and-mouth disease, the global turndown in the computer industry and, not least, the tragic events of September 11, we are bound to face pressures on the jobs front in the year ahead," he said.
But he said Ireland could weather the "short-term" difficulties.