The European Consumer Centre's (ECC) website www.ecic.ie has been upgraded to include a mailback service, which allows consumers to refer their queries directly to the centre.

This service aims to assist those who have bought faulty goods or services and are seeking advice on their rights and possible recourse.

This year the consumer centre has handled more than 9,000 queries, with an increasing number coming via e-mail. The European Consumer Centre may be contacted at 13a Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1, tel: (01) 809 0600, fax: (01) 809 0601, e-mail: ecic@indigo.ie.