Service to assist internet shoppers

CONSUMER champions yesterday unveiled an initiative to help shoppers who buy goods from Britain only to find the products are faulty.

The European Consumer Centre is running a six-month trial with a web-based arbitration service to settle disputes between online shoppers in Ireland and internet retailers in Britain and the north.

Normally the centre tries to sort out complaints when consumers in Ireland have problems with goods or services purchased in another European Union country. However, when the centre is unable to resolve the matter the consumer is left with the prospect of legal action, which can be costly.