Consumers looking for a clear guide on how membership of the single market affects them should request a copy of the European Consumer Guide to the Single Market produced by the European Commission.

It provides answers to commonly-asked questions on the purchase of goods within the single market such as cars, shopping protection, VAT differences and the purchase of financial services and insurance abroad.

Even a brief skim through the guide provides insight into whether the single market's aspiration of unhindered movement of goods and services is a dream or reality.

Interesting questions are posed to consumers throughout the guide. For example, does the single market affect you when: choosing between Parma ham or Ardennes ham in the local supermarket; looking for a toy for your child; or when suffering from angina, you want to know if there are side-effects from drugs prescribed by my doctor?

The guide is available from the European Consumer Centre's consumer advice shop, 13 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1. Tel: (01) 809 0600, e-mail: ecic@indigo.ie