The Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority has launched its new consumer information centre at College Green in Dublin.
IFSRA is also launching a consumer information campaign - called 'It's your money' - backed up by a national television advertising campaign and a website www.itsyourmoney.ie.
The centre will be open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm, with late opening until 6pm on Thursday. It will have a website access area and private consultation rooms. IFSRA's consumer publications will also be available free of charge.
A survey commissioned by IFSRA to coincide with the launch showed that 75% of consumers found written information on financial products too complicated and difficult to understand.
It also revealed that 63% of consumers did not shop around because they did not fully understand what they should look for.
80% found it hard to get independent information on financial products and services, while 92% said they would read more information if it were written in plain English.
