asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if an official from his Department requested the employee of a travel agency (details supplied) to provide from her own personal finances for the upkeep of holidaymakers when their travel firm collapsed; the reason the person has still not been reimbursed; if his Department has a specific responsibility to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Travel Agency Bonding.
60.
My Department were informed last October by a company which was then a licensed tour operator and travel agent that it had ceased trading having met all its obligations to its customers under overseas travel contracts. Subsequently my Department learned that there was a difficulty with the return travel arrangements of two of the clients of the company who were on holiday in Majorca. Alternative return travel arrangements for these two persons were made at my Department's request.
When the company's representative in Majorca learned that there was a difficulty with the return travel arrangements for the two clients she attempted to contact her employers but was unable to do so. She then contacted my Department for assistance and advice and was assured that alternative travel arrangements were being made for the clients. She also expressed concern about some expenses she might have to incur in looking after the clients in the meantime and she was given an assurance that if she incurred any expenses and her employer was not in a position or willing to reimburse her the Department would do so from the funds which would become available under the statutory bonding arrangements.
After her return to Ireland the representative submitted details to my Department of the expenses which she had incurred on behalf of the two clients who had been stranded. Officials of my Department met with her to discuss the matter and explained that it would be necessary in the first instance to give the company an opportunity to reimburse her before the statutory bond could be called. My Department sent details of the claim to the company on her behalf and following some discussions and correspondence were advised only last week that the company was unable to meet her claim. The statutory bond was called immediately and my Department have since made a full refund to the person concerned of the amount claimed.
I would like to take this opportunity to compliment the person concerned who acted in a most responsible and professional manner as a travel representative in lending assistance to the clients who were unfortunately stranded abroad.