Vol. 399 No. 10
19 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has satisfied himself that in the event of the collapse of a tour operator (details supplied) there is sufficient protection to fly all customers home; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
36 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his Department recently threatened to revoke the licence of a tour operator (details supplied) unless certain undertakings were given; if he has received those undertakings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
47 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if the recapitalisation of a tour operator (details supplied) has been completed; if he has satisfied himself with the present structure and capital base of that company; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 36 and 47 together.
As I indicated on 3 May 1990 in reply to a previous Parliamentary Question, it would not be correct for me to comment on the position of an individual tour operator. That is still the position. In the course of any one year, my Department deal with the affairs of all Irish tour operators and travel agents. Because of the commercial sensitivities of these matters, I feel sure that Deputies will appreciate that such tour operators and travel agents are entitled to expect that any information given by them to the Department will be treated with the utmost confidence.
I am satisfied that in the event of the collapse of any licensed tour operator or travel agent, members of the public will be fully protected by the bonding scheme and statutory fund which is in place to ensure that they will not suffer any loss in such circumstances in relation to overseas travel bookings.
