Vol. 403 No. 5
21 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his Department have carried out any investigation into the many complaints made by football supporters regarding their treatment by carriers during the recent World Cup finals in Italy, with specific reference to the delays in returning passengers after the Ireland-Italy match; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The delays encountered by passengers in returning from World Cup games in Italy were due, in the main, to congestion at airports, insufficient slots available at the times requested and the failure of some airlines to operate on the basis agreed with the tour operators.
After the Ireland/Italy game in Rome on 30 June 1990, particular problems arose because of the failure of one particular carrier to secure from the Italian authorities the necessary ATC clearance for some flights, causing severe delays for returning passengers. I understand, however, that the tour operator concerned offered refunds to all the passengers affected and that significant sums were paid out.
