Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 2

Written Answers. - Turkish Holidays.

Noel Ahern

Question:

108 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's policy and advice being given to people who have booked holidays to Turkey; if the Government has publicly advised these potential holiday makers; the Government's views on whether it is safe to travel due to the internal situation there; and whether people will receive their deposits in view of the fact that travel agents in some cases are refusing to make refunds or alternative arrangements and claim they do not have to do so, in the absence of Government advice. [9549/99]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

The following statement regarding the situation in Turkey was issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs on 19 March to the media:

Irish citizens travelling to Turkey in the coming weeks should be aware that tensions have increased following the arrest of the Kurdistan Workers Party – PKK – leader Abdullah Oçalan and the recently issued threats by the PKK against tourists visiting Turkey.

As a consequence of this, the Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to advise citizens intending to travel to Turkey that they should be aware of the increased level of risk in visiting the country. Visitors should be vigilant at all times and avoid public gatherings or protests, follow the advice of their tour operators and that of travel representatives. The Department notes that the Turkish authorities attach a high priority to ensuring the safety of visitors to Turkey.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish Embassy in Ankara will continue to monitor the situation closely and advise citizens accordingly.

The Department has continued and will continue to keep the situation under close review. Its current advice remains as in the statement.

I have no function in regard to the rights of people who have paid deposits on holidays to travel agents.