Michael Ring
Question:66 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when regulations will be introduced to improve transparency in airline price advertising. [18868/00]
Written Answers. - Air Travel.
I announced my intention to extend consumer protection regulations, so as to require greater transparency in advertisements for airline tickets, on 31 May 2000. My announcement followed an investigation last year by the Director of Consumer Affairs, in response to complaints made to both me and the director about the hidden costs to consumers of air travel.
I have asked my officials, in liaison with the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, to follow up my decision so that statutory transparency measures in airline travel advertising can be introduced at an early date. Among the issues to be addressed, arising from complaints, will be the fact that advertisements frequently do not include charges and taxes which can substantially increase the price to consumers, and the limited availability of advertised low cost fares. My officials are in consultation with the Department of Public Enterprise and the Director of Consumer Affairs in relation to these issues.
Question:
67 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of complaints made under the terms of the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act, 1995; the proposals she has to fully implement or improve the terms of this Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18878/00]
Question:
68 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of complaints issued under the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act, 1980, in relation to air travel or holidays; and the plans, if any, she has to improve consumer protection in this regard. [18879/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 68 together.
Details of inquiries received by the Director of Consumer Affairs and of investigations carried out by her office are published in the director's annual reports. The report for the year ended 31 December 1999 shows that 1,370 inquiries were received on the ODCA's telephone helpline in relation to holidays and that 57 investigations were carried out by the office's inspectorate in relation to package travel.
On airline price advertising, last month I announced my intention to extend consumer protection regulations so as to require greater transparency in advertisements for airline tickets. I made this decision following an investigation by the Director of Consumer Affairs in response to complaints received both by me and the director about the hidden costs to consumers of air travel.
I intend to introduce the statutory transparency measures foreseen, as soon as possible, by way of an order under section 11 of the Consumer Information Act, 1978. My officials have been working to prepare the order in draft form, in liaison with the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs and in consultation with the Department of Public Enterprise, as the Department with responsibility for air transport.
Council Directive 90/314/EEC on package travel and holiday tours was implemented in Ireland through the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act, 1995, which comes within the remit of the Department of Public Enterprise. In late 1999 the European Commission issued a report on the implementation of the above directive into the domestic legislation of member states and requested comments from interested parties. Irelands views, after consultation with the Director of Consumer Affairs and the Department of Public Enterprise, were recently conveyed to the Commission for consideration and association with the views of the other member states.
Question:
69 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the contact she has had with airlines in relation to fare advertising; and when she will bring in the relevant legislation in this regard. [18880/00]
Last month, I announced my intention to extend consumer protection regulations so as to require greater transparency in advertisements for airline tickets. I made this decision following an investigation by the Director of Consumer Affairs in response to complaints received both by me and the director about the hidden costs to consumers of air travel.
I intend to introduce the statutory transparency measures foreseen, as soon as possible, by way of an order under section 11 of the Consumer Information Act, 1978.
In that connection, my officials have been working to prepare the order in draft form, in liaison with the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs and in consultation with the Department of Public Enterprise, as the Department with responsibility for air transport. The question of appropriate contact with airlines has been raised with that Department in the course of the consultation process.