I propose to take Questions Nos. 330, 333, 335 and 342 together.
Statutory responsibility for regulation of the travel trade rests with the Commission for Aviation Regulation. I have no function in this regard.
However, as the existing legislative framework for the regulation of the travel trade has been in existence since 1982 in May last year I asked the Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the travel trade legislation. The purpose of the review was to assess the operation of the current regulatory arrangements and to recommend any reforms that may be warranted.
Following an extensive consultation process, the Commission submitted a report to me on 30 December 2008 which I have published on my Department's website www.transport.ie.
I am currently examining the Commission's findings and recommendations and I will also consult with my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, on the report's findings in the context of consumer protection policy generally. I will also be meeting the Irish Travel Agents Association tomorrow where there will be a discussion on regulatory reform of the Travel Trade.