Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
1738. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review and update legislation on travel in the wake of the closure of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24463/16]
View answer1739. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review and update legislation regulating travel agents and other travel companies in order to ensure that consumers are protected when travel companies go out of business (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24466/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1738 and 1739 together.
The Commission for Aviation Regulation was established under the Aviation Regulation Act 2001 to regulate certain aspects of the aviation and travel trade sectors in Ireland, and its functions include the licensing of tour operators and travel agents. Those functions include the receipt and disbursement of claims from customers affected by the closure of travel agents such as in the case of the company referred to by the Deputies.The Transport (Tour Operators and Travel Agents) Act 1982 sets out the main requirements in that regard.
A new EU Package Travel Directive (Directive 2015/2302/EU) was adopted in November 2015, with a view to adapting the EU regulatory framework to developments in the travel trade industry. Member States are required to transpose the Directive by 1 January 2018. My Department is considering the implications of the new Directive and looking at the steps necessary for transposition into Irish law. The current legislative arrangements in Ireland will be reviewed in light of the requirements of this Directive and any issues arising from the closure of the company referred to by the Deputies will be taken into account in this context.
