Directive EU (2015/2302) on package travel and linked travel arrangements is due to be applicable in Irish law with effect from 1 July 2018. Officials in my Department are currently preparing regulations to accomplish this. In 2014, my Department carried out a public consultation as well as undertaking a Regulatory Impact Assessment on the proposed Directive.
More recently, as part of the preparations to transpose the Directive, the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) commissioned a report from Indecon Economic Consultants in 2017 on matters arising on foot of the introduction of the Directive. Indecon consulted extensively with industry stakeholders and trade bodies for the report.
Following receipt of the draft Indecon report, CAR opened a consultation process with travel trade stakeholders to take into account their views in relation to the Directive. CAR anticipates that a final report incorporating the industry views will be completed presently.
Whilst the final report from CAR will be considered, it should be noted that the Directive is a maximum harmonisation directive and Member States are required to implement all of its measures.