Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
127. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); if he and his Department will intervene in this matter given that the country of destination is not on the green list provided due to Covid-19 and that all non-essential travel is not recommended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18879/20]
View answer193. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will intervene in view of the fact that many Irish persons that booked holidays before the Covid-19 lockdown are now losing their money due to the travel ban and airlines are refusing to offer a refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18900/20]
View answer199. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a matter will be resolved regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18915/20]
View answer202. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which persons that followed travel advice and cancelled their holidays which has resulted in a financial loss for them will be compensated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18938/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 127, 193, 199 and 202 together.
As things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passenger in instances of cancellations. However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer either cancels or does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law.
Evidently the existing consumer protections and legal obligations on airlines and the broader travel sector did not envisage the current circumstances of mass cancellations and stringent travel restrictions. That has, not surprisingly, put the entire system under immense pressure and it is causing real difficulties for people and businesses. I understand that the main Irish airlines have been offering the option to rebook in circumstances where a flight occurs but people are not able to present because of Government advice. That said, I am mindful that the options put forward by airlines may not be fair or workable for customers in all instances. I know it is an issue that my colleague the Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton has identified as needing further engagement with the airlines about, and she intends to do so.
