Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
216. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding refunds for passengers of an airline (details supplied) who have had flights cancelled and are waiting on a refund; when refunds will be made; the steps he is taking to ensure these refunds are being made in a timely fashion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21819/20]
View answerAs things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passengers in instances of flight cancellations. Under the Regulation, if an airline cancels a flight then customers are entitled to a full cash refund within 7 days. The Commission for Aviation Regulation is the statutory body in Ireland with responsibility for enforcing airline refund obligations. I understand that the Commission has already written to the airlines reminding them of their legal obligations. My colleague Minister of State Naughton has also written to the main Irish airlines to request an outlook for the remaining customer refunds, including when they expect to clear the current backlog of claims under EU 261. Anyone who continues to have difficulties securing a refund should contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation. Further advice is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.
