asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will sponsor legislation for the protection of the travelling public by the compulsory registration of travel agencies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Registration of Travel Agents.
29.
The need for the introduction of legislation to provide for the registration of travel agents has not been established and, in the circumstances, I am not contemplating the introduction of such legislation. I understand, however, that the Irish Travel Agents Association are considering the possibility of introducing a system to provide a measure of protection for members of the travelling public using the services of their members.
Mr. O'Donnell
Could the Minister say whether or not the Irish Travel Agents Association might obtain advice or even financial assistance from the Government to enable them to set up a fund similar to the one that is in operation in Britain?
I do not think the Minister would consider a subsidy, but I am quite sure he will keep in contact with the Irish Travel Agents Association. There are a number of ways of undertaking this kind of operation. They could form an association in which members have to be mutually bonded. Mutually bonded arrangements can be entered into, but I cannot go into that. All I know is that the Minister is in touch with the Irish Travel Agents Association, and I am sure he will want to ensure some measure of protection if it is required. If the Irish Travel Agents Association can do it in the way that ABTA did it in England the position should become more satisfactory.