asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the relatively small amounts payable to the immediate relatives of victims of air crashes under the Warsaw Convention; if the Government intend to renegotiate the maximum amounts payable under that convention to ensure that realistic compensation will be paid to the immediate relatives of such victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Crash Compensation Amounts.
38.
Compensation arising from death or injury to passengers or loss or damage to cargo and baggage during the course of international journeys by air is governed by the provisions of the Warsaw Convention of 1929, as amended by the Hague Protocol of 1955. Ireland, in common with the majority of the world's states, is a party to these instruments.
It has been recognised for some years past that the amount of compensation payable under these instruments in respect of death or injury to air travellers was becoming unrealistic in relation to present-day values. An additional instrument adopted at Guatemala in 1971 to remedy the situation did not attract sufficient support, especially from the major aviation states, to come into force internationally.
However, in 1975 western European countries, including Ireland, decided that the Warsaw-Hague compensation limits should be increased by their airlines to £58,000 excluding costs, in respect of death or injury to air travellers. This regional arrangement, applicable to all European carries including Aer Lingus and the smaller Irish independent airlines, represents an improvement in the compensation level. Transatlantic operations by both Aer Lingus and American carriers provide the same level of cover. The question of a further increase in the amount of compensation payable under this arrangement is at present under consideration by western European states, including Ireland.