Vol. 521 No. 1
77 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects to introduce the promised new regulations to require greater transparency in regard to airline tickets; the main provisions of the planned regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16514/00]
I announced my intention to extend consumer protection regulations, to require greater transparency in relation to advertisements for airline tickets, on 31 May 2000. My announcement followed an investigation last year by the director of consumer affairs, in response to complaints made to both myself and the director about the hidden costs to consumers of air travel.
I have asked my officials, in liaison with the office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, to follow up my decision so that statutory transparency measures in airline travel advertising can be introduced at an early date. Among the issues to be addressed, arising from complaints, will be the fact that advertisements frequently do not include charges and taxes which can substantially increase the price to consumers, and the limited availability of advertised low-cost fares.
