Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 January 2009
72 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport his views on implementing a system of universal protection for the travelling public irrespective of the way they booked their trip; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2805/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra73 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport his views of reducing the level of the travel agent’s bond to 2%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2806/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra74 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has assessed the level of administrative burden imposed by it and by agencies under its aegis on travel agents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2807/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra75 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if he, his Department, or agencies of his Department have made estimates with regard to the level of illegal activity within the travel trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2808/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 72 to 75, inclusive, together.
Statutory responsibility for regulation of the travel trade rests with the Commission for Aviation Regulation. I have no function in this regard. However, as the existing legislative framework for the regulation of the travel trade has been in existence since 1982 in May last year I asked the Commissioner, Mr. Cathal Guiomard, to undertake a comprehensive review of the travel trade legislation. The purpose of the review was to assess the operation of the current regulatory arrangements and to recommend any reforms that may be warranted.
Following an extensive consultation process, the Commissioner submitted his report to me on 30 December 2008 which I have published on my Department's website www.transport.ie. I am currently examining the Commissioner's findings and recommendations and I will also consult with my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, on the report's findings in the context of consumer protection policy generally.
