Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
851. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he will take to support consumer rights, particularly the difficulties experienced by persons receiving outstanding refunds from airlines; if figures are being compiled regarding the number of persons impacted; and the new approach that will be taken in view of the decision by the European Commission on cash refunds from airlines regarding cancelled flights. [8258/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraConsumer protections for airline passengers and for holiday-makers who book trips through travel agents and tour operators are enshrined in EU law. EU Regulation 261/2004 requires airlines to provide a full cash refund within 7 days in the event that a flight is cancelled by the airline; and EU Directive 2302/2015 on Package Travel requires travel agents and tour operators to provide a full cash refund within 14 days in the event that a package holiday is cancelled, by either the customer or the holiday provider.
The Commission for Aviation Regulation, which is an independent statutory body under my remit, has responsibility for enforcing airline refund obligations in Ireland, and I understand that the Commission recently wrote to all airlines operating routes that service Ireland, reminding them of their legal obligations to provide refunds for cancelled bookings. I am aware that there are significant delays making refunds, and while I can appreciate that there are genuine administrative challenges dealing with the unprecedented level of cancellations, the legal obligation to provide a refund is clear and unchanged. Anyone having difficulties securing a refund should contact the Commission. Further advice is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.
The Commission for Aviation Regulation is in the process of compiling figures regarding the number of persons impacted by flight disruptions and entitled to refunds.
