Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
850. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagements he has had with the airline industry to ensure refunds of cancelled flight fees to customers will be made as quickly as possible and in line with the recommendation of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8299/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 also aware that there are significant delays in making refunds, and while I can appreciate that there are genuine administrative challenges dealing with the unprecedented level of cancellations, the legal obligation at EU level to provide a refund is clear and unchanged. Anyone having difficulties securing a refund should contact the Commission. Further detailed advice is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.
