Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
946. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has directed airline companies which are offering vouchers rather than refunds for airline tickets to comply with the EU package travel directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9214/20]
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. EU Directive 2302/2015 on Package Travel applies to travel agents and tour operators, and it requires them 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.
