Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
268. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 114 of 7 July 2020, if the advice since February 2020 constitutes advice not to travel; the body a person can complain to regarding breaches of this directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16028/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy's follow up question to the Parliamentary Question of 7 July to be related to the EU Package Travel Directive and consumer's rights to cancellation and refunds in light of Government travel restrictions.
The Government's travel restrictions mean that people can cancel a package holiday booked through an Irish licensed travel agent or tour operator and receive a full refund, as provided for under EU Directive 2302. Advice to this effect is available at the following web address: www.gov.ie/en/publication/40f0d7-guidance-on-the-right-of-travellers-to-terminate-package-travel-cont/. People can also agree to a Refund Credit Note, instead of cash, which is Government-backed and which can be used to rebook a cancelled holiday at a later stage or can be redeemed for cash in 9 months.
In terms of a complaints process, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is the relevant government agency in respect of Directive 2302. If customers are having problems receiving their refunds from travel agents/tour operators they have recourse to escalate their complaint at www.ccpc.ie or on the helpline 01 402 5555.
