Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
203. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to a refund scheme for families that have missed out on refunds arising from the booking of foreign holidays in summer 2020 and for which the airlines are still sending flights (details supplied). [19740/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra233. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that consumers are not out of pocket due to postponed or cancelled flights as a result of Covid-19 in cases in which travel insurance companies are refusing to reimburse them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19810/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 233 together.
As you are aware, current Government advice to people continues to be that non-essential travel overseas should be avoided, based on the advices of our public health experts. Under EU Regulation 261, air passengers are entitled to a full cash refund within 7 days in instances where a flight is cancelled by an airline. However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund.
Evidently the existing consumer protections and legal obligations on airlines and the broader travel sector did not envisage the current circumstances of mass cancellations and stringent travel restrictions. That has, not surprisingly, put the entire system under immense pressure and it is causing real difficulties for people and businesses. I understand that the main Irish airlines have been offering the option to rebook in circumstances where a flight occurs but people are not able to present because of Government advice. That said, I am mindful that the options put forward by airlines may not be fair or workable for customers in all instances.
I know it is an issue that my colleague Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton has identified as requiring further engagement with the airlines and she intends to do so. In continuing to consider the measures around international travel at Government the matter of passenger rights will form a critical part of ongoing deliberations.
