Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
170. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce a scheme or to change the law to ensure that persons who booked airline tickets prior to the Covid-19 outbreak and are now cancelling their travel plans in line with the travel advice relating to non-essential travel will be entitled to a refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21826/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra251. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the supports available to families that book holidays in destinations that were not on the green list and that opted not to travel even though the flight went ahead. [22520/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 251 together.
As things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passenger in instances of cancellations. However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer either cancels or does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law.
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 workable for customers in all instances.
My colleague the Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton continues to engage with the airlines in respect to consumer rights issues, with calls for the airlines to offer fair and reasonable alternatives to passengers who wish not to travel at this time. The Deputies will appreciate that there is no mechanism to compel airlines to cancel planned flights or to provide specific alternatives to refunds.
