Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
85. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take with Irish airlines that have yet to issue refunds to their customers despite their waiting a number of months for same. [22768/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passengers in instances of flight cancellations. Under the Regulation, if an airline cancels a flight then customers are entitled to a full cash refund within 7 days. The Commission for Aviation Regulation is the statutory body in Ireland with responsibility for enforcing airline refund obligations. I understand that the Commission has already written to the airlines reminding them of their legal obligations. My colleague Minister of State Naughton has also written to the main Irish airlines to request an outlook for the remaining customer refunds, including when they expect to clear the current backlog of claims under EU 261. Anyone having difficulties securing a refund should contact the Commission. Further advice is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.
