Ms Cathy Mannion:

As I said, CAR does not have any part to play within the commercial arrangements between the merchant service providers and the travel trade.

For our part, we need to try to be as clear as possible about what we do. In 2016, it was very important to have clarity as to whom customers should go first, ourselves or the merchant card providers. Such clarity reduces the risk providers might see in other markets. The consumer comes to us first, we deal with the claim and, where it is not part of the our scheme or arrangements, the consumer can choose to seek a chargeback.

As the Deputy noted, we have moved from 60 days to 120. That was in response to requests from service providers and followed discussions with our Department. I just wanted to say those key things. Our door is always open. If any of the providers want to talk to us about what is in the scheme, what is outside it and the process we use, we are always happy to speak to them. That is as much of a role as we can play in this area.