Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

Given that Dublin Airport Authority will have a substantial bill, namely, the €300 million he mentioned as well as other costs, does the Minister not consider it strange that the National Consumer Agency report last week indicated that the airlines were ripping off the consumer to the tune of €28 million annually, by refusing to refund the taxes, charges and administrative funds while not refunding cancellations, as well? This means a healthy sum of money is being lost, both to the DAA and perhaps, in some cases to the Exchequer. Has the Minister any plans to ensure that the airports and airport charges are recouped by the airport authorities so that we do not see "Rip-off Ireland" continuing into the recession, with the airlines simply taking all that money for themselves?

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