Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is a problem that was addressed today by the European Commission, as the Deputy probably realises. The Commission has said that it is imperative that people who are entitled to a cash refund get one. That is not negotiable. Ryanair and other airlines are offering vouchers but that must be done on a voluntary basis. In other words, there is no way that the European Commission will allow airlines to force vouchers on people instead of cash. Those customers have an absolute right to cash.

There is also a problem with travel agents. Many people whose tickets have been cancelled are looking for cash refunds but have been offered vouchers. That is a system I have favoured. I do not favour a compulsion on customers accepting vouchers but I favour it on a voluntary basis. We favour allowing travel agents to offer vouchers to customers whose holidays have been cancelled. The customer can refuse. Customers will be guaranteed the cash, one way or the other, but the travel agents will be allowed to make the offer of vouchers. The reason is that travel agents are suffering badly. There is a real danger that travel agents will go bust and, if we allow that to happen, there will be no choice for consumers. The affected consumers will get their money, whatever happens, and that is guaranteed by the Government. I hope that answers the Deputy's question, albeit in a slightly roundabout way.

On the locator forms, I do not know the answer because it is being looked at at the moment. I think there are multiple reasons these forms are not being sent in. That is what I think is happening.

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