Shane Ross:

I am delighted to answer that question. On the issue of airline vouchers, I am not an apologist for Ryanair, so the Deputy should not ask me to answer for its behaviour. It is not up to me to do that; it is an independent company. The Deputy is correct in saying, however, and I heard the chief executive of Ryanair speaking on the radio yesterday, that Ryanair is offering vouchers. The airline has suggested that because so many millions of people are looking for cash, it cannot administer the claims in time. I understand the figures involved are extraordinary - approximately 20 million people - and because it does not have the administration to deal with that, it was offering vouchers as a quick way out. It will produce the cash in the end. I do not know. I am not a spokesperson for it. That is what the chief executive said. Anybody who has a complaint about the behaviour of Ryanair or who is not getting the cash to which they are entitled should note that the European Commission issued a statement today. It is turning its back on the letter that was sent, to which the Deputy referred, and which is a rejection of that letter, in effect. It has stated that cash must be paid. That is a definitive response to the situation.

There is a procedure in place for consumers who wish to make a complaint. The Deputy will be aware of that, and it does not involve coming to the House. Rather, people should contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation and advise it that they are entitled to this cash and they want it now. It is not for me to administer the procedure.

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