Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a separate but connected issue. Thousands of people booked flights with airlines. On Government advice, they have taken the decision not to travel. We now have a situation where airlines have had the use of people's money for a considerable period. However, because the flights have not been cancelled, they are unable to recoup their money. The only option they have is to change the date and when they move to do this, the airlines are charging them as much they paid for the original ticket. This is total exploitation by the airlines of their dominant position. Will the Tánaiste intervene with them to allow a situation to develop where they only charge a nominal fee for moving the booking forward?

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