Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I welcome this Bill and will use this opportunity to explain a personal interest in it. The last time an air navigation Bill came before this House I was a spokesman on transport. I broadly welcomed the Bill because it increased passengers' rights, etc. Last June I returned from a wedding in Rome, flying with Aer Lingus. The aircraft's departure was delayed, and my experience of complaint since has been a nightmare. I have received no compensation apart from a €100 Aer Lingus voucher. The aeroplane that was coming from Dublin was diverted to Gatwick Airport for safety reasons, as there was a smell of gas on it. It later transpired that the smell was from sweets being consumed. The aeroplane was delayed in Gatwick which led to a delay in it arriving in Rome.