Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

These amendments are of a linguistic nature and do not change the effect of the existing text in section 51. The amendments insert phrases from the EU package travel directive so the text relates more exactly to the language used in that directive. For instance, “retailer” and “organiser” is inserted instead of package provider. These amendments also add the phrase “established in the State” to make it clear the provisions of the 1982 travel trade Act applies only to businesses established in Ireland. Clarity is provided as to what carrying on a business in the State means under the 1982 Act, including that business can be carried out in Ireland at a distance as in by e-commerce by a business established in another member state. The amendments also make it clear that the 1982 Act relates only to travel commencing in Ireland destinations outside of Ireland.

Amendment No. 26 is a technical amendment to make it clear for the avoidance of doubt that the provider referred to in the section is a provider of travel services established in the State. It also makes clear the penalties provided in the section only apply to businesses established in this State.