Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 111: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the recent research by the Air Transport Users' Council regarding charges that are added on to advertised airfares; if he is planning to take action on the basis of the AUC's findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12188/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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SI 468 of 2000 entitled the Consumer Information (Advertisements for Airfares) Order 2000 requires that in every advertisement for an airfare the total price for the airfare shall be clearly stated. The only exception is that if any charge is payable in respect of a method of payment this can be shown separately.

A number of legal issues have arisen in regard to the enforcement of this order arising out of a court case where the Director of Consumer Affairs initiated proceedings against an airline. The judge in the case stated that as the Consumer Information Act 1978 was intended to target the publisher of advertisements, as distinct from the entity placing the advertisement — in this case the airline — the case would have to be dismissed.

My officials have consulted the Office of the Attorney General on the matters arising and I await their response. When I have received this advice and considered all the issues involved I will decide what action to take.