Written answers

Wednesday, 3 May 2006

9:00 pm

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the content of the European voluntary airline passenger service commitment; and his further views on whether it should be fully implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16248/06]

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the European voluntary airline passenger service commitment, in particular the sections which deal with persons with disabilities and limited mobility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16247/06]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 153 together.

In 2001 airlines in Europe developed the Airline Passenger Service Commitment following consultation with representatives of air travellers, European governments and the European Commission. The Service Commitment contained non-legally binding commitments to deliver defined standards of service to air travellers and stated that signatory airlines should develop their own individual service plans incorporating the Airline Passenger Service Commitment. However, not every airline supported this project.

In the intervening period this non-binding arrangement has effectively been superseded by European legislation. European Community Regulation No. 261/2004, which established common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights, came into effect on 17 February 2005. This Regulation provides that EU air carriers must provide monetary compensation, a refund, a return flight, or else assistance (meals, refreshments or accommodation) to passengers, depending on the circumstances of the delay, cancellation, of the flight in question, or if boarding is denied due to overbooking.

Under the Regulation, airlines must pay compensation for all long delays and cancellations at short notice, even if this is for reasons beyond their control. However, airlines will not have to pay compensation if the delay or cancellation is caused by adverse weather conditions, security risks, safety concerns, air traffic control problems, or industrial action. The Commission for Aviation Regulation has been designated as the body responsible for enforcing these Regulations in Ireland.

In the last year a Proposal for a Regulation which establishes rules for the protection of and assistance to Persons with Reduced Mobility when travelling by air has been drawn up and is almost complete. This Proposal asserts that there shall be no discrimination against Persons with Reduced Mobility travelling by air and sets out minimum standards of service and assistance before, during and after flying, in airports and on airlines, at no cost to such persons.

It is expected that the proposed Regulation will be adopted by a Council of Ministers shortly. The rights for assistance for Persons with Reduced Mobility would then come into force in Member States in early 2007, while other parts of the Regulation would come into force in early 2008.

I believe that the formal regulatory approach provides more certainty for passengers and Ireland has strongly supported both proposals.

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