Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 405: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the failure of some airlines to refund taxes paid on flights which have been cancelled by the consumer; if there is a mechanism which can address this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3796/07]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 411: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the failure of some airlines to refund taxes paid on flights which have been cancelled by the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3795/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 411 together.

There are no Government taxes levied on flights out of Ireland. However, I am aware that other countries, including the United Kingdom, impose these taxes.

Taxes are generally imposed by Government, whereas charges are imposed by airports or airlines. Different airlines have different policies on refunds. Some airlines will offer a refund of all taxes, fees and charges and I understand that some will offer a refund of only the government taxes element of the ticket.

Essentially this is a consumer issue and would be a matter for the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, a body which is within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment.