Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on whether there is adequate regulation of airlines, particularly their customer service and charging policies; the locations where customers can seek redress if they have grievances with the performance of airlines which serve the market here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6963/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I am satisfied that there is appropriate regulation of airlines and the aviation industry in general in Ireland and that there are adequate avenues of redress for customers regarding the performance of airlines.

The industry is subject to regulation by a number of different bodies. My Department monitors aviation security in the State and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is responsible, inter alia, for safety regulation. The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) is responsible for licensing Irish airlines, licensing the travel trade, regulation of the groundhandling sector, regulating airport charges and aviation terminal services.

CAR is also responsible for the enforcement of the European Community rules under Regulation 261/2004 on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding, cancellations and delays. It monitors compliance with the Regulation and investigates complaints relating to Irish airports and airlines.

The Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs enforces the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995 and consumer issues generally.