Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the recent proposals from the European Commission to close down airline websites that contained irregularities or incomplete information in regard to ticket pricing; if he has plans for a similar approach at national level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31129/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The question refers to the recent 'sweep' or joint enforcement action co-ordinated by the European Commission to check websites selling airline tickets for compliance with consumer protection legislation. Enforcement authorities from 15 member states and Norway examined 447 airline websites to identify whether legal requirements were being met in relation to price information, limitations on ticket availability and fair contract terms. The investigation found that 226 of the airline websites showed irregularities in respect of the consumer law requirements under examination.

The next phase of the enforcement action comprises the further investigation of websites found to have irregularities. The airlines concerned will be asked to clarify their practices and, where necessary, to correct them. Those who fail to take corrective action could face legal action by national enforcement authorities acting on their own behalf or, under the Consumer Protection Co-Operation Regulation, on behalf of enforcement authorities in other member states. European Union consumer legislation is enforced at national level and penalties for breaches of that legislation are set by member states and, as a consequence, take different forms in different member states.

I understand that the National Consumer Agency has been examining various aspects of the airline industry in recent months, including the issues covered by the Commission 'sweep'. It plans to engage directly with the airlines concerned in the period ahead with a view to securing voluntary compliance. If this is not forthcoming, enforcement action will be taken by the Agency where warranted.