Written answers

Tuesday, 18 December 2007

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Refund Policies

11:00 pm

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 287: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the no refund policies that often apply not only to airline travel but to associated booking of accommodation; if such policies are fully in accord with the spirit of consumer protection law which would require the applications of the conditions of any agreement to supply service in a reasonable manner; if his attention has further been drawn to the recent moves by the EU Commission to investigate unreasonable terms of being applied on the websites of low cost airlines; and if he will make a statement on the possibility of developing new consumer codes of practice in this area. [35086/07]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have no direct responsibility for the investigation of complaints relating to contracts for airline travel and associated accommodation. I am aware, however, of a number of issues relating to those contracts, including that of non-availability of, or restrictions on, refunds.

The National Consumer Agency has been examining various practices in the airline industry in recent months, including matters relating to the fairness or otherwise of the terms of contracts for air travel. The Agency plans to engage directly with the airlines concerned in the period ahead with a view to securing voluntary compliance with the provisions of the relevant legislation in this area. I understand that if voluntary compliance is not forthcoming, the Agency intends to take enforcement action, where warranted.

I am aware of the recent 'sweep' or joint enforcement action co-ordinated by the European Commission to check airline websites for compliance with the requirements of consumer protection legislation relating, in particular, to price information, limitations on ticket availability and fair contract terms. The issues covered by this action are among those under examination by the National Consumer Agency.

The review or approval of codes of practice, or the issuing of guidelines to traders, are matters for the National Consumer Agency under the powers and functions conferred on the Agency by the Consumer Protection Act 2007.

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