Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will examine the possibility of cutting by 50% the costs of bonding for travel agents; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this will not cost the Exchequer and will not endanger consumers; his views on whether such a move would save jobs in the industry concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13903/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Statutory responsibility for regulation of the travel trade rests with the Commission for Aviation Regulation. As the existing legislative framework for the regulation of the travel trade has been in existence since 1982 in May last year I asked the Commission for Aviation Regulation, to undertake a comprehensive review of the travel trade legislation. The purpose of the review was to assess the operation of the current regulatory arrangements and to recommend any reforms that may be warranted. Following an extensive consultation process, the Commission submitted their report to me on 30 December 2008 which I have published on my Department's website, www.transport.ie.

I am currently examining the Commission's findings and recommendations and I am consulting with my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, on the report's findings in the context of consumer protection policy generally. I met with the President of the ITAA on the 11 February last and my officials have had a number of follow-up meetings with other representatives from the Association since that date. The Department and CAR are aware of the concerns of the ITAA and its members regarding the current bonding requirements and the difficulties being experienced by the travel trade sector generally in the economic climate.