Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the importance of tourism, the steps he will take to ensure that tourists and others are given accurate quotes when booking rent a cars online particularly in relation to hidden insurance costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45116/12]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that I have no regulatory or other function in relation to the car rental industry. I am, however, concerned about issues that impact on the tourism sector in Ireland and am anxious that the relevant bodies should address these issues. The Car Rental Council of Ireland is the representative trade organisation for the car rental industry in Ireland. From time to time, my Department raises matters with the Car Rental Council of Ireland in relation to the manner in which their member companies deal with tourists.

The National Consumer Agency, which comes within the remit of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, is responsible for the enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act 2007. That Act provides for the regulation of quotes or other communications by traders to consumers relating to the price of goods and services, including car rentals.  Consumers who have been subject to misleading or unfair practices by car rental companies may make a complaint to the Agency.    

I am also informed by the NCA that under Article 22 of Directive 2011/83/EU on Consumer Rights, a trader must seek the express consent of the consumer to any extra payment in addition to the payment agreed upon for the trader’s main contractual obligation. If this express consent is not obtained but has been inferred by using default options which the consumer is required to reject in order to avoid the additional payment, then the consumer shall be entitled to reimbursement of this payment.  I understand that the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation intends to enact Regulations giving effect to Article 22 by the end of 2012 or in early 2013.