Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

207. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he supports the amendment tabled to EU air passenger rights legislation to affirm the right of passengers to carry an extra bag without fear of financial penalty on all airlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39980/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As part of the review of air passengers' rights the EU Commission has tabled a new Article to Regulation (EC) No. 2027/97 that will make it more transparent what charges will apply for passengers who wish to bring baggage onto a plane.  I welcome this proposed greater transparency. I acknowledge the right of carriers to maintain their commercial rights to carry passengers at fares and under conditions of carriage that the carriers consider appropriate.  I understand also the concerns of retailers at airports and elsewhere but there is evidence of unintended consequences when regulations become over-prescriptive.  The review of Regulation (EC) No. 2027/97 is ongoing and my officials and those of other Member States will communicate with the EU Commission as it, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament finalise an agreed text.