Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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1052. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the option of allowing prospective tourists to countries infected with Covid-19 to cancel their holidays and receive a refund from their travel agent has been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3063/20]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The EU Package Travel Directive 2015/2302 which came into effect on 1 July 2018 sets the legal framework for consumer protection as respects package travel and linked travel arrangements. The provisions of the Directive were transposed into Irish legislation through Statutory Instruments numbers 80 and 105 of 2019. Among the provisions of the Directive are those that provide for refunds to consumers including in the event of "unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances".

The Commission for Aviation Regulation, which administers the licensing and bonding of travel agents and tour operators established in Ireland has published on its website (www.aviationreg.ie) COVID-19 advice to consumers in relation to options for their travel arrangements. In summary consumers are advised to keep updated of the latest Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade travel advice and to contact their travel agent/tour operator, airlines, accommodation and/or other service providers directly to discuss options.