Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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720. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if driving instructors are permitted to return to work on 29 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13358/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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There are no provisions under Road Traffic law in relation to permission for driving instructors to work.  The Road Safety Authority (RSA), which has oversight of the sector, did advise Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) to protect themselves, their families and communities by following the official Government and HSE guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.  In addition, like all enterprises and persons, ADs are subject to the relevant public health regulations.

Last week, the RSA updated ADIs in relation to their plans for resuming driver testing services in line with the revised Government Roadmap for Reopening, including a series of Frequently Asked Questions for ADIs and also details of the protocols being followed for driving tests.  

However, it must be noted that, as a private business, driving instructors must ensure that they can comply with the necessary public health requirements before they can reopen their businesses.  Furthermore, those which are employers should ensure that they fully comply with their legal responsibilities under Health and Safety codes.  In all case, the National Return to Work Safely Protocol agreed by employers and worker representatives should be followed.

I understand that any company which reopens is subject to inspection by Health and Safety Authority, and may face serious sanctions, including closure, if found to be not in compliance with Covid-19 requirements. 

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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721. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to compensate or require an airline (details supplied) to compensate passengers that did not catch their flights during the Covid-19 lockdown; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the airline is offering no refunds or vouchers and the only option passengers have is to reschedule their flights at their own expense; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13361/20]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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726. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will engage with airlines to ensure that passengers here that had flights cancelled during the Covid-19 pandemic receive refunds without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13446/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 721 and 726 together.

As things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passenger in instances of flight cancellations . However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer either cancels or does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law. I understand, however, that the current practice of the two main Irish airlines serving the Irish market in instances where flights are not cancelled, and having regard to the Covid-19 travel restrictions, is to offer their customers the opportunity to rebook a flight for later in the year or to receive a voucher, without further charge.

Clearly the existing consumer protections and legal obligations on airlines and the broader travel sector did not envisage the current circumstances of mass cancellations and stringent travel restrictions across the globe. That has, not surprisingly, put the entire system under immense pressure and it is causing real difficulties for people and businesses.

I am mindful that the options put forward by airlines may not be fair or workable for customers in all instances, and it is something that I will raise directly with the two main Irish airlines at the earliest opportunity. In looking to the future recovery, seeking ways to rebuild consumer confidence will be integral to initiating and indeed sustaining any future recovery for all parts of the aviation sector including the airlines.