Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

354. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he or his officials have had with the airline industry to ensure speedy refunds for cancelled or diverted flights by airlines to their customers in accordance with law, particularly in view of the large State employment subsidies being paid to the airline companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33640/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 cancellations. Under that Regulation an airline has 7 days to make a cash refund to its customers when it cancels a flight.

The matter of customer refunds has been raised by my colleague the Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton, T.D. with both Aer Lingus and Ryanair over the last number of months. I am aware that the Commission for Aviation Regulation, which is responsible for enforcement in this area, has also been engaging with all airlines on this matter.

Anyone who continues to have difficulties securing a refund should contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation. Further advice is available on its dedicated passenger rights website .