Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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74. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7932/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy is no doubt aware, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passengers 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.

Mindful of the position that Government has taken in relation to international travel in the interests of public health, the issue of consumer rights has been high on my agenda since taking Office. I have raised this with the airlines, and at the height of the uncertainty last Summer, in particular, I engaged with both Aer Lingus and Ryanair to underscore that options offered to consumers should be fair and reasonable.

As it now seems likely that Summer 2021 is also going to be adversely affected from a travel and holiday perspective, the Deputy can be assured that the same message around fairness and reasonableness will be conveyed again, in addition to the need to comply fully with consumer rights as covered in EU law. If any individuals are unclear about those rights, the Commission for Aviation Regulation has a dedicated web site for consumers, www.flightrights.ie.