Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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207. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consumers who have flights booked during the period of level 5 restrictions, for example, those with postponed flights from 2020, are entitled to a refund if they cannot travel during level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12518/21]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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244. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he plans to put legislative protections in place for those persons who postponed flights from 2020 into 2021 but still may not be able or want to travel in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12907/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 244 together.

Consumer rights for overseas travel are protected under EU law, which of course applies in Ireland. Air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of airlines passengers in instances of flight cancellations. It provides that where a flight is cancelled then the consumer must receive a refund within seven days. The EU Package Travel Directive provides a separate suite of consumer protections for people who make bookings through a licenced travel agent or tour operator.The customers of licenced travel agents and tour operators are entitled to refund within two weeks should they or their holiday provider cancel the booking.

If any individuals are unclear about their rights, the Commission for Aviation Regulation has a dedicated web site for consumers www.flightrights.ie.