Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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270. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the recourse that an individual passenger has when baggage has been lost or delayed as a result of the recent influx of passengers going through Dublin Airport; the extent to which the Dublin Airport Authority has responsibility for lost or left luggage as a result of delays; the efforts that are being undertaken to improve the current situation facing passengers who have lost or delayed baggage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39507/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Under the Montreal Convention, air carriers are liable for damage occasioned by delay in the carriage by air of passengers, baggage or cargo. A passenger's rights are clear where baggage is not returned within 21 days of the flight, the airline concerned should treat the baggage as lost and settle the passenger's claim on that basis. The air carrier liability for baggage delay is limited to 1,000 Special Drawing Rights which are linked to an exchange rate which approximates to €1,300 at present.

Airlines have different policies in respect to reimbursing passengers while they await their baggage, some offer a small payment, others would expect passenger to make a claim with evidence of expenses incurred. Where a passenger has already engaged with the airline or is not satisfied with the level of compensation received, if any, they may seek resolution though the Small Claims Court.

Resource challenges across many European airports are resulting in some customers experiencing a level of service below what they expect, including delayed baggage at Dublin Airport. Although Dublin Airport provides the baggage system infrastructure in the terminals, they are not responsible for the handling of baggage which is looked after by the airline and their chosen handling partner.

In response to the challenges, I am advised that airport teams on the ground are continuing to work closely with all the relevant airlines and handling agents to retrieve delayed or misdirected baggage as quickly and efficiently as possible. I understand that airlines have increased resourcing and adapted their processes to enhance the speed at which third party transport companies can deliver delayed bags to affected customers.

I am also aware that Dublin airport have completed a relocation of all bags from the T1 baggage hall to a landside location which is convenient for passengers with sufficient parking and access. It is expected that this will speed up the baggage repatriation process as both handlers and couriers will not require badged access to this area.