Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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75. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the re-opening of discussions in relation to EU Regulations regarding compensation and assistance to passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15940/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Regulation (EU) 261 of 2004 ("EU 261") sets out the rights of air passengers in the event of denied boarding, downgrading, delay and cancellation. Since its introduction there have been a considerable volume of cases brought before the Court of Justice of the European Union seeking legal clarification on the provisions of the Regulation. Reform of EU 261 has, therefore, been a priority for the European Commission and the European Parliament for some years.

A proposal to revise the regulation was published in 2013 but stalled for reasons unrelated to the discussion of the proposals. Discussions resumed in 2019 but stalled again on account of the Covid-19 pandemic. The current Polish Presidency of the European Council has reopened talks and circulated a new compromise text to Member State governments.

The key areas proposed for reform relate to the provision of care and assistance and entitlement to compensation. Ireland is supportive of resuming the discussions on the reform of EU 261. Our overall priority is finding a balance that provides the consumer with a better level of certainty in respect to their rights, especially in widespread disruption events, whilst not imposing a disproportionate burden on the sector.