Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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253. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the reports of the mistreatment of customers by an airline (details supplied); if he is concerned of the potential impact that this policy may have on attracting tourists to the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22516/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Transport has overall responsibility for transport policy, including aviation, however it is not within its remit to intervene in operational matters of private commercial airlines, such as baggage policies.

Generally, the contract between the airline and customers is bound by the terms and conditions set out at the time of booking with the airline. Passengers are advised to check the terms and conditions of their booking and/or the airline standard terms relating to carriage, as it may set out the accepted weight and dimensions of hand baggage included with their ticket and any associated fees where these conditions are not met.

Anyone who has experienced issues with their hand baggage and has already corresponded with the airline but is unsatisfied with their response may wish to get additional information about their entitlements and options if they wish to bring the matter further by contacting the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission or the European Consumer Centre who can assist with cross EU consumer matters, details can be found at www.ccpc.ie and www.eccireland.ie.

More than 50 airlines operate flights to and from Ireland, offering travellers a wide range of options when planning their journeys. If passengers are dissatisfied with the service, pricing or policies of a particular airline, they are not limited in their choices and can switch to a competing carrier that better meets their expectations.