Ryanair defends crackdown on 'screen-scraper' sites

Ryanair has defended its decision to cancel bookings made on so-called "screen-scraper" websites like ebookers.ie.

The airline announced last week that it would no longer accept bookings made on intermediate websites, claiming they were slowing down Ryanair's website.

The move attracted criticism from consumer groups.

However, Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary says these sites are the equivalent of online "ticket touts" and are ripping off consumers.