Dermott Jewell: From airlines to insurers, consumers trampled on during Covid crisis 

The word "refund" has been allowed to mean "voucher", much to the frustration and at the expense of households

 

We are coming toward the end of a most extraordinary and difficult period in our lives with Covid-19 leaving significant challenges, across all parts of life, and in terms of everyday matters, consumers have been forgotten during the crisis in Ireland. 

From airlines and travel companies to car insurers, a "relaxation" of legal entitlements and provisions has left many Irish consumers out of pocket, being forced to accept vouchers instead of cash refunds.