Government under fire over EU air travel rights breach

THE EU has begun infringement procedures against the Government over its failure to designate an official body to police new rights for airline passengers.

The European Commission has put the Department of Transport on official notice that it is in breach of legislation for not implementing a new EU directive in full.

Since February 17, air travellers are entitled to new levels of compensation from airlines for delays and cancellations on all flights departing or arriving at an EU airport.

They include full ticket refunds, food and drink, free telephone calls and overnight accommodation.

Under the legislation, dissatisfied passengers can make a formal complaint to a nominated body in each EU member state.

However, over a month after the legislation came into effect, the department has still not designated such an organisation, although it has been aware for over a year that this formed part of the directive.

An EU spokesperson said Ireland was one of only six member states which had failed to designate an official body to oversee the rules.

"This notice is very much a preliminary stage in the process of infringement procedures. The Irish Government will have two months to respond before any further action is taken," said the spokesperson.

The Consumers' Association of Ireland (CAI) said the Government's failure to implement the directive was "disappointing but not surprising".

"When it comes to consumer affairs and matters that concern ordinary citizens, the Irish Government is one of the worst in the EU," said CAI chairman Michael Kilcoyne.

The CAI said it had received a number of queries from consumers who wanted to know how to make formal complaints against airlines.

Last month, a spokesperson for Transport Minister Martin Cullen said regulations would be announced "shortly".

They are likely to contain legislation which will enable courts to impose fines of up to €3,000 on airlines which breach the rules.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation is believed to be the preferred option to oversee the legislation.

Meanwhile, Ryanair said it had received a number of applications from customers for compensation, which it had met.

Although opposed to the EU directive, a Ryanair spokesperson said the airline would comply with the legislation pending the outcome of a legal challenge before the European courts.

Aer Lingus said it was also complying with the rules, although it was concerned about delays outside its control.