Foley criticises Government over airline compo

THE Director of Consumer Affairs has criticised the Government for its “lack of consultation” in deciding her office will have responsibility for handling compensation claims by travellers against airlines from next month.

Carmel Foley said her office is facing additional administrative costs because of the move.

The Irish Examiner has learned the Department of Transport had taken the decision in principle that her office would take over responsibility for policing the new EU legislation without informing Ms Foley.

Ms Foley admitted yesterday that she would have preferred to have had “better discussions” with department officials about implementation of the new EU regulations.

It is understood Ms Foley has still to hold discussions with the Department of Transport about the issue of extra staffing and resources to deal with complaints from air travellers.

She also suggested the Irish Aviation Authority might have been a more appropriate body to oversee the new EU rules on compensation for delays and cancellations.

“I believe that [industry] regulators can deal more effectively with all aspects of their remit, including consumer issues,” she said.

Ms Foley said that such a regulator was also likely to be more effective in enforcing the payout of compensation awards if they were challenged by airlines.

From February 17, air travellers who are denied boarding due to overbooking of flights will be entitled to compensation worth €250-€600 each, depending on the length of the journey.

Passengers who face delays of over two hours on short-haul flights will be entitled to free meals, refreshments and phone calls as well as hotel accommodation in some cases.

Airline customers will be entitled to reimbursement of the price of a ticket if a flight is delayed for more than five hours.

Not surprisingly, reaction from some airlines has been negative and the European Low Fares Airline Association, of which Ryanair is a leading member, has begun a legal challenge to the new regulations.

However, the European Commission has confirmed that they will come into effect on February 17 pending the outcome of a ruling by the European Court of Justice.