Govt criticises Ryanair for imposing surcharge

The Government has criticised Ryanair for imposing a 2-euro surcharge on passengers to cover the cost of last year's ash-cloud disruptions.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar said Ryanair had plenty of profits and did not need to penalise passengers.

His colleague the Minister for Culture Jimmy Deenihan said the move was disappointing and would discourage people from travelling.

He said the government would seek to meet with Ryanair and urged the airline to rethink the charge.

"Ryanair will use the argument that it's compensation for losses because of the ash-cloud and for other reasons," Mr Deenihan said.

"Nevertheless, it's very disappointing at a time when the government were being asked to reduce the travel tax.

"Certainly it will act as a disincentive (to fly)."