Harris welcomes new rules to protect holidaymakers approved by EU Parliament

Fine Gael Wicklow TD and Candidate for Ireland South, Simon Harris, has today (Thursday) welcomed new rules to protect holidaymakers approved this week by the European Parliament, adding that the move is a perfect example of how the European Parliament can have a real impact on all of our lives.

“These measures approved by MEPs will mean that holidaymakers will be guaranteed help getting home if their travel agency goes bust while they are overseas. This will help to address discrepancies in the law, which can leave travellers compromised if things go wrong while they are on holiday.

“Online sales have changed the way we all go on holidays and as a result current EU laws relating to package holidays have proved to be outdated. The new laws approved by MEPs will clarify the rules on package travel and boost consumer protection in other ways.

“The changes will mean that holidaymakers must be brought home if their travel agency goes bust while they are away. Travellers will have more choice when it comes to getting their money back and they will be offered greater protection in terms of changes to flight times and the services that must be offered if unavoidable circumstances mean they can’t return home from their holiday on time.

“These new rules will offer Irish holiday makers a much needed safety net, ensuring they are treated fairly by travel companies when problems arise. The changes are also a great example of how the European Parliament is constantly enacting legislation and approving changes that has a very real impact on all of our lives.

“Whether it is strengthening consumer rights or reducing the cost of services across the EU, decisions are taken in the European Parliament which make a difference, and I am asking voters to elect me to the European Parliament so I can play a central role in the outcome of those decisions.”

ENDS