People stranded abroad should know their rights – Calleary

With uncertainty continuing about travel arrangements following the volcanic eruption in Iceland, it is important that people who are stranded abroad realise their rights.

That’s according to Minister for Labour Affairs Dara Calleary TD, who is encouraging people to relay information about consumer rights to family members and friends stranded abroad.

“I am very concerned about local people who have been stranded abroad because of the volcanic eruption. I can only imagine the frustration being felt by people who are told that they will not be able to return home for another week or more.”

“Naturally, this is a big concern for people. For financial, medical or business, and personal reasons people want and need to get home.”

“The Department of Foreign Affairs has been dealing with a lot of people with health problems who are running low on medicine because their trip has been extended. In these cases Irish officials are working with local health authorities to assist people.”

“The Irish embassies are assisting people abroad and a special consular crisis centre is in operation in Dublin. It is receiving up to 200 phone calls an hour at peak periods.”

“It is very important that people know their legal rights while they are in this position.”

“Under EU Law, if your flight is cancelled with no prior notice for long periods you are entitled to be informed of your legal rights by your airline; food and refreshments in relation to the waiting time; accommodation if a stay of one of more nights become necessary’ transport between the airport and place of accommodation.”

“If you choose to make your own way home by another means, you’re entitled to a reimbursement of expenses and or the refund of the cost of unused flights.”

“People must keep their receipts for all expenses incurred.”

“I know that it is very difficult for people who are stuck in this situation, many of them dealing with staff that don’t have English as their first language. I would urge people to get the message through to family members or loved ones stranded abroad that they have rights and that they should demand those rights from their airline.”

“The Department of Foreign Affairs crisis centre is manned from 9am each morning until into the evening, with closing time dictated by demand, the number is 01 4082999. Because of the volume of calls it is important that the line is only called in genuine emergencies,” concluded Minister Dara Calleary.

Further information is also available from the Commission for Aviation Regulation www.aviationreg.ie and the National Consumer Agency www.consumerconnect.ie and the Fianna Fáil website at http://www.fiannafail.ie/content/pages/4095/.