Stranded Travellers Advised Of Rights

Minister for Labour Affairs Dara Calleary has said passengers stranded because of the Icelandic volcano should be aware of their rights and offered some advise for those caught up in the flight ban.

Speaking yesterday evening, TD Calleary said that with uncertainty continuing about travel arrangements following the volcanic eruption in Iceland, it is important that people were kept aware of what options they had and encouraged people to relay information about consumer rights to family members and friends stranded abroad.

Mr Calleary said: "I am very concerned about local people who have been stranded abroad because of the volcanic eruption."

"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."

Mr Calleary explained that 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 and transport between the airport and place of accommodation.

The Labour Affairs minister added that if passengers chose to make their own way home by another means then they are entitled to a reimbursement of expenses and or the refund of the cost of unused flights.

He also urged that those affected 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," Minister Calleary said.

He added: "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."

(DW/GK)