116 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will provide a status report on proposals by the EU to reinforce protection for airline passengers when flights are cancelled or delayed. [5162/02]

In January 2002, the European Commission proposed a regulation which aims to enhance the rights of air passengers when facing denied boarding, cancellation of their flight or a long delay.

This proposal has yet to be discussed at Council working group level. My Department is currently arranging to consult aviation and consumer interests on this proposal.