Labour Transport Spokesperson Tommy Broughan TD has criticised the government’s decision to opt out of new EU regulations on increased consumer protection rights for rail passengers. Deputy Broughan attempted to raise this matter at Dáil Transport Questions two weeks ago and at the Dáil Transport Committee.

"The new EU rules extend consumer protections that are in place for air passengers to rail passengers. These new rights deal with increased protection for rail passengers who have delayed or cancelled journeys, baggage losses or are injured. It also includes enhanced rights for passengers with disabilities. International rail services (including the Dublin to Belfast line) will be subject to the new regulations and new protections for passengers with disabilities will be implemented immediately.

"Yet incredibly Minister Dempsey and the government have decided to exclude domestic services from the new rail passengers’ charter on the right to compensation for loss or damage to baggage and in the case of injury or death for potentially up to fifteen years. Although Irish Rail already have some voluntary measures in place for delays, commuters would be entitled to compensation of up to €1,285 per bag that is lost or damaged under the new rules.

"It is completely unacceptable that the government would delay introducing new rights for rail passengers for up to fifteen years when rail users in other EU states (apart from the UK) will enjoy enhanced consumer protection."