IRISH citizens could face the daunting prospect of losing both their summer holiday and the money they used to pay for it as thousands of families are stuck in limbo.
The government are being accused of sending mixed messages as people around the country try and decide whether to stick or twist with their holiday plans.
Earlier this week, Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan encouraged the public to cancel any trips abroad over the coming months due to fears of another spike in coronavirus cases.
Despite this though, it appears that those that do are now being told that they likely won't receive full refunds for their cancellations, as foreign travel is not banned under the Government's latest Covid-19 measures.
Two days ago, Holohan pleaded with the public to not to travel, despite the fact that much of Europe is opening its borders this month, while the likes of Ryanair announced that they'll be resuming up to 90% of their pre-lockdown route network from July 1.
"We would like people not to travel," Holohan stressed at a press conference on Monday.
"Some people will have made bookings, and I think it makes much more sense to not go ahead with that booking than to risk travelling abroad and picking up this infection.
"The risks for you, for any family members who are travelling with you, or indeed any close contacts you would have when you come back, and then the risk that represents for us as a community and society."
However, with no obvious scheme in place to ensure that the public get their money back, can we really expect everyone to follow this advice?
