The provider of the computerised travel reservations used by many travel agents has agreed to allow greater access to its system following an investigation by the Competition Authority.
The Authority received a complaint alleging that Galileo Ireland had unjustifiably refused other IT firms access to its computerised reservation system.
According to Paul Gorecki of the Competition Authority's monopolies division "The successful conclusion of the Competition Authority's investigation will provide vital access to computerised reservation systems for anybody developing new technology for the travel industry."
He added "the focus of this specific complaint was to allow travel agents to search more effectively and efficiently for the best value for their consumers."
The Competition Authority investigated the complaint primarily as a possible abuse of a dominant position.
The settlement does not constitute an admission by Galileo Ireland that it breached the terms of the Competition Act or that the facts alleged in the complaint are true.