The Federated Association of Travel and Tourism Agents (Fatta) has expressed its relief at the government's decision to remove the departure tax on November 1.

Fatta said it was the first entity to claim that the tax was discriminatory and illegal, and was the first to file a complaint with the EU. It said it is pleased to see that its efforts bore fruit, "albeit four years late".

"It is also encouraging to see MEPs who were initially hesitant to take this forward, now claiming political glory. It is a shame to claim glory when this tax has been levied illegally on travellers for over four years," it said.

Fatta is now insisting that the government ensure that any departure tax already collected for travel after November 1 is refunded immediately by the airlines and not after the travel has been completed.