OK, the Irish Aviation Authority have now SPOKEN !

http://www.iaa.ie/index.jsp?p=93&n=9...nn=327&lID=953

"DIRECTION

Pursuant to its powers under the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 and articles 3 and 4 of the European Communities (Harmonisation of Technical Requirements and Administrative Procedures in the field of Civil Aviation) Regulations 2008, S.I. No. 283 of 2008 and to the provisions of Article 8 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3922/91 of 16 December 1991 (as amended) the Irish Aviation Authority hereby directs that:

Non floor level aircraft emergency exits, when required to provide evacuation capability for the aircraft passenger numbers to be carried on a particular flight, shall be attended by an able bodied and briefed passenger at the immediately adjoining seat to the exit concerned. Immediately adjoining means a seat from which a passenger can proceed directly to the exit without entering the aisle or passing around an obstruction."

That's as close as you can get to a Bo11ocking without a slight mis-spelling ! And the end of Ryanair's little game.