Mr. Martin Murray:

In answer to Senator Mullins's first question on whether we take speaking Asian languages seriously, the answer is very simple: no, we do not - not at all. We have competent young people who learn the languages quickly. As the Senator knows, there is the Farmleigh fellowship programme, which is a great programme. Therefore we have the ability but we do not take it seriously at all. Those of us who speak an Asian language are well aware of how many others speak it because the numbers are so small.

As to whether the direct air link is viable, yes it is. The indications are that it is viable with Beijing but part of that logic is that Beijing is positioning itself as a hub for Asia. If one looks at the amount of traffic, including people who go to Australia, if certain of those numbers go via Beijing it could be very viable.

The third question was whether business and culture are in sync. If one is going to co-ordinate business and cultural activities - for example, when Riverdance has a programme, we promote tourism in Ireland - it goes back to having a senior administration figure who is the focal point to co-ordinate it.