Mr. Hugh Kelly:

On the air link, we have seen a transformation in the number of companies travelling to the Middle East because of ETHIAD and Emirates establishing direct links. It has been remarkable. When I engage with and encourage companies to look to more distant markets very often in their view the nearest distant market is the Middle East because it is so accessible. I do not know how practical it is, but there is no doubt that a direct air link with Asia would help. Already, the ETHIAD and Emirates connection through the Middle East has helped greatly. It is a 14-hour journey from London to Singapore, which is probably the maximum amount of time anybody would want to fly anyway. Personally, I do not think one stop in the Middle East is too onerous. However, a direct air link would help. It would show a greater commitment to this area. It would certainly make Ireland more accessible coming the other way, which is very important. In view of the situation as it existed some years ago, we had to send people to see our competitors before they could come to see us. It was a crazy situation. We need to make it easy to invite potential partners in these markets to come meet us and understand what is different about us.