Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will convey what the Deputy says to Fáilte Ireland and will not express a view on it particularly. I will ask its views and whether it thinks this is worth doing as the Deputy suggests.

In response to any criticism that suggests we are not doing enough, there are direct flights, as the Deputy knows. Hainan Airlines operates a direct flight to Dublin from Beijing and Cathay Pacific operates direct flights from Hong Kong to Dublin. These flights are suspended for the winter but are expected to resume next year. There are also hopes of new flights from China coming on stream next year. While there are many indirect flights available from mainland China and Hong Kong into Ireland, maintaining direct flights and adding new routes is seen as very important to developing increased tourism from China into Ireland. That indicates the importance the Government attaches to this in that it has agreed there should be direct flights between here and China.

See this speech in context