Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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570. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no current direct flight exists between Ireland and any city in the People's Republic of China; his views on whether such a direct air link would provide additional benefit for Ireland, in view of the current level of trade between the two countries; the discussions he has held on this matter in the past two years; his views on whether such a route would be beneficial for Ireland in view of the visit here last year of the then Vice President and now President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33184/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has a bilateral air transport agreement with China since 1998. The agreement provides the legal framework for scheduled air services between the two countries. However, the establishment of such a service is a commercial decision for the airlines.  Enhanced air access to key tourism and business markets such as China has always been a key element of Ireland’s aviation policy. I would very much welcome the prospect of direct services to China and have no doubt that such a service would be of benefit to trade relations between both countries. The Irish airports and Tourism Ireland have attractive incentive and marketing programmes available to help support new services and I am aware the DAA have had discussions with Chinese airlines about the possibility of a service.

In the meantime, Ireland does have extensive one-stop connectivity with many Chinese cities through the established European hubs such as Heathrow, Amsterdam, Paris and Frankfurt. In addition connectively with China has improved considerably since the commencement of Etihad’s services to/from Abu Dhabi in 2007 and more recently Emirates services to/from Dubai in 2012.