Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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23. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will set out the supports he proposes to give in terms of marketing new routes given the positive reaction from Ryanair to the abolition of the travel tax in respect of Shannon Airport; his views on whether a strong marketing effort would maximise the potential of these routes in terms of inbound traffic to the West of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46979/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The reduction of the air travel tax to zero from next April is a clear indication of the Government's major support for Irish tourism and air travel generally. In terms of the marketing of any new routes, this is primarily a matter for the airlines themselves.  Tourism Ireland, as the agency responsible for the overseas promotion of Ireland as a tourist destination, also works with airlines and others to promote inbound tourism on routes from our key overseas markets. Accordingly, I have also referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.