Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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487. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the inclusion of the return of a Cork-Dublin air route as part of any negotiations with International Airlines Group ahead of any potential sale of the State's share in Aer Lingus. [16540/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As I have stated recently the Government's Inter-Departmental Steering Group and its advisers have had further engagement with International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) in relation to its proposal to make an offer for Aer Lingus over recent weeks.  Connectivity has featured in these discussions, including connectivity at Cork Airport. However, a return of the Cork Dublin route would be a matter for the airlines themselves to decide on.  

The most recent Cork Dublin air service was operated by Ryanair as a Public Service Obligation (PSO) route.  The criteria for establishing a Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services route are set out in EU Regulation No. 1008/2008. A proposal to re-establish PSO air services on the Cork-Dublin route at this time would not meet those criteria.