Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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634. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps which he will take to try to secure direct flights from China to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18514/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I would very much welcome direct air services to China and have no doubt that such a service would be of benefit to trade, tourism and other relations between both countries.  The establishment of such a service, however, would be a commercial decision for the airlines. 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. Enhanced air access to key tourism and business markets such as China has always been a key element of Ireland's aviation policy.

The Irish airports and Tourism Ireland have attractive incentive and marketing programmes available to help support new services. I am aware there have been regular discussions with Chinese airlines about the possibility of a service.

At a Government level, the regular contacts between the two countries are also used to promote the value of establishing a direct route.