Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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583. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to or if he has had discussions in relation to introducing direct flights between Ireland and Brazil in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21882/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Developing air links with new emerging markets is a key policy objective for my Department, as outlined in the National Aviation Policy.

While Ireland does not currently have an Air Services Agreement with Brazil, in the event that an EU or Brazilian carrier was to express an interest in introducing direct flights between Ireland and Brazil, my Department would work with its Brazilian counterparts to facilitate such a service.

Ultimately, the decision to operate a specific air route is an operational matter for air carriers and is generally based on the commercial viability of the route in question.