Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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215. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding an application for the authorisation of fifth freedom operations by an airline (details supplied) in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17389/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Ireland - Ethiopia Bilateral Air Services Agreement, signed in 2014, allows for the grant of fifth freedom air traffic rights for airlines of both countries, subject to the approval of the respective aeronautical authorities.

Ireland traditionally has applied a liberal aviation policy that has proven hugely successful in expanding the international connectivity that is critical in underpinning business, foreign direct investment and tourism. As such we remain positively disposed towards the development of competitive air services. Applications for fifth freedom air traffic rights are considered on a case-by-case basis taking into account all relevant considerations.

For summer 2022, my department has received an application by Ethiopian Airlines to fly between Addis Ababa and Dublin, via Manchester, and has concluded a process of stakeholder engagement. A decision on the application to be made shortly.