Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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15. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will clarify a fifth freedom permission in air navigation regulations for airline operators from outside of the European Union when dealing with origin destination issues in the context of one route, that is, the namely Dublin Manchester route operated by an airline (details supplied); and if he is considering or has granted permission for the operator to conduct business on the route. [18469/22]

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. The fifth freedom of the air is the right to fly between two or more foreign countries, on a flight originating in or ultimately destined for the country of the air operator concerned.

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.