Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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277. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the possible development of direct air links between Ireland and India; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55187/25]

Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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278. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the possible development of direct air links between Ireland and Japan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55188/25]

Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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279. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the possible development of direct air links between Ireland and Brazil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55189/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 277, 278 and 279 together.

Bilateral air services agreements provide the legal framework for scheduled air services to operate between Ireland and third countries. Ireland is party to a number of such agreements. Similarly, Ireland is party to a number of comprehensive air transport agreements that have been concluded between the EU and its Member States and third countries, such as the EU-US and EU-Canada agreements.

I can advise the Deputy that Ireland and India signed a bilateral Air Services Agreement in 1991, therefore the legal framework is already in place should an air operator wish to begin scheduled services between both countries.

Ireland does not currently have an Air Services Agreement with either Brazil or Japan on a bilateral basis nor are there such agreements at EU level. However, in the event that an EU, Brazilian or Japanese carrier was to express an interest in introducing direct flights to either of these destinations, my Department would work with its counterparts to facilitate such a service.

It is important to note that the operation of any scheduled air service is a commercial decision for airlines, in consultation with airports and other market actors, based on the commercial viability of the route in question and other operational factors. I do not have a role in such decisions.